UNESCO Names Professor Chen Qun as Education Assistant Director-General

Published on Apr 05, 2026.
UNESCO Names Professor Chen Qun as Education Assistant Director-General

UNESCO has appointed Chinese Professor Chen Qun as assistant director-general for education, a strategic move aimed at innovating global learning systems.

The announcement comes from the director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), underscoring the organization's commitment to enhancing educational frameworks.

Professor Chen brings over 30 years of experience in academic and executive leadership as an academic, physicist, and education specialist, positioning him as a promising leader in educational reform.

In his new role, Chen will assist Director-General Khaled El-Enany in the overarching mission to transform education systems across the globe.

His focus will be on promoting equitable, inclusive, and high-quality learning, ensuring that learners are equipped with advanced skills essential for today's world.

This appointment follows an earlier announcement in January that revealed three women stepping into senior roles within UNESCO, highlighting a commitment to gender diversity in leadership.

Among the new appointees are Sweden's Asa Regner as the deputy director-general, Mozambique's Lidia Brito overseeing priority Africa and external relations, and Mariya Gabriel, who will focus on communication and information.

Khaled El-Enany, who took office last November, is not only the 12th director-general of UNESCO but also the first to come from an Arab country and the second from Africa.

Professor Chen's extensive background and leadership experience are expected to play a pivotal role in responding to educational challenges on a global scale.

The restructuring under El-Enany's direction and the leadership of esteemed professionals like Professor Chen signals a proactive approach to ensuring quality education for all, particularly in the wake of disruptions caused by recent global events.

As UNESCO continues to prioritize international education, Professor Chen's insights and strategies will be crucial in navigating the complex landscape of global learning.

This appointment reinforces UNESCO's vision of fostering collaboration across nations to achieve sustainable educational advancement.

LEADERSHIPINTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

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