Former French culture minister Audrey Azoulay has been chosen as UNESCO’s new chief.
Azoulay edged Qatar’s Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari after the fifth round of voting and the decision will now be put forward for approval to UNESCO’s 195 members on November 10.
“If I’m confirmed, the first thing I will do is work to restore its credibility,” said Azoulay following her win, “restore the faith of its members and its efficiency so it can act on the challenges facing our world because it is the only organisation that can.”
A sudden announcement on Thursday that the United States was quitting over perceived anti-Israel bias meant that whoever wins the top job would inherit a body in turmoil, with huge questions over its future funding and mission.