UNESCO Elects New Chief
Syllabus: UPSC Prelims
Source: DH
Context
UNESCO’s Executive Board has elected Khaled El-Enany of Egypt as the new Director-General for a four-year term, succeeding Audrey Azoulay of France.
About the Position
- The Director-General is UNESCO’s top executive, responsible for implementing decisions of the General Conference and Executive Board.
- The term is four years, renewable once.
- Plays a key role in shaping UNESCO’s global agenda on education, science, culture, and heritage preservation.
Election Process
- Nomination & Voting:
- Member states nominate candidates.
- The 58-member Executive Board evaluates and votes in a secret ballot, requiring an absolute majority.
- Approval:
- The Board’s nominee is forwarded to the General Conference (194 members) for formal confirmation.
- 2025 Outcome:
- Khaled El-Enany won with 55 votes, defeating Édouard Firmin Matoko of Congo (2 votes).
- The United States abstained.
- El-Enany’s term: 2025–2029, pending ratification.
Functions of the Director-General
- Leadership & Administration: Oversees UNESCO operations, including World Heritage conservation, education initiatives, and scientific cooperation.
- Policy Execution: Implements General Conference and Executive Board decisions.
- Representation: Acts as UNESCO’s global spokesperson, engaging in international diplomacy on culture and education.
- Budget Management: Mobilizes funds and diversifies resources, crucial after the U.S. withdrawal reduced 8% of UNESCO’s budget.
Significance of the Election
- Symbolic Importance: Marks increased African and Arab representation in UN bodies.
- Institutional Revival: El-Enany faces the challenge of sustaining UNESCO’s initiatives amid funding shortfalls and political polarization.
