By Rina Dupriet, Soroptimist International Representative at UNESCO
On 29 April 2026, I represented Soroptimist International at the online conference meeting organised by UNESCO’s new Director-General, Khaled El-Enany.
The meeting took place just five months after Mr El-Enany took office and was the first time he had convened all the Non-Governmental Organisations who hold official partnership with UNESCO.
In his address, The Director-General acknowledged the scale of UNESCO’s work, noting the deep responsibility he carries as he oversees the activities of 194 member states, 2000 sites worldwide, 10,000 associated schools and 435 NGOs. He reiterated the slogan that shaped his election campaign, “UNESCO with and for the people”, and emphasised that he relies on the support of all NGOs to strengthen and advance this vision.
After introducing Ms Åsa Charlotte Regnér as the new Deputy Director-General, Mr Khaled El-Enany invited 15 NGOs to share their views on UNESCO’s current functioning and, importantly, to outline their needs and objectives in a context of significant financial and political pressure.
The Chair of the Liaison Committee, representing 435 NGOs from 70 countries, urged the Director-General to evaluate the contributions of NGOs, identify areas of deficit, outline both collective and individual impact, and provide clearer reporting on results. The Chair also asked how NGOs could best contribute to the Director-General’s objective of “UNESCO with and for the people”. Other NGOs working in science, human rights, the press, education, the arts and sport set out their aims and the challenges they face.
Shared Priorities and Next Steps
It was clear that the Director-General values the work of NGOs and recognises the need for collaboration around shared pillars such as human rights, inclusion and education.
A second exchange meeting with NGOs has been proposed for December 2026.
