Ismail Serageldin 4, Ibn Malek Street, Guiza, Cairo, Egypt (Temporary telephone numbers in Paris: 01-4734 2933, mobile 06 0977 2021) October 18, 1999 Excellency: The election campaign is now all but over. I would like to take this occasion to thank you for the efforts that this Board has made to open up the process and allow each candidate to be heard in formal session. This direct interaction between the future Director General and the Executive Board is an important dimension in judging the candidates, and it was done impartially and provided each candidate with equal time before you. The decision is now in your hands. This will be an exceptionally important decision. The future of UNESCO will largely be decided in the next five years as it positions itself in the context of the rapidly changing world we live in. The selection of the appropriate Director General is thus crucial. It is a person who will serve as Director General, not a state. I hope to be that person. I stand ready to provide any additional clarifications about my programs and my ideas, or answer any other questions you may have. I hope to benefit from your support and to have the honor to serve UNESCO and its ideals in the years to come. Sincerely, Ismail Serageldin