Korea Elected to the Executive Board of the UNESCO

2007-10-25 15:45
Seoul--(뉴스와이어)--Korea was elected to the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) in Paris on October 24 for the term of four years from 2007 to 2011. Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Pakistan and the Philippines were also elected to the Board for the six seats assigned to the Asian Group in the UNESCO.

Since joining the UNESCO in June, 1950, Korea served as an Executive Board member for 16 years (1987-2003) and its election to the Board again this year testifies Korea’s heightened status and role within the organization. This will also be an opportunity for Korea to continue its role in the international community during the process of establishing and implementing multilateral norms in the areas of culture and education.

By registering Uigwe (Records of royal protocols in the court of Joseon Dynasty) and Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon (Depositories for the Tripitaka Koreana Woodblocks) on the UNESCO ‘Memory of the World,’ along with including Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes in the World Natural Heritages in June this year, Korea has been successful in getting international recognition of its cultural assets. Also, Korea is actively participating in the UNESCO fields of action by planning to host the special session of 'Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin or its Restitution in Case of Illicit Appropriation(ICPRCP)’ in Seoul in October 2008, which marks its 30th anniversary next year.