UAE Takes Vice President Role at UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference

Samarkand, Uzbekistan – The United Arab Emirates has been named Vice President of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, reflecting its expanding impact in global cultural and educational matters. This event, running from October 30 to November 13, gathers representatives from 194 member nations.

Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture and Chair of the UAE National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, leads the UAE delegation. This election underlines the nation’s proactive stance in global cultural diplomacy and cooperation.

During this session, UNESCO also revealed the inclusion of the late Emirati poet Ahmed Bin Sulayem and the United Arab Emirates University in its 2026–2027 Anniversaries Programme, marking the 50th anniversary of the poet’s death and the founding of the UAE’s first university in 1976.

Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi highlighted the UAE’s dedication to UNESCO’s goals in education, culture, and science, as well as its efforts in heritage restoration projects like the prominent 'Revive the Spirit of Mosul' initiative, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to post-conflict recovery and cultural preservation.

As the chair of the Arab Group at UNESCO, the UAE continuously fortifies its role as a reliable ally in international cultural and educational dialogues. Its Vice Presidency at the General Conference underscores the country’s commitment to promoting global communication and protecting heritage around the world.