Taken Question: UNESCO Director-General Race

QUESTION: Does the U.S. support or oppose Egyptian Culture Minister Farouk Hosni as a candidate for Director General of UNESCO?

ANSWER: As is common practice, the United States does not disclose its candidate preference in secret ballot elections.

UNESCO is an important body making significant contributions to the fields of education, science and culture. As a member of UNESCO’s Executive Board, the United States is looking forward to the election of a new Director-General.

We believe the right candidate should have strong managerial and consensus-building skills, political stature, a demonstrated commitment to UNESCO’s core principles, and a compelling vision for carrying forth its mandate. The United States cares deeply about the outcome of this election.