Egypt has announced it will seek a seat on UNESCO’s Executive Board for the 2029-2033 term, Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Abdelaziz Konsowa said in an address to the organisation’s 225th Executive Board session in Paris on Friday.
Konsowa, who is also acting culture minister, outlined Egypt’s higher education, scientific research and innovation policies, and voiced support for efforts to improve UNESCO’s effectiveness and ensure sustainable funding, according to a ministry statement.
He praised the reform agenda of UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany, including the ‘UNESCO 80’ initiative, which aims to improve the organisation’s performance and management of resources, the statement said.
Konsowa also called for responsible and equitable use of artificial intelligence in education, stressing the need to protect students’ data, support teachers and ensure systems respond to national and linguistic needs, including Arabic-language learning.
He said Egypt was preparing its first national report on implementing UNESCO’s 2023 recommendation on education for peace, human rights and sustainable development, due to be submitted in mid-November 2026.
The minister also highlighted plans to introduce a ‘Tier 1’ model at five Egyptian universities, aimed at modernising curricula and infrastructure and strengthening links between education, research and labour-market needs.
On cultural heritage, Konsowa cited Egypt’s initiative to establish a World Day for Underwater Cultural Heritage, observed on August 21. He also called for greater co-operation with UNESCO on sustainable water management and support for African expertise, noting that an Egyptian water and climate adaptation centre had recently been designated a UNESCO Category 2 centre.
Konsowa said Egypt’s candidacy reflected its commitment to co-operation among UNESCO member states.
