By Kang Gahui and Kim Young Shin

A Korean has been appointed as chair of the UNESCO Executive Board, a first for the nation after becoming a member in 1950.

At the 203rd session of the UNESCO Executive Board at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on Nov. 16, Lee Byong-hyun, the Korean ambassador to UNESCO, earned 32 votes out of 58 and was elected as the new chairperson.

The 58 members of the UNESCO Executive Board review the organization’s businesses and budget, and discuss key decisions.

“This is the result of the high regard for Ambassador Lee’s expertise and leadership, as well as the international recognition of the Korean government’s continued efforts to contribute to UNESCO across a range of areas, including education, science, culture, and information and communications,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “As a current member of the Executive Board, the Korean government will also actively assist UNESCO in its efforts to contribute to achieving peace through global cooperation.”

kgh89@korea.kr