Renowned diplomat Firmin Edouard Matoko, previously Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations at Unesco, is entering the race for the position of Director-General of the UN organization. His candidacy is based on a bold vision resolutely focused on promoting education, culture, and science to build a more equitable world. For an election scheduled for November during the General Conference, which will hold its 44th session in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Firmin Edouard Matoko will face two other candidates: Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz of Egypt and Gabriela Lian Ramos Patino of Mexico.
Paris, April 3, 2025 (Tropics Media Group) – Firmin Edouard Matoko, current Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations at Unesco and a fervent advocate for education, science, and culture for all, is the official candidate of the Republic of Congo for the position of Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (Unesco).
He enters this competition in a context of global challenges requiring bold and visionary leadership. With more than 30 years of experience in international cooperation and multilateral affairs, he intends to strengthen Unesco’s legacy and work towards a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable world.
His vision is based on three essential pillars: education for all, the promotion of culture as a tool for cohesion and peace, and universal access to science, particularly in the context of the digital revolution. He will also emphasize the need to strengthen collaboration among nations to overcome current global challenges, such as growing inequality, climate change, and the drinking water crisis.
Firmin Edouard Matoko is distinguished by his ability to navigate complex diplomatic arenas and his steadfast commitment to strengthening international cooperation. He has already pledged to redouble his efforts to support the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and to place Africa at the heart of Unesco’s strategic priorities.
“I firmly believe that Unesco must continue to be a beacon for humanity, guiding the world towards a future of sustainable peace through education, culture, and science. My commitment to this organization is based on my conviction that, in the face of today’s challenges, Unesco must evolve to respond to new geopolitical realities and the crucial issues shaping our common future,” he said. The Republic of Congo, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed its full support for Firmin Edouard Matoko’s candidacy, highlighting his expertise and commitment to UNESCO’s fundamental principles. He is determined to implement a vision that integrates the needs of developing countries and global challenges in an equitable and sustainable manner.
“My mandate will be oriented toward consolidating global peace and security by strengthening cooperation among nations through education, science, and culture. I am committed to ensuring respect for human rights, justice, and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction. Unesco must adapt to the contemporary demands of international cooperation, with multilateralism at the heart of its strategy for resolving global crises. I will also emphasize promoting excellence through human resources management based on mobility, renewal, and a balance between youth and experience, while fostering innovation and accountability within the institution.”
The Executive Council will interview the three candidates on April 9, 2025.
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