Alimov told the ‘Sputnik’ agency: ‘The candidates from Mexico and Congo represent countries from the Global South, but I primarily consider them representatives of the same body within the organization with which it is currently difficult for us to cooperate.’ He also emphasized that Russia, concerning the change of the organization’s Director-General, ‘hopes for UNESCO’s Secretariat to return to neutral work.’ A new Director-General for UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), replacing French Audrey Azoulay, is expected to be elected in the fall of 2025 during the organization’s General Conference. These statements come after accusations made by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov against the current Director-General Azoulay, alleging bias and participation in anti-Russian media campaigns.
