UNESCO: AU-Arab League candidate pledges dedication to people, local realities
By Halima Sheji
Prof. Khaled El-Enany, the African Union and League of Arab states candidate for UNESCO Director-General, says his tenure will witness more responsive approach to serving the people through exploring local realities.
He said he intends to dedicate his period to education, culture, science and intercultural dialogue for which UNESCO was renowned for.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that El-Enany, an Egyptologist and former Egypt minister of tourism and antiquities, presented his vision to UNESCO’s Executive Board.
He said he would draw on over 30 years of experience and more than 50 visits around the world since launching his campaign, to bring about a deep understanding of Member States’ aspirations.
‘’It advocates for more inclusive governance, stronger representation for countries in the Global South, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence for the common good.
‘’Supported by a broad international coalition, his candidacy embodies the ambition for a renewed, responsive, and united multilateralism.’’
Over the course of the session, El-Enany outlined the key pillars of his vision, which include strengthening UNESCO’s presence on the ground, promoting more inclusive governance and innovative financing policies.
He emphasised a pragmatic and human-centered approach, attentive to people’s needs and the major challenges of our time.
“The world urgently needs a UNESCO that serves one goal, peace, and one ultimate objective, people. It is time to adopt a bold, fresh approach to shape the UNESCO of tomorrow.
“With my slogan ‘UNESCO for the People’, I aim to break down barriers, give a voice to the marginalised, and bring about concrete and measurable change that is felt in villages, classrooms and at the very heart of communities,” El-Enany said.
His candidacy embodies the ambition of a united and supportive multilateralism, driven by a strong desire to make UNESCO an organisation that is closer to the people.
It was endorsed three times by the African Union, in February, July, and September 2024.
Following the hearing, his candidacy received additional endorsements from several countries and international partners, reflecting growing support for his vision and leadership.
‘’The message I am conveying is clear, to reduce UNESCO’s political dimension and focus on its technical mandate, on building genuine consensus among member states while implementing their decisions with the highest standards of impartiality, transparency and efficiency.
‘’Any proposals I submit must be neutral, grounded in technical expertise.”
“If a child is denied access to education, their nationality is irrelevant. If a woman is deprived of her rights, her nationality does not matter, she is entitled to those rights. That, to me, is the true meaning of depoliticisation.”(NAN)
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