On 15th November, 2023, Nigeria was elected as a member of UNESCO Executive Board making Nigeria one of 58 Members of the Organ.
The Executive Board being one of the three constitutional Organs of UNESCO acts under the authority of the General Conference. The organ examines the programme of work for the organization, the corresponding budget estimates submitted by the Director General, execute programmes adopted by the General Conference, summon extraordinary Sessions of the General Conference as well as International and non-governmental conferences on education, sciences and humanities. The body also makes recommendation on the admission of new states that are not members of the United Nations, among others.
By virtue of this, Nigeria, now one of the Members of the Organ for the next four years, will fully participate in the sessions of the Board and enjoy all privileges and rights as Member especially having the right to vote at sessions. Most particularly, membership of the Executive Board will enable Nigeria the access to influence international policies in all UNESCO’s fields of mandate: Education, Natural Sciences, Social and Human Sciences, Culture Communication and Information.
It should be recalled that Nigeria seized to be members of the Board since November 2019, so this successful election is coming after four years of absence in the august body. Membership of the Board also signifies that the Permanent Delegation has a lot of tasks ahead in the coming months as it takes the responsibility on the Board, both nationally and region wise.
Her Excellency, Dr. Hajo Sani, Ambassador, Permanent De-gate of the Federal republic of Nigeria to UNESCO will represent Nigeria in that capacity.
