Malaysia has been elected to the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2025-2029 term, receiving 167 votes, the most in its election group. The voting took place on November 7, 2025, during the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The country secured one of six Group IV seats, securing its fifth term on the Executive Board since joining UNESCO in 1958.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs remarked that the substantial support reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to global collaboration in education, research, and culture. The election also aligns with the long-term aims set in ASEAN Vision 2045 and meets UNESCO’s main priorities.
Malaysia stated that its new mandate will be to build multilateral relationships, promote information exchange, and encourage sustainable innovation. The Kingdom also reaffirmed its commitment to preserving cultural assets and supporting international initiatives in these areas.
Malaysia’s appointment to the Executive Board would supplement its current participation in two UNESCO subsidiary bodies, the committee in charge of preserving intangible cultural heritage and the council supervising hydrological initiatives. The Ministry of Education and Malaysia’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO will represent the country on all Executive Board affairs.
