With 164 votes, Viet Nam was elected to the UNESCO’s highest executive body along with China, Japan, India, the Philippines, and Cook Islands that represent Group IV of Asian and Pacific States.

Secretary General of the Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO cum Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs and UNESCO Mai Phan Dung said becoming a member of the Executive Board indicates the rising status and prestige of Viet Nam and recognition of the international community for its contributions to the relations with UNESCO. 

It will offer good opportunity for Viet Nam to protect the national interests and capitalize on UNESCO’s ideas and initiatives in favor of national development.  

The UNESCO's Executive Board, consisting of 58 members, is a crucial management agency of UNESCO and holds responsible for building short-term and mid-term plans and programs. It examines the programme of work for the organization and corresponding budget estimates submitted to it by the director-general.

The executive board consists of 58 member-states, each with a four-year term. It examines the program of work for the organization and corresponding budget estimates submitted to it by the director-general, according to the Unesco website.

The board represents exercises the power delegated to it by the General Conference and deals with the questions with which it is entrusted.

Earlier, Viet Nam served on the UNESCO's Executive Board for the 1978-1983, 2001-2005, 2009-2013 and 2015-2019 tenures.