Kuala lumpur: Malaysia is in the final stages of the nomination process for a seat on the UNESCO Executive Board, with the official decision expected to be announced at the UNESCO General Conference in Paris this November.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek stated that preparations for the nomination had been ongoing for almost a year, with a thorough and consistent approach, as the process requires the support and confidence of UNESCO member states. Several rounds have already taken place, particularly during the early campaign phase, and Malaysia is now in the final round. Fadhlina expressed optimism about concluding the final tasks before the decision is announced.

The Cicipan Kebaya event, organized by the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO (SKUM), was highlighted by Fadhlina, who is also SKUM president. The event was part of Malaysia's campaign to secure the seat and to celebrate the international recognition of the kebaya as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO last December.

Fadzilah Fadzil, secretary of the Ministry of Education, Strategic Planning and International Relations Division, mentioned that other promotional efforts included an official visit to Kilim Geoforest Park in Langkawi during the ASEAN Education Ministers' Meeting in June. Kilim, the first geopark in Malaysia to receive UNESCO recognition, served as a platform to showcase Malaysia's commitment to environmental conservation.

Furthermore, Fadzilah noted that the nomination campaign was also being conducted through the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to UNESCO in Paris. Five reception events have been held so far, involving permanent representatives from regions including Africa, Europe, and America. The aim was to explain Malaysia's vision and how the country can contribute to UNESCO's global agenda, particularly in education, heritage, and sustainability.