Malaysia's election into UNESCO's executive board for the 2015-2019 period is a reflection of confidence of the member states in the country and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's leadership.
Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said as a member of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)'s executive board, Malaysia would continue to play an important role to realising the organisation's agendas and programmes at the international level, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
He also thanked all parties involved in the country's efforts to win one of the seats since last year.
"A big thank you is also due to all Malaysians who prayed for our success," he said in his Facebook posting Thursday.
Meanwhile, former Education director-general, Tan Sri Alimuddin Mohd Dom said the election would enable the country to share ideas with member states to further develop the education sector.
Malaysia's experience, which was more progressive in the education sector, could be a model among the Asia-Pacific region countries, Alimuddin said.
"We emphasise on education in the rural areas, establish many government agencies to develop the scientific field, and expand the people's culture," he said when contacted by Bernama.
National Council of Professors secretary-general Prof Dr Raduan Che Rose said there were a lot of other things that needed to be championed, such as improving the quality of education as a whole.
Another former Education D-G, Tan Sri Abdul Ghafar Mahmud said Malaysia was among the countries that could contribute to other countries that wished to strengthen their education system.
"The world of education in UNESCO involves the development of educational programmes, involving countries which have the ability to help the less developed ones and Malaysia can play that role," he said.
Malaysia was elected to UNESCO's executive board after garnering the highest number votes among Asia-Pacific countries.
The result was announced at the 12th Plenary Meeting of the UNESCO 38th General Conference on Wednesday (Nov 11) in Paris, France.
Malaysia received 165 votes, followed by Vietnam (156), Sri Lanka (149), Korea (137), Pakistan (135) and Iran (128).
Bernama
Thu Nov 12 2015
MAHDZIR: Malaysia will continue to play an important role to realising the organisation's agendas and programmes at the international level, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.