For the first time since becoming a Unesco member in 1953, Nepal chairs the regional group of the Asia and Pacific Countries (Aspac) for 2016.

At a special ceremony during the first annual plenary meeting of the Aspac regional group in Paris on Thursday, Ambika Devi Luintel, ambassador/permanent delegate of Nepal to Unesco, took over the chair from outgoing Chairperson Zhang Xiuqin, ambassador/permanent delegate of the People’s Republic of China to the UN body.

According to the Nepali Embassy in Paris, Ambassador Luintel said while presiding over the meeting that it was an honour and privilege for Nepal and thanked all Aspac members.

Aspac group has special significance in Unesco considering its population, the number of member countries and the its heritage.