Battle for Unesco: Firmin Édouard Matoko's plan to lead

The battle for the role of Unesco director-general between Édouard Firmin Matoko of Congo-Brazzaville, supported by the African bloc, and Egyptian candidate Kaled-El Enani, of the Arab bloc, has intensified after the abrupt withdrawal of the Mexican nominee Gabriela Ilian Ramos Patiño in August.

With just more than a month before the vote, the stakes are high. The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) will select its next leader in October at the 43rd session of its general conference. 

Gabriela Ramos’ exit means every vote counts and Latin America, deprived of a candidate, now becomes the battleground where the two camps concentrate their efforts.

A duel will ensue between the two challengers who remain in the race.

I will focus on Firmin Matoko, who was recently in Southern Africa to meet the leaders of Angola, South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Mauritius and Madagascar — chair of the Southern African Development Community — to seek the support of this strategic bloc within Unesco's executive council.

Matoko’s candidacy not only speaks to institutional reform and more effective governance but also signals a political symbol of Southern leadership capable of influencing traditional North-South balances.

Matoko is officially supported by the AU and embodies a credible and unifying candidacy from within. His profile as a consensus builder, polyglot and recognised for his multilateral expertise is winning over an increasing number of delegations. He is a diplomat and an economist.

Matoko was born in Brazzaville and holds a PhD in economics and commerce from La Sapienza University in Rome, as well as degrees in international relations and diplomacy obtained in Florence and Paris.

Matoko’s candidacy is full of hope. He embodies an inclusive and multilateral vision, clearly demonstrating his desire to revitalise Unesco while remaining faithful to its universal principles.

He has worked in the UN system for more than 30 years, notably at the Food and Agriculture Organisation and Unesco, holding key positions in Bamako, Quito, Addis Ababa and in Paris. 

He now serves as assistant director-general for priority Africa and external relations. Matoko has distinguished himself with a career steeped in educational, scientific, cultural and diplomatic issues. He is a pan-Africanist and also committed to cultural vision of global diversity.

Matoko’s vision for Unesco is to:

• reform governance: budget transparency, impact assessment from the first dollar invested;
• diversify funding sources: South-South-North approaches, innovative voluntary contributions, ethical collaborations;
• establish an Africa Lab: a pan-African incubator for innovations in the fields of education, culture and science in line with the AU's Agenda 2063;
• focus on initiatives that prioritise youth, women, and innovation: the “Unesco generations” programmes dedicated to civic and scientific education, as well as “Women for Peace”, aimed at strengthening the role of women as agents of peace;
• Preserve heritage and promote a culture of peace: restitution of African heritage, specific safeguarding of places in conflict situations, and a culture of peace as a central element; and
• make Africa a driving force for global action: promoting the idea that Africa is no longer peripheral but a central and innovative player.

Quoting former president Nelson Mandela, Matoko said: “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. We believe in the power of education to bring about change and transformation. Education must be the space where every individual, regardless of background, enjoys quality education that fosters critical thinking and creativity. We will further programmes of global citizenship education and education for a culture of peace, which promote mutual understanding and intercultural dialogue. Science must be accessible to all and serve all.”

Matoko’s candidacy is full of hope. He embodies an inclusive and multilateral vision, clearly demonstrating his desire to revitalise Unesco while remaining faithful to its universal principles.

• Massala is a journalist. He holds a degree in diplomacy from ENAM in Ouagadougou.

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