Vietnam has withdrawn from the race for the UNESCO Director General position before the third round of voting. 

Vietnamese candidate Pham Sanh Chau

Chairman of the UNESCO Executive Board Michael Worbs said Vietnam’s candidate Pham Sanh Chau made remarkable progress in the second round, adding that the decision to withdraw reflects a deep analysis of the situation. 

During the campaign, international friends learned more about Vietnam, its policies and people. 

Vietnam’s candidacy for the post of UNESCO Director General demonstrated the country’s sense of responsibility to the international community.

Meeting Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc at the UNESCO Executive Board’s 202nd session, UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova lauded Vietnam’s election campaign as well as Chau’s ability and passion. 

In its first run for the position, Vietnam has sent a clear message to international friends that the country wants to contribute more to the international community. 

In the third round, French candidate Audrey Azoulay won 18 votes, sharing first place with Hammad bin Al-Kawari of Qatar. 

Moushira Khattab of Egypt ranked third with 13 votes. 

The fourth round is due to be held on October 12.

VNA