Samarkand, Uzbekistan – Uganda has been elected to the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2025–2029 term, securing the second-highest vote tally among African nations with 172 votes during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference.

The election, held on November 7 at the Samarkand Congress Center, saw Uganda join Cameroon, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Zambia, and Zimbabwe as representatives of Electoral Group V (Africa). The conference, running from November 4 to 19, marks a milestone in elevating Africa’s influence within UNESCO’s governance.

Led by Ambassador Doreen Ruth Amule, Uganda’s delegation celebrated the victory as a testament to the country’s growing diplomatic clout and alignment with global priorities in education, science, culture, and heritage.

The 58-member Executive Board, one of UNESCO’s three principal organs that oversees program implementation, reviews policy proposals, monitors progress, and ensures budgetary alignment with strategic goals, including the UN’s 2030 Agenda.

“This milestone underscores Uganda’s commitment to advancing education, science, culture, and heritage on the global stage,” said Amb. Amule.

The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities hailed the result: “The overwhelming support received from member states reflects Uganda’s increasing global impact through strategic diplomacy and visibility.”

Uganda’s election strengthens the continent’s voice in shaping UNESCO’s future agenda, particularly in sustainable development, cultural preservation, and educational equity, which areas central to national policy under Vision 2040.