African support for UNESCO Director-General nominee, Moushera Khattab

CAIRO - 25 July 2017: The Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps met with members of the UNESCO executive board in the Ministry of Foreign affairs on Monday to promote Moushera Khattab’s nomination for UNESCO Director-General.

The meeting was also attended by Khattab herself, along with the president of the nomination campaign, former Foreign Minister, Mohamed Orabi, and Mohamed Idris, Assistant of the Foreign Minister for African Affairs.

This meeting comes after stressing the importance of promoting Khattab’s nomination in meetings that took place in Adis Ababa on July 4 and 5.

The entire continent of Africa stands behind Khattab’s nomination for Director-General, stated the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, citing her many accomplishments that are in line with the goals of UNESCO. He stressed his confidence in Khattab’s incredible competence and professionalism that should improve the UNESCO should she get elected.

The representative of the African Union Office in Cairo also expressed their confidence in Khattab’s ability, and stressed that Khattab has full African support for the nomination. This was followed by an open discussion in which Khattab answered questions posed by attendees of the meeting.

In a press conference following the meeting, Khattab thanked some of her prominent African supporters including the President of the African Union and all African leaders on their support, stating that their support and cooperation is a welcomed responsibility.

Orabi stated that there is a collective African movement starting in the capitals of member countries of the Executive Board, as a result of the decision taken in Adis Ababa.

The unlimited support from African colleagues has been something they pride themselves in.

Khattab will be in Paris starting today to meet with some of UNESCO’s permanent representatives, and to attend meetings held by Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry to promote the nomination with other concerned countries.


Moushera Khattab meets with African leaders in Foreign Ministry – Press Photo