UNESCO: Joint Nordic Statement - Welcome to Director-General Dr. Khaled El-Enany
Delivered by: Kristín Halla Kristinsdóttir, Deputy Permanent Delegate of Iceland to UNESCO, on behalf of the Nordic countries
Plenary, 43rd General Conference of UNESCO
Samarkand, 11 November 2025
Mr Director-General elect,
Mr President of the General Conference,
Madame President of the Executive Board,
Distinguished delegates,
On behalf of the five Nordic countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden – we warmly congratulate and welcome you, Dr. Khaled El-Enany, as UNESCO’s new Director-General. We look forward to working closely with you in the spirit of partnership, transparency, and shared commitment to UNESCO’s vital mission.
80 years ago, the UN and UNESCO were created to build the defenses of peace and security, human rights and development. Today, we must work hard to sustain the critical tools we have built over the past 80 years. More than ever, UNESCO needs to be clear about its areas of strength within the UN system. The Nordic countries remain strong and dedicated partners to UNESCO.
We will continue to defend UNESCO’s mandate and capacity to promote and protect human rights, including gender equality. These universal rights and values are fundamental. We trust you, as our Director-General elect, to actively engage in the UN80 reform for a more relevant, focused and effective UNESCO, continuing the critical work on advancing the 2030 Agenda.
At this moment in time, it is of great importance that:
UNESCO continues to be a progressive voice for human rights across all sectors, with strong implementation of its normative instruments. The Medium-Term Strategy (C/4) provides a solid foundation for this, especially in areas such as freedom of expression, media, artistic, scientific and academic freedom and gender equality.
Gender equality is central and must remain a Global Priority for UNESCO. There is a need for a gender-transformative approach across all programmes and within the Secretariat, with increased accountability at senior level. Real change occurs by tackling the root causes of inequalities, and this approach must be integrated in all of UNESCO’s workstreams and in all stages of programmatic work. In this regard, we highlight the key role of UNESCO’s Division of Gender Equality, the current capacity of which must be guaranteed.
Climate change and biodiversity loss demand urgent action. UNESCO must integrate environmental sustainability and climate action across its mandate, in line with the Paris Agreement and other global frameworks.
Strong systems for results-based management, financial control, transparency, risk management and accountability are essential. As major donors of voluntary contributions, we emphasize alignment with the UN Funding Compact and zero tolerance for corruption and abuse.
Civil society and youth engagement are vital. Their voices and expertise enrich UNESCO’s work and increase its impact and relevance.
Finally, we call for a holistic, intersectoral approach that promotes inclusion, intersectionality, and a human rights-based perspective - ensuring no one is left behind.
We, the Nordics, remain committed to open and constructive dialogue, with the shared goal of a stronger UNESCO – ready to deliver on the 2030 Agenda and beyond. People everywhere are demanding this. UNESCO is present everywhere – through its global networks of National Commissions, World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, Geoparks, Associated Schools, Institutes, Chairs and much more. A true UNESCO for the people.
To conclude, Dr. El-Enany, we wish to thank you for your personal remarks upon your election. We wish to reassure you that we are all on our respective human journeys, and that the continued learning and willingness to listen and discuss, is what makes us human - and what will make our cooperation here at UNESCO successful.
By these words we wish you a successful mission as the new Director-General for UNESCO.
I thank you.