Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc (Photo: VNA)

This is the first time Vietnam has held positions in four key UNESCO agencies. It is also a member of the UNESCO Executive Council, Vice Chairman of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of Diversity of Cultural Expressions, and a member of the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2003 Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Being elected the Asia-Pacific Vice President will allow Vietnam to directly participate in UNESCO decision making.

Addressing the plenary session, Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc, who is also Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, said that over the past 2 years Vietnam has participated in major UNESCO programs and activities in various fields.

He reiterated that Vietnam is committed to working with UNESCO and its members to build and maintain a sustainable world of culture, education, and science.

On the sidelines of the session, Mr. Ngoc had meetings and working sessions with UNESCO leaders who appreciated Vietnam's contributions to the organization’s activities and the important roles and responsibilities of its key agencies.

UNESCO expects Vietnam to be elected to its World Heritage Committee for the 2023-2027 term.