UNESCO loses
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Stronger than ever
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Wiping away bitter tears, hearts bursting with dignity and pride, we look back on the debacle of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 2009. Is there a trace of doubt in anybody's mind that the leading contender for the position of the Director General was Minister of Egyptian Culture Farouk Hosni? Is it not an apparent absurdity that he was overlooked by one far less qualified? The precise way by which the members came at their opinions is only detail. The first round of voting found him far ahead of the rest. We all sighed in relief, confident of the outcome. How naive we were. We did not realize that the outcome was clear and inevitable. The bulk of mankind remain silent observers, helpless and resigned. It is baffling to logicians and illogicians alike, but why should it be? The present period is notoriously tilted towards injustice and untruths.
An army of industrious ants, capable of moving mountains, descended upon Paris, ploughing and persevering, scheming and conspiring. They carefully followed the concocted plot, calculating every step at every round. Within a matter of days they moved the mountain. The Egyptian candidate, an estimable man with a background as rich and extensive as his own heritage, was ridiculously overlooked, for one with an empty page of accomplishments. He must be slow of comprehension and void of imagination, who cannot conceive the gravity of this deliberate slight.
Who are they, those nameless surreptitious parties, devoid of conscience and scruples? Who would resort to such fiendish extremes to abort the appointment of Farouk Hosni, an Egyptian, an Arab, a Muslim? Who?
Perhaps the answer is too obvious, but we were blinded by our undying confidence in the justice and fairness of honorable men. The US was leading the charge against Hosni, followed by Germany and France. Why even the Eiffel tower could be made to lean too. As it was and as it has always been, might was right, and Hosni loses on the final round. The innocent amongst us were mistaken, thinking that the best man wins and "all's right with the world."
Farouk Hosni has no reason to feel defeated, belittled or humiliated. Losing is never pleasant, but looking at the outcome, it is downright laughable. Irina Bokova, a 57 year old diplomat from Bulgaria, grew up in a Communist country, and was a full-fledged member of the Communist party, as was her father. Bukova explains "this was out of necessity rather than choice." How often have we seen those words condemned by Western powers and Israel when passing judgment on Nazi Germany? "All my life I have showed I supported the political transformation of my country. I have nothing to be ashamed of." Can you imagine a former Nazi member making such a statement? Would she have then been believed or forgiven, or handed this supposedly prestigious post? Some anti-Communist Bulgarians are outraged at the choice. Her background was never scrutinized or even examined by anyone, while Hosni's was torn to shreds. Ivo Indzher, Bulgarian political commentator, wrote: "Her appointment sends the message that the West can swallow someone's Communist past, but can't abide an Arab who is anti-Israel." In a nutshell he summed up the shameful debacle of UNESCO which took place in Paris last week.
Here and elsewhere, the press, true to form, were unrelenting in their stinging ascerbic criticism, even of their own. No one probed into Bukova's past. Little was said, reasons and excuses were enumerated. Some opinions however remain bold and erect, despite the inevitable tempest and floods of discontent. Egypt's Minister of Culture makes our hearts proud. Whatever occurred in Paris touches not a hair of the stature and prestige of Farouk Hosni. His tenure as Minister of Culture is ample proof that he is a man of rare talents and abilities.
For starters, his is an illustrious career. A graduate of the School of Fine Arts, Alexandria, he joined the Ministry of Culture, Fine Arts Department (1964-1969). He became director of the Anfoushi Cultural Palace (1969-1971), followed by an appointment in Paris as Cultural Attaché and Director of the Egyptian Cultural Center, Paris France (1971-1978). In the 80s he was appointed Cultural Counselor at the Egyptian Embassy in Rome, as well as Director of the Egyptian Art Academy. In 1987 he was recalled from Rome to head the Ministry of Culture and has held this post ever since. The reason is simple. Hosni is unequalled in his energy, resourcefulness, open-mindedness and above all, love of art and country. He was awarded an honourary PhD by the University of Soka Gakai, Japan, and has been honoured by many countries as well as by this very same UNESCO. He has championed several new and diverse cultural venues, bringing art and culture to the masses. With an eye on Egypt's immeasurable legacy and historic traditions, he keeps the other on Egypt's needs, while both eyes look forward to the cultural image of the future.
Above all, Hosni is an artist. His abstract paintings have fascinated art lovers and have been exhibited worldwide. His paintings hang in numerous private, commercial and State buildings.
It is this artistic temperament that gives Hosni his unique vision and depth of understanding. He is fearless and outspoken, yet gentle and mild-mannered. Confident and relaxed, he conceals an iron will and determination to do what is right. He walks with a casual, unhurried gait, yet he knows exactly where he is going, and he gets there. Notwithstanding the American/Israeli lobby that overwhelmed the final vote in Paris, preferring to chose dwarfs over giants, Hosni has nothing to be sorry for. It is UNESCO that should be sorry for brazenly revealing its true colours. Why should it be any different from the UN matrix which for over half a century has remained deaf, dumb and blind to all the belligerence of Israel against the Palestinians?
We sincerely hope that UNESCO's loss is Egypt's gain, and Hosni will continue in his seat, with the same drive and determination to plant more cultural seeds on the many flushing fields of his native land.
UNESCO's Constitution of 1945 promoted basic human rights, fighting discrimination and racism and "establishing a genuine culture of peace." This seems rather ludicrous in 2009. Should we still remain obstinately hopeful or is this idea of "equality and justice for all," an incredible vision of modern man's, a romantic unattainable dream.
The 2009 UNESCO selection, dealt a severe blow to its own purpose, not by slighting the person of Hosni, but by insulting all Egypt, all Arabs and all Muslims. Hosni remains unscathed, a head above the rest.
Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value
Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
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