Korea elected to UNESCO cultural diversity committee

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on June 9 said the nation will serve on the committee from this year through 2027.
 

From June 6-8, Seoul ran in the committee's election at UNESCO headquarters in Paris and was elected by agreement on the last day. 
 

The convention says all countries should take appropriate measures to protect and improve cultural diversity, which it recognizes as a common heritage of humanity.

Since its adoption in 2005 by the UNESCO General Assembly, the convention has been ratified by 152 countries, including Korea in 2010. 

Comprising 24 countries in six groups representing each continent, the committee makes major decisions including raising awareness of and implementing the convention and strengthening the capacities of member states.
 

The Asia-Pacific region is represented by Mongolia, Bangladesh and Vietnam. Following the expiration of Mongolia's term, Korea ran as a candidate and was elected. 

As of last year, Korea's regular contribution to UNESCO was USD 11.17 million, eighth highest among the organization's 193 member states. As a member from 2017-21, the nation in 2021 hosted the committee's 14th meeting as chair, raising awareness of the protection of cultural diversity both at home and abroad.

"Running in the Intergovernmental Committee's election shows the commitment of the Republic of Korea, a nation with global cultural appeal, to more actively contribute to the protection of global cultural diversity and strengthen its ties with the international community through culture," the ministry said. 

"As a staunch ally of UNESCO, Korea will continue efforts to achieve the goals of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions both at home and abroad."