Nouréini Tidjani-Serpos (born 15 January 1946 in Porto-Novo, Benin) studied literature in France and obtained a PhD and a D.Lit.in the subject from the University of Lille III (1987).
Apart from knowing several ethnic African languages (Yoruba, Fon, Éwé and Goun), he can speak fluent English, French and Spanish. Noureini is married and a father to two sons and daughters.
Chairman of the Pan-African Foundation For Cultural Development (FONPADEC)
Chairman of the Association for the Institutionalization of the African Intellectual Thought and Memory. (AIMEPIA)
General Administrator of Radio Benin-Culture
Professor of African literature
As minister-counselor, deputy permanent delegate (1991–1995), then ambassador and permanent delegate of Benin (1995–1998), he has actively contributed to the lifeblood of the organization as a member of the executive council. He was also a member of the Headquarters Committee (1991–1995 and 1997–1999), Rapporteur of the International Conference on Cultural Policy Research (1998), president of the 11th General Assembly of Member-States to the World Heritage Convention, and a member of the committee of the World Heritage Convention.
As president of the executive board from (1995–1997), he exercised his mandate with devotion and a sense of measured confidence by systematically privileging dialogue and compromise. His actions as the president of the executive council won him the esteem of all his colleagues and the recognition of the General Conference.
From 1998 to 2010, he put his experience, skills, and knowledge at the service of the Secretariat of the organization, filling the role of Assistant Director-General in the Africa Department, one of UNESCO's two largest priorities.
Due to his intellectual qualities as a lettered man, Nouréini Tidjani-Serpos inscribes himself resolutely in a universal approach. He tries to promote a cross-sectoral approach and is thus sensible to the cultures of the world, differences,and to solidarity.