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Cairo Asks UNESCO Not to ‘Politicize Discussions’

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry during his meeting with the President of the Executive Board of UNESCO. (Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry during his meeting with the President of the Executive Board of UNESCO. (Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
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Cairo Asks UNESCO Not to ‘Politicize Discussions’

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry during his meeting with the President of the Executive Board of UNESCO. (Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry during his meeting with the President of the Executive Board of UNESCO. (Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Egypt has urged the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to abstain from “politicizing discussions” at its headquarters.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met on Monday with Tamara Rastovac, President of the Executive Board of UNESCO.

The organization should adopt its decisions based on consensus, following broad consultation, according to the Minister.

Ahmed Abu Zeid, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Shoukry called on UNESCO to focus on its “main tasks in the areas of education, science and culture”.

The meeting also discussed ways to strengthen the role of UNESCO in supporting the requests of member states to restore their stolen cultural heritage and property, said Abu Zeid.

For her part, Rastovac stressed her keenness to work through consensus and the participation of all members in formulating the stances of the organization away from political polarization, to ensure the implementation of its developmental and cultural goals.

Egypt has raised this topic several times. In 2018, Cairo warned, in its speech during the 204th session of the UNESCO Executive Board, against the consequences of continuing to politicize the organization and involving it in political issues.

Cairo had said that the organization has no right to interfere in the internal affairs of member states.

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UN Urges International Coordination on Libyan Crisis

The Special Representative of Secretary-General for Libya, Hannah Tetteh met with the Belgian Ambassador, François Dimon (UNSMIL) 
The Special Representative of Secretary-General for Libya, Hannah Tetteh met with the Belgian Ambassador, François Dimon (UNSMIL) 
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UN Urges International Coordination on Libyan Crisis

The Special Representative of Secretary-General for Libya, Hannah Tetteh met with the Belgian Ambassador, François Dimon (UNSMIL) 
The Special Representative of Secretary-General for Libya, Hannah Tetteh met with the Belgian Ambassador, François Dimon (UNSMIL) 

The Special Representative of Secretary-General for Libya, Hannah Tetteh, stressed the importance of strengthening international coordination mechanisms on Libya, ensuring unified efforts to hold general elections as soon as possible.

Tetteh met with Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy to Libya, Jeremy Berndt, in Tunis.

She briefed Berndt on the work of the Advisory Committee and the recent efforts with Libyan and regional parties in this regard, a statement released by the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) stated.

“We also discussed a number of issues related to the situation in Libya, including the migration issue, restrictions on civil space, and the need to improve economic management to ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution of public funds,” Tetteh said.

For his part, Berndt, reiterated the United States' support for the efforts made by the UN mission to reach a political solution in Libya through holding elections.

Later, Tetteh met with the Belgian Ambassador, François Dimon, and exchanged views on the political process in Libya and the need to move forward toward holding general elections as soon as possible.

During the meeting, the Special Representative discussed the issue of migration and the need to adopt a more effective public financial management system based on transparency and accountability, in the interest of the Libyan people, the UN mission said.

UNSMIL is holding meetings with local and international actors to solve the political crisis in Libya, and support security operations in the country.

Meanwhile, UNSMIL said its Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, Ennis Chuma, discussed with Interior Minister in charge of the Government of National Unity, Imed Trabelsi, the situation of migrants and the challenges facing Libya in this regard.

Chuma stressed the importance of supporting the Libyan government and humanitarian organizations in managing the migration issue in accordance with human rights principles and obligations.

He also expressed concern about the restrictions imposed on the work of humanitarian organizations on migration and refugee issues, calling on the government to address these concerns through dialogue and ensure the continued safe operation of these organizations in accordance with Libyan law, according to a statement by UNSMIL.

Also on Thursday, Acting Foreign Minister in the Government of National Unity, Taher Al-Baour, discussed with the Turkish Ambassador to Libya, Guven Begec, preparations for Libya to host the Türkiye-Africa Summit in early 2026.

The meeting addressed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries in various fields.