India’s Role in UNESCO: Key Facts on Human-Centric Development and MGIEP

India has secured re-election to the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2025–2029 term. This re-election confirms India’s strong global leadership and influence in promoting education, science, culture, and communication through multilateral cooperation. The victory reflects global trust in India’s sustained and meaningful contribution to UNESCO’s core mandate.

india’s Role in UNESCO: Key Facts on Human-Centric Development and MGIEP

Understanding the UNESCO Executive Board

The Executive Board is one of the three constitutional organs of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

• Composition: It consists of 58 Member States.
• Key Function: The board oversees the implementation of decisions made by the General Conference, guides the overall strategy, prepares the work program, and manages the budget. It ensures that UNESCO’s policies are actively put into action.

India’s Enhanced Role and Focus

India’s continued presence on the Executive Board enhances its ability to influence global policy in key areas, aligning with its vision of inclusive, human-centric development:

1. Education: Championing universal access to education, promoting digital equity, and advancing foundational literacy.
2. Culture: Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (e.g., Kumbh Mela, Durga Puja) and promoting multilingualism.
3. Science & Research: Strengthening scientific collaboration on critical global challenges like climate change, sustainability, and digital ethics.
4. Cooperation: Strengthening South-South cooperation and promoting frameworks that reflect the priorities of developing nations.

Past Contributions to UNESCO

India has actively supported and led several high-impact UNESCO initiatives:

• MGIEP: Establishment of the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) in New Delhi (a Category-1 institute).
• Heritage: Securing recognition for various Indian sites and cultural practices under the World Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage programmes.
• Global Campaigns: Supporting major UN campaigns like the International Year of Millets 2023, World Philosophy Day, and Mother Language Day.

India’s re-election ensures continued support for these global initiatives and provides a platform to expand collaboration in new technological and ethical fields.

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Question & Answer

Q1. India was re-elected to the Executive Board of which specialized UN agency for the 2025–2029 term?
A) WHO (World Health Organization)
B) IMF (International Monetary Fund)
C) UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)
D) UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
Answer: C) UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)
Explanation: India secured re-election to the Executive Board of UNESCO, which oversees the organization’s work.

Q2. What is the total number of Member States that comprise the UNESCO Executive Board?
A) 48
B) 58
C) 68
D) 193
Answer: B) 58
Explanation: The UNESCO Executive Board consists of 58 Member States elected by the General Conference.

Q3. Which one of the following is a Category-1 institute established by India in New Delhi under the auspices of UNESCO?
A) UNESCO Centre for Water Resources
B) Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP)
C) International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP)
D) World Heritage Training and Research Institute
Answer: B) Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP)
Explanation: MGIEP is India’s Category-1 institute under UNESCO, focusing on education for peace and sustainable development.

Q4. India’s commitment on the UNESCO platform aligns closely with the promotion of:
A) Military alliances and defence policy.
B) Inclusive, human-centric global development.
C) Regulation of international trade and tariffs.
D) Space research and exploration programs.
Answer: B) Inclusive, human-centric global development.
Explanation: India emphasizes inclusive, human-centric development, focusing on education, gender equality, and cultural heritage.

Q5. Which UNESCO body is responsible for supervising the implementation of decisions made by the General Conference?
A) General Assembly
B) Security Council
C) Executive Board
D) International Court of Justice
Answer: C) Executive Board
Explanation: The Executive Board oversees and ensures implementation of the decisions taken by the General Conference.

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