Khaled El-Enany, Egypt’s former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, is set to become the next Director-General of UNESCO after securing overwhelming support from the organization’s executive board. Diplomats told Reuters that El-Enany received 55 votes in favor, with only two against and the United States abstaining. His appointment will be formally ratified by UNESCO’s 194-member General Conference in November.
El-Enany’s victory followed months of diplomatic lobbying that won him strong backing from the African Union, the Arab League, and several European nations. His rival, Édouard Firmin Matoko of the Republic of Congo, gained only limited support in the vote, according to AP News. El-Enany had launched his campaign in April 2023, emphasizing the need for reform, inclusivity, and modernization within the organization.
Speaking after the vote, El-Enany said his campaign was built on listening and collaboration. “My journey has been one of listening, to ideas, to concerns, and to hopes for a more dynamic UNESCO,” he told The National News. He pledged to lead the agency with transparency and to strengthen its engagement with all member states.
Analysts say El-Enany will face immediate challenges, including addressing UNESCO’s funding gaps following the United States’ withdrawal and reducing political tensions that have affected the agency’s neutrality. If confirmed, his leadership is expected to focus on revitalizing UNESCO’s role in global education, science, and cultural preservation, as reported by Al-Monitor and Reuters.
