Egypt announces candidacy for UNESCO Executive Board for 2029–2033 term

Egypt has declared its candidacy to join the Executive Board of UNESCO for the 2029-2033 term, according to Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture Abdel Aziz Qonsowa. Addressing the 225th session of the UNESCO Executive Board in Paris, Qonsowa highlighted Egypt's commitment to bolstering the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, emphasizing its focus on advancing education, scientific research, and the safeguarding of cultural heritage.

During his speech, Qonsowa detailed Egypt's initiatives to elevate its higher education, scientific research, and innovation frameworks. He also acknowledged UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany's "UNESCO 80" initiative, aimed at enhancing the agency's efficiency, improving resource management, and diversifying funding sources.

Qonsowa underscored the critical need for responsible, equitable, and safe use of artificial intelligence in education, while stressing the preservation of the human element in the educational process. He further detailed plans to introduce the Tier 1 model for globally leading universities at five Egyptian institutions and Egypt's endorsement of an initiative designating August 21 annually as World Underwater Cultural Heritage Day.

Additionally, Qonsowa showcased Egypt's dedication to international collaboration, particularly in water sciences, by expressing interest in enhancing cooperation with UNESCO under the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) and leveraging UNESCO's expertise in sustainable water management, river governance, and transboundary waterway management.

The Minister also recognized the African Centre for Water and Climate Adaptation, which the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has established, and noted its recent designation as a UNESCO Category 2 Centre, underscoring Egypt's role in advancing water science and environmental sustainability.