KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant diplomatic achievement, Jamaica has been elected to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) executive board, securing a four-year term from 2025 to 2029. The election was held during the ongoing UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, marking a pivotal moment for the Caribbean nation in global governance.
This appointment represents a second term for Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, who previously served on the executive board from 2017 to 2021. Minister Grange expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity, emphasizing Jamaica’s commitment to advocating for the interests of developing nations.
In her statement, Grange highlighted Jamaica’s key priorities, which include amplifying the voices of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the broader Global South within UNESCO’s decision-making framework. Additionally, she pledged to champion UNESCO’s global agenda, particularly its focus on Africa and gender equality, two critical areas of the organization’s mission.
This election underscores Jamaica’s growing influence on the international stage and its dedication to addressing pressing global issues through multilateral platforms. The country’s renewed presence on the UNESCO executive board is expected to foster greater representation and equity for marginalized regions worldwide.