The 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference is currently taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The Ukrainian delegation, which includes the Chair of the National Council, Olha Herasymiuk, is actively working to promote Ukraine’s interests.
Despite the ongoing aggression, Ukraine remains consistently committed to the core values of UNESCO. The unique and tragic experience accumulated during the war enables Ukraine to make a significant contribution to shaping international decisions on the preservation of cultural heritage, support for education, development of AI and digital technologies, freedom of expression, and the safety of journalists.
Speaking at the plenary session of the General Conference, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, President of the National Commission of Ukraine for UNESCO, Mariana Betsa, expressed gratitude to the Organization for its continued support of our country.
“While Russia continues to destroy our culture and cultural heritage, our monuments, and to demolish schools, museums, theatres, and universities, as well as to suppress media and kill journalists, UNESCO stands by Ukraine and actively supports our country. We deeply value this support.”
On 7 November, elections to the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2025-2029 term will take place. Ukraine is putting forward its candidacy, and Mariana Betsa has called on Member States to support Ukraine’s participation in this governing body.
Among the key priorities and areas of expertise that Ukraine brings as a candidate to the Executive Board are:
- Protection of cultural heritage in situations of armed conflict and other emergencies;
- Ensuring universal access to education during times of crisis;
- Advancement of science in the interest of sustainable development;
- Safety of journalists and researchers;
- Combating climate change;
- Support for UNESCO’s global priority – Africa;
- Promotion of the development of Small Island Developing States, gender equality, and youth initiatives.
It was previously reported that during the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, a decision was made to include two significant Ukrainian anniversaries in the Calendar of Anniversaries for 2026-2027. These are: the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the National Historical and Cultural Reserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra” and the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mykola Leontovych, the composer of the world-renowned “Shchedryk.”
