Malaysia elected vice-president at UNESCO's MOST IGC

For the first time, Malaysia was elected a vice-president at UNESCO's Intergovernmental Council of the Management of Social Transformation Programme (MOST IGC).

The election took place during the session of the MOST IGC held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris Tuesday.

Malaysia was selected for a period of three years, beginning this year, together with five other new members namely, Norway, Slovakia, Ecuador, Kenya and United Arab Emirates, according to a statement here Wednesday.

The statement was released by the women, family and community development ministry.

Malaysia, through the ministry's secretary-general, Datuk Seri Dr Noorul Ainur Mohd Nur, will represent Asia and the Pacific (members of Group IV).

MOST IGC president and Minister of Social Development of Argentina, Dr Alicia Kirchner, maintained her chairmanship at the election, said the statement.

The candidature of Dr Noorul Ainur was strongly supported by Group IV members comprising Bangladesh, Indonesia, Japan, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Expressing sincere appreciation for rendering the trust, Dr Noorul Ainur reiterated the Malaysian Government's commitment and support to MOST Strategic Priority Areas; Social Inclusion and Social Dimensions of Climate Change, as well as Unesco's priorities - Africa and Gender.

"The success of Malaysia in securing the MOST IGC seat and as vice-president of the IGC testifies member states' recognition of Malaysia as a nation endowed with and committed to the promotion of community and social awareness.

"It is also a recognition for the progression of the nation's social development objective aspects, especially those relating to social inclusions, women and family institution," she said in her speech.

The MOST Intergovernmental Council comprises 35 Member States of UNESCO, elected by UNESCO's General Conference.

The Council convenes every two years and establishes priority areas to be researched, decides on overall policy and funding questions, and handles relations with governmental authorities.