UNESCO Board Supports Khaled el-Enany of Egypt for Upcoming Director-General Position
Khaled el-Enany, a prominent Egyptologist and former minister of tourism and antiquities, has been nominated by the board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to serve as its next director-general. This prospective appointment marks a significant milestone, as el-Enany would become the first Arab to lead the organization, a crucial body responsible for the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of international cooperation in the realms of education, science, and culture.
El-Enany, a seasoned academic with a professorship at Cairo’s Helwan University, has campaigned vigorously for the role, competing against candidates such as Firmin Edouard Matoko from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gabriela Ramos of Mexico, who initially entered the race, withdrew earlier this year. The final decision regarding el-Enany’s appointment is anticipated to be confirmed at UNESCO’s general assembly, scheduled for next month in Uzbekistan.
Replacing former French Minister of Culture Audrey Azoulay, who has directed the organization since 2017, el-Enany’s leadership may provide a fresh perspective aimed at enhancing UNESCO’s significant cultural programs. Azoulay’s tenure was marked by noteworthy contributions, including her efforts to reconstruct the ancient Iraqi city of Mosul, which suffered devastating damage during conflict.
El-Enany’s nomination emerges at a time when UNESCO faces numerous challenges, including decisions on which cultural heritage sites to prioritize for preservation amid threats from conflicts, environmental changes, and pollution. The organization is also projected to experience an eight percent funding shortfall at the conclusion of 2026 when the United States officially withdraws its membership and funding, a move attributed to political disagreements, notably regarding Palestine’s status within UNESCO.
The State of Palestine’s inclusion as a Permanent Observer State in the United Nations General Assembly reflects the growing international support for its sovereignty, with over 80 percent of member states advocating for its full membership. This inclusion has been met with mixed reactions; however, it highlights a commitment to inclusivity and representation on global platforms.
On the ground, UNESCO has been engaged in monitoring cultural heritage sites in the Gaza Strip amidst ongoing conflict, recording substantial damage to multiple historic sites. This crucial work underscores the organization’s dedication to safeguarding cultural assets worldwide.
El-Enany, who previously served as minister under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi from 2016 to 2022, is known for driving major tourism initiatives that seek to revitalize Egypt’s cultural sector. His government tenure saw the launch of large-scale projects, including the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, which are pivotal in promoting Egypt’s rich heritage.
Upon hearing the news of el-Enany’s nomination, President el-Sisi hailed it as a “historic achievement,” emphasizing its significance for Egypt’s cultural diplomacy and the broader Arab and African communities. With el-Enany at the helm, UNESCO may pursue a renewed commitment to cultural understanding and the fight against intolerance, vital themes in today’s global landscape.
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