Iraq hails addition to UNESCO Executive Board

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq on Wednesday announced it was added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Executive Board, with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani congratulating the country’s return to the international scene. 

“Congratulations to all Iraqis, our academics, and cultural elites on Iraq’s successful membership in the Executive Board of UNESCO, the world’s highest scientific and cultural authority. Iraq’s return to significant international platforms is a rightful recognition of our beautiful country,” Sudani said in a statement on X. 

There are several historic sites in Iraq which are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, such as the Erbil Citadel, the ancient Assyrian city of Assur, Hatra, Samarra Archeological City, and the famed Mesopotamian Marshes (Ahwar) of southern Iraq. 

“This achievement aligns with the government’s policy and program to restore Iraq’s standing in all international forums. Gratitude to the nations that supported Iraq, and salute to the efforts made by Iraq’s representatives to secure this well-deserved recognition,” Sudani said. 

Iraq’s education ministry also commended the achievement in a statement on Facebook. 

“Iraq officially sits on the throne of membership in the Executive Board of UNESCO,” it said. 

The UNESCO World Heritage List includes over a thousand sites around the world valued for their distinct cultural or natural importance.