28 local, world bodies back Egypt's Khattab for UNESCO

Twenty eight Egyptian, Arab, African and Internationals bodies on Saturday affirmed full support for Egypt's Moushira Khattab  for UNESCO Director General post.

In a joint statement, the agencies termed Khattab, a veteran ambassador, as the most deserving for the post because of her extensive political, diplomatic and humanitarian experience, which is closely consistent with UNESCO's areas of work, as well as her integrated vision that would be positively reflected on the UNESCO tasks, as well as her long history of national and international action.

The executive members of UNESCO have confirmed that a presentation offered by Khattab was very successful and showed her practical experience by providing mechanisms to overcome the challenges facing the organization, specifically talking about the need to put an end to the fierce wars and try to find new ways to settle inherent and entrenched conflicts, said the statement.

She also pledged to try to make change to monitor the root causes of problems and mobilize resources to support efforts in girls' education and fight against violence, the statement further noted.

It will be the first time for an Arab candidate to win such important post, it added.

Khattab has a big chance to be the next UNESCO Director General as she is supported by 17 African members of the 58-member Executive Council, as the winner needs 30 votes, the statement said.

The joint statement was signed by 28 bodies, including Egypt's National Council for Women, the House of Representatives' female members, Committee of Human Rights, Committee of Manpower, and the Union of Egyptian Communities Abroad.

Source: MENA