UNESCO Bids Farewell to Director-General Audrey Azoulay After Eight Years of Service

UNESCO Bids Farewell to Director-General Audrey Azoulay After Eight Years of Service. A tribute ceremony was held in Paris this week in honour of outgoing UNESCO Director-General Ms. Audrey Azoulay, who is stepping down after serving two consecutive four-year terms at the helm of the organisation.

Namibia’s Hon. Sanet Steenkamp joined global leaders, ambassadors, ministers, and dignitaries in paying tribute to Ms. Azoulay’s leadership and contribution to UNESCO’s global mission. Steenkamp reflected on past engagements with the outgoing Director-General, recalling her visit to Namibia and describing the country as “beautiful,” a memory that Azoulay had also fondly shared.

During the ceremony, the Chairperson of UNESCO’s six electoral groups delivered statements of appreciation, commending Azoulay for her dedication to education, science, and cultural cooperation among nations. French President Emmanuel Macron also extended his gratitude to his compatriot, acknowledging her commitment to strengthening multilateralism and advancing UNESCO’s vision.

Ms. Azoulay took the opportunity to highlight milestones achieved during her tenure, including strengthened global education initiatives and renewed partnerships for cultural preservation.

The tribute marked the closing chapter of her leadership, as preparations continue for the election of her successor. A total of 194 UNESCO member states are expected to cast their votes by secret ballot on 6 November 2025.

The Executive Board has nominated Professor Khaled El-Enany of Egypt as a candidate for the position of Director-General, with the final decision to be made during the upcoming vote.