The former French minister Audrey Azoulay is to lead UN Cultural organization UNESCO. The 45-year-old was enforced in UNESCO Executive Council against Qatari candidate Hamad bin Abdulasis al-Kawari (69) with 30 votes to 28 votes. This was shared by UNESCO in Paris. Just one day before, US and Israel surprisingly announced ir exit from UNESCO and plunged organization into a serious crisis.
In evening, however, it was first about planned succession of current UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. The electoral process started on Monday with candidates from seven countries. The Executive Council has 58 members. The now nominated Azoulay still needs approval of UNESCO General Conference on 10 November.
France has been calling for a new concept for UNESCO for a long time to overcome deep political divisions and to create trust. The future of UNESCO has a special significance for France, but organisation has its headquarters in Paris. The nomination Azoulays is also a diplomatic success for President-in-Office Emmanuel Macron (39), who has been in office since May.
Azoulay was 2014 to cultural adviser of Macron's predecessor François Hollande. 2016, graduate of elite University of Ena took over French cultural department for about a year.
Azoulay will not only have to strive for possible reforms, but must also face up to allegations from US and Israel, and organization has made anti-Israeli decisions in past. This accusation is at latest since admission of Palestine in space. As a result, US had already 2011 its payments to UNESCO, which would actually be largest contributor.
UNESCO is especially known for its World heritage lists. But organization with 2,100 employees and a three-digit million budget is active in many or fields – from education to biosphere reserves to equal rights. Their mission is to promote mutual understanding between nations.
After US and Israel announced ir move on Thursday, federal government told m y regretted plans. "In our view, se announcements put a false signal," said government spokesman Steffen Seibert. The United Nations sub-organization is for peace and understanding – especially in times of crisis. That is why a powerful and reliable UNESCO is of great importance.
Date Of Update: 14 October 2017, 12:02
