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Updated November 10th, 2021 at 16:20 IST

Azoulay re-elected for second term as UNESCO chief

Audrey Azoulay was re-elected as director general of UNESCO on Tuesday for a second term.

UNESCO
IMAGE: AP | Image:self
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Audrey Azoulay was re-elected as director general of UNESCO on Tuesday for a second term.

The former French culture minister received 155 votes out of a total of 169 ballots cast.

There were no other candidates in the largely symbolic election.

At the start of her first term, Azoulay had to contend with the withdrawal of both the U.S. and Israel from the organization.

Speaking to reporters, Azoulay said dialogue was ongoing with both countries but rejoining would be their decision.

She said she found it "odd" if they wanted to stay withdrawn from UNESCO, particularly with President Biden's recent reconnection with many organizations the U.S. had opted out of under the Trump administration.

The U.S. stopped funding UNESCO after it voted to include to Palestine as a member state in 2011 and eventually walked out in 2019, Israel followed.

Azoulay also mentioned the organization still had very good relations with China.

Among other initiatives, UNESCO's World Heritage List designates and protects historic and geographical sites around the globe.

IMAGE: AP

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Published November 10th, 2021 at 16:20 IST

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