Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe clinched a significant diplomatic victory on Wednesday, earning a seat on the UNESCO Executive Board after a commanding performance in the global vote.
The election, held during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, positions Zimbabwe to help shape international policy on education, science, culture, and heritage preservation for the next four years.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to UNESCO,Sekai Nzenza, confirmed the country received overwhelming support, finishing second in the global tally behind Malaysia and tying with Luxembourg to secure the highest vote count in Africa.
“I am most grateful to the many countries that supported us,” said Nzenza, who also serves as Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to France, Spain, and Portugal.
“As Zimbabwe’s permanent delegate to UNESCO, I look forward to working with other member states to promote international cooperation while protecting and promoting our national heritage.”
The ambassador highlighted that this new platform will be instrumental in safeguarding Zimbabwe’s five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Victoria Falls and the Great Zimbabwe Monuments.
The win signals growing international recognition of Zimbabwe’s cultural and educational contributions under its foreign policy of engagement and re-engagement.
In a related push at the conference, Zimbabwean officials advocated for the unconditional repatriation of cultural artefacts and human remains taken during the colonial era.
“Our major thrust is ensuring that the remains of our forefathers and artefacts, such as the Zimbabwe Bird, are returned without conditions,” said Nicholas Moyo, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
“These objects are part of our identity and spirit. Their return will allow the souls of our ancestors to rest in peace.”
He added that the country also aims to have more of its heritage listed on UNESCO’s World Registers.
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