India has rejoined top decision- making body UNESCO’s executive board as its member on November 9th 2017. India was elected through election process held at the 39th session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in Paris.
Each country can cast one vote, irrespective of its size or the extent of its contribution to the budget while voting for the UNESCO’s executive board membership.
Being a part of the the top decision- making body is a very significant moment for India and indicates the position of India globally.
About general conference of UNESCO:
General conference consists of all representatives from the States Members of the organisation. The meeting of General conference takes place after a gap of two years. All member States and Associate Members and observers for non-Member States participate in the General Conference. A part from these mentioned members, intergovernmental organisations and non- governmental organisations (NGOs) also take part in it.
Duties of UNESCO General Conference:
It is General Conference’s duty to set the programmes and the budget of the UNESCO. It also has responsibility of electing and appointing the Members of the Executive Board after every four years. It is the General Conference which determines the policies and the main lines of work of the organisation.
