Dr. Al-Kawari with President Akufo-Addo
Dr Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari, Qatar’s candidate for the post of Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), appears to be cruising to victory after he emerged as the front runner among the nine candidates contesting for the top job.
The Diplomat Magazine, based in Netherlands, has reported that after the UNESCO Governing Council interviewed all the nine short-listed candidates at the end of last month, Dr Al-Kawari emerged as the front-runner.
The Qatar candidate was followed by the French and Chinese candidates.
“However, France and China face an obstacle in the fact that both European and Asian officials have recently led the organisation. Paris is also the host of UNESCO’s headquarters,” the Diplomat Magazine stated.
Dr Al-Kawari, if given the job, would become the first diplomat from an Arab country to lead UNESCO.
He is a seasoned diplomat cum statesman and serves as an Adviser at the Amiri Diwan (Royal Palace of Qatar). Dr Al-Kawari was formerly the Qatar’s Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage.
Dr Al-Kawari has visited a number of countries in Africa and Europe as part of his quest for the UNESCO job.
In a recent visit to Ghana, he met with President Akufo-Addo on his UNESCO ambition, as well as prospects of Ghana-Qatar relationship.
During his visit, DAILY GUIDE asked Dr Al-Kawari why he was “looking for the UNESCO job” and this was how he responded:
“I am not looking for a job. I have enough jobs. I am on a mission to help people and to help the United Nations. I want to help them and I have to be near the people to listen to them so I know what they want but not what we think they want.
“I just returned from Asia. Before then, I was in the Caribbean Islands. I visit them, listen to them and have meetings with their presidents, prime ministers of ministers for culture. If I want to succeed on my mission, I have to meet the people and know what they want.”
He also explained how he would do things differently if he gets the position, saying, “When UNESCO was founded, it was a big success. It was known in the international community for its achievements. Now, the story has changed. I was surprised when I went round and people asked me where the headquarters of UNESCO is or what UNESCO does. Dynamic communication regarding UNESCO’s infinite potential is a prerequisite to the solidarity required for any financial mobilisation.
“Part of my programmes would be to rebrand UNESCO and make it attractive and known to the people. After visiting the countries, it was amazing to know to what extent people ignore UNESCO and it is clear public relations and the rebranding of UNESCO has become critical.
“There are many experts and professional out there who may want to help but they simply cannot help something they do not know. This is one of my main targets; to re introduce UNESCO and make it better recognised and appreciated by younger generations, large corporations, charities and philanthropic associations and all,” Dr Al-Kawari stated.
He was previously the Ambassador of Qatar to France, the United States, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and the United Nations.