Bahrain assumes 2026 chairmanship of Arab Group at UNESCO

The chairmanship of the Arab Group for 2026 at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has been assumed by the Kingdom of Bahrain, succeeding the United Arab Emirates.

The chairmanship was handed over to the Kingdom, represented by Essam Abdulaziz Al Jassim, Ambassador of Bahrain to the French Republic and Permanent Delegate of Bahrain to UNESCO, during the first regular meeting of the Arab Group for 2026 was held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

Ambassador Al Jassim expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the United Arab Emirates during its chairmanship, commending the role of its Permanent Delegate, Ambassador Ali Al Haj Al Ali, in advancing Arab coordination and unifying positions within UNESCO.

He noted that Bahrain’s chairmanship of the Arab Group coincides with the start of its non-permanent membership on the UN Security Council for the 2026–2027 term. This presents an opportunity to strengthen coherence between political action in New York and cultural and educational engagement in Paris, reflecting Bahrain’s conviction in the role of education and culture in promoting tolerance and coexistence, and supporting stability and sustainable development.

Ambassador Al Jassim emphasised the Kingdom’s commitment to consolidating previous achievements and engaging with member states through partnership and consultation in a manner that serves Arab interests and meets the aspirations of the region’s peoples.