UNESCO to start vote to elect new chief

With candidates from three countries including Egypt, the UNESCO will start on Monday the process of electing a new chief for the UN cultural body.

Egypt's Mushira Khattab has a chance to win the post as she represents the Arab world, Africa and the Middle East. She also is officially supported by the African Union with the African group has 17 states in the 58-member executive council of UNESCO.

Khattab's speech before the executive board drew appreciation and gratitude from the heads of the attending delegations as it floated a future vision for the UN body's work.

The speech also reflected the veteran diplomat's experience and awareness of all files of UNESCO which faces several challenges.

Egypt has a long contribution in the field of culture thanks to its civilization, one of the most ancient in the world, a fact that qualifies Cairo for winning this position.

The secrecy of the vote opens the door for concealed arrangements and accords before the election, that is why some states secretly change their stances.

Khattab, born in 1944, has a doctorate in international humanitarian law. She served as assistant foreign minister for international cultural relations. She was a UN child committee expert. In December 2013, Khattab was chosen among the most powerful female activists in human rights in the Middle East.

Source: MENA