The United Nations’ cultural agency selected former French culture minister Audrey Azoulay as its new chief on Friday, handing her the keys to revive Unesco’s fortunes after the United States pulled out. “In this time of crisis we need more than ever to support, strengthen and reform Unesco and not leave it,” Azoulay told reporters, saying she would modernise the organisation. He has also pushed for more multlilateralism at a time when the United States has pushed back. “Unfortunately, this venue has become politicised, undermining the work of Unesco across its mandate. It’s become a venue for anti-Israel bias, and unfortunately we are taking the decision to withdraw from Unesco at this time,” US charge d‘affaires at Unesco, Chris Hegadorn told Reuters.

Source: Dhaka Tribune October 13, 2017 18:00 UTC