PARIS, France, October 4, 2025/ — The Africa24 Group (www.Africa24TV.com), the leading pan-African television network, has aired an exclusive interview with Firmin Édouard Matoko, Africa’s official candidate for the upcoming UNESCO Director-General election 2025.
The interview sheds light on Matoko’s vision to make UNESCO a more inclusive, people-centered organization that champions education, cultural diversity, and sustainable global cooperation.
With more than three decades of service within UNESCO, Firmin Édouard Matoko currently serves as the Assistant Director-General for External Relations.
His long-standing experience in international relations and education policy places him among the most seasoned candidates in the UNESCO Director-General election 2025, where he will represent Africa before the Executive Board on October 6, 2025—a pivotal step before the final vote in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on November 6, 2025.
Africa’s Vision in the UNESCO Director-General Election 2025
Matoko’s candidacy embodies Africa’s collective ambition to shape a future of equitable global governance rooted in the principles of education, innovation, and intercultural dialogue.
“Africa stands ready to contribute to a UNESCO that truly reflects the diversity of our world,” he said during the exclusive Africa24 interview.
His proposal emphasizes four strategic pillars:
Universal access to quality education — reinforcing education as a universal right.
Promotion of cultural diversity — protecting linguistic and artistic heritage as global public goods.
Inclusive digital transformation — bridging the digital divide between developed and developing nations.
Sustainable collaboration — enhancing partnerships between governments, academia, and civil society.
Matoko noted that his leadership vision aligns with Africa’s growing role in shaping international policy frameworks.
“We are no longer asking for inclusion; we are defining it,” he affirmed. His remarks highlight a generational shift in global diplomacy—one where Africa seeks not only representation but also a central voice in institutions like UNESCO.
Exclusive Africa24 Interview: A Candid Conversation with Africa’s Candidate
The exclusive interview, broadcast on Africa24 TV and streaming on myafrica24, offers viewers rare insights into Matoko’s journey, professional ethos, and his goals for UNESCO’s future.
The discussion delves into how the organization can evolve to meet 21st-century challenges, including digital education, climate resilience, and youth empowerment.
The full interview will be broadcast across Africa24’s global platforms at the following times (GMT):
Saturday, October 4, 2025: 18:15 // 23:15
Sunday, October 5, 2025: 01:15 // 08:15 // 14:15
Monday, October 6, 2025: 09:15
According to the Africa24 Group, this interview marks a critical moment in the UNESCO Director-General election 2025, providing an opportunity for millions across Africa to hear directly from the continent’s candidate.
Africa24: Amplifying Africa’s Global Voice
“As the channel of Africa’s transformation, Africa24 is proud to highlight voices that define the continent’s global leadership,” said Gaëlle Stella Oyono, Communications Director at Africa24.
“Through Firmin Édouard Matoko’s candidacy, Africa is presenting not only an individual but a vision—a call for inclusive international governance built on education, culture, and solidarity.”
Africa24 continues to lead in showcasing African excellence and advocacy on global platforms.
With its network of four full HD television channels and the myafrica24 streaming platform, the group offers diverse, multilingual coverage dedicated to Africa’s development and innovation stories.
About Firmin Édouard Matoko
Born in the Republic of Congo, Matoko joined UNESCO over 30 years ago and has held numerous leadership roles focused on education, external relations, and multicultural engagement.
His candidacy in the UNESCO Director-General election 2025 symbolizes continuity, experience, and a deep commitment to making UNESCO more inclusive and responsive to the needs of developing nations.
He envisions UNESCO as “a platform of humanity” — a place where ideas, knowledge, and creativity converge to address global inequalities and promote lasting peace.
“Education is not just about learning; it’s about building bridges between nations,” Matoko emphasized during the interview.
Broadcast and Access Information
Watch the exclusive interview:
AFRICA24 TV (Channel 249, in French)
myafrica24, the first HD streaming platform dedicated to Africa
www.Africa24TV.com, for on-demand global access
With the Africa24 Group: Together, let’s transform Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AFRICA24 Group.
Contact:
Communications Department – Africa24 Group
Gaëlle Stella Oyono
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Tel.: +237 694 90 99 88
Follow Africa24: @africa24tv
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