The race to become the head of the United Nations’ culture agency, UNESCO, is heating up. Former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities and Tourism, Khaled el-Enany, is considered the frontrunner, but his Congolese rival, Firmin Edouard Matoko, is refusing to give up. The decision on who will take the reins is expected to be made on November 6, during the body’s general assembly in Uzbekistan.
The UNESCO executive board will meet on Monday to recommend a candidate, a move that typically leads to the person’s election by the assembly. With only two candidates in the running after a Mexican contender withdrew in August, the competition is fierce. Enany, a 54-year-old Egyptologist, has been campaigning for over two years and has emerged as the favorite. According to a European diplomat, Enany was “by far the best” candidate during the board’s interviews in April.
However, Matoko, a 69-year-old diplomat with over 30 years of experience at UNESCO, is confident in his abilities. He argues that he has more knowledge of the agency and is a better fit for the role. Matoko’s campaign has gained momentum in recent weeks, with the Republic of Congo deploying high-profile ministers to plead his case to member states.
The Congolese government is leaving no stone unturned, with International Cooperation Minister Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso, the president’s son, leading the charge. “The race is not over, the vote remains completely open,” Sassou Nguesso said, emphasizing that they have the backing of many African nations on the executive board.
Enany’s team, however, is optimistic about their chances, citing the support of the African Union, the Arab League, and individual member states such as France, Germany, and Nigeria. “We don’t think it’ll be a tight race,” a member of his team said.
The outcome of this election could have significant implications for UNESCO’s future. As the agency’s first leader from an Arab nation, Enany’s appointment would mark a new era for the organization. However, some critics argue that Matoko’s experience and diplomatic skills make him a more suitable candidate, particularly in the current geopolitical climate.
As the vote approaches, both candidates will continue to campaign, each making their case for why they are the best fit for the top job. One thing is certain: the next head of UNESCO will play a crucial role in shaping the organization’s future and promoting cultural diversity around the world.
