Uganda has secured a seat on the UNESCO Executive Board after polling 172 votes at the 43rd UNESCO General Conference held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The result, the second-highest in Africa behind Zimbabwe, positions Uganda ahead of Zambia and among the top African countries shaping global decisions on education, science, and cultural development for the next four years.
The official results placed Uganda among six African nations elected under Group V(a), including Zimbabwe, Zambia, Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Equatorial Guinea. Other winning countries across groups include Luxembourg, Norway, and Türkiye (Group I); Ukraine, Romania, and the Republic of Moldova (Group II); Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica, Haiti, Uruguay, Bolivia, and Guyana (Group III); Malaysia, India, Kyrgyzstan, China, Thailand, and Japan (Group IV); and Morocco, Jordan, and Egypt (Group V(b)).
The UNESCO Executive Board is tasked with approving programs, guiding global policy directions, and overseeing administrative and budgetary matters. Uganda’s inclusion ensures the country can participate in key committees that determine the direction of global education, cultural preservation, and scientific research programs. Analysts say this is a significant milestone for Uganda’s international profile and a demonstration of its growing influence within the international community.
Speaking after the announcement, Ambassador Doreen Ruth Amule, Uganda’s Envoy to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, described the achievement as “a clear vote of confidence in Uganda’s leadership and commitment to international cooperation.” She emphasized that the victory is the result of years of active engagement in UNESCO programs, as well as strong partnerships across Africa and the wider international community.
“This is more than just a diplomatic win for Uganda. It is a real opportunity to showcase our rich culture, strengthen education, support scientific innovation, and ensure that African perspectives are heard at the global level,” Ambassador Amule said.
She added that Uganda’s new role would allow it to influence UNESCO initiatives, attract funding for development projects, and create opportunities for research, youth empowerment, and innovation across the country. Uganda also stands to benefit from hosting potential regional and international UNESCO conferences, which could bring expertise, investment, and cultural exchange opportunities to local communities.
The Ambassador encouraged Ugandan schools, universities, and cultural organizations to actively participate in UNESCO programs, noting that such engagement can enhance capacity, open doors to international partnerships, and provide exposure for Ugandan scholars, students, and artists.
Uganda’s four-year term (2025–2029) will focus on implementing UNESCO programs, representing African interests, and strengthening regional cooperation. Analysts say this is a strategic platform for translating international engagement into tangible benefits for national development, particularly in education, culture, and science.
“This achievement is not just about being present on a global platform. It is about turning opportunities into real, measurable benefits for Ugandans across the country,” Ambassador Amule concluded.
With this historic win, Uganda positions itself as a leading voice in global discussions on education, culture, and science, while creating new avenues for development, innovation, and cultural diplomacy.
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