Challenges for UNESCO
UNESCO, one of the key organisations working under the ambit of United Nations, is all set to face key challenges. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences, and culture.
However, the world body is reeling from the Trump administration’s recent decision to pull out of this crucial organisation portending a big budget shortfall at the agency which is off late being known for its World Heritage Sites around the globe.
Notably, the UNESCO’s executive board is voting to recommend either Khaled el-Enany or Firmin Édouard Matoko for the position of director-general. The decision by the board, which represents 58 of the agency’s 194 member states, is expected to be finalised by UNESCO’s general assembly next month.
In addition to choosing and protecting World Heritage Sites and traditions, the Paris-based United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization works to ensure education for girls, promotes Holocaust awareness and funds scientific research in developing countries, among other activities. Outgoing UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay notably led a high-profile effort to rebuild the ancient Iraqi city of Mosul after it was devastated under the Islamic State group.
Notably, the UNESCO has also long been plagued by accusations of mismanagement and waste. The Trump administration which was not comfortable with the way the world body was functioning is arguing that the agency is too politicised.
Inn todays voting the world body may get its first Arab leader. El-Enany, considered to be getting the coveted post worked as a tour guide through ancient Egyptian sites, earned a doctorate in France and served as Egypt’s tourism minister and antiquities minister.
Arab countries have long wanted to lead UNESCO, and el-Enany is seen as having a good chance of making that happen. The African Union and Arab League are among those that have expressed support for his bid.
While he has no UN experience, his backers say that could help him make tough reform decisions.
Whatever the poll outcome, the world body is tasked with coping with the fact that it is faced with lack of resources as insufficient funding and resources have been hindering protection efforts.
The UNESCO, though doing a commendable job for protecting world heritage relies heavily on member state contributions and in such a scenario the withdrawals announced by the US can significantly impact its budget.
While some major and forceful contributions to this world body can let it escape the financial burdens as of now, but the key challenges like safeguarding intangible cultural heritage in conflict zones due to on-going violence and instability make it difficult to protect cultural heritage and sites.
Since communities are fleeing conflict zones which often lead to them loosing traditional practices and knowledge, the world body may have to put in enhanced efforts to convince member states to continue funding’s so that the work that has been kick-started may continue in future as well.
