Six months ahead of the election for the next Director-General of UNESCO, the race has intensified behind the scenes with late candidacies, influence games, and leaks.
Mexican diplomat Gabriela Ramos, Egyptian archaeologist Khaled el Enany, and Congolese economist Firmin Edouard Matoko are vying to succeed French incumbent Audrey Azoulay in this prestigious role.
Key Points:
- Khaled el Enany, first to declare his candidacy, has secured support from the African Union, Arab League, France, Spain, Turkey, Germany, and Brazil.
- Gabriela Ramos and Firmin Edouard Matoko entered the race unexpectedly, just days before the deadline, causing surprise and controversy.
- A letter from Arab countries to UNESCO’s executive board raised concerns about internal allegations against Ramos for misconduct, though no official findings have been released.
Controversy and Tactics:
The late entries of Ramos and Matoko disrupted El Enany’s position as the presumed African candidate. The Arab group’s letter to UNESCO, alleging misconduct against Ramos, is seen as a tactical move to undermine her campaign.
Upcoming Developments:
In the coming months, lobbying efforts and informal meetings will intensify. The secret vote by UNESCO’s 58 member states in October will be crucial for selecting a candidate, with the official nomination to follow in November at the General Conference (194 countries) in Baku.
Despite El Enany’s early lead, the final decision remains uncertain until the election day, according to sources close to UNESCO delegations. Similar examples include Audrey Azoulay’s 2017 appointment and Irina Bokova’s 2009 selection.
