Khaled El-Enany Elected As UNESCO Director-General

On October 6, 2025, former Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Khaled El-Enany, was elected the 8th Director-General of UNESCO, succeeding France’s Audrey Azoulay (2017–2025). The election was held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where El-Enany won with 55 votes, defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo’s candidate, Firmin Edouard Matoko, becoming the first Director-General from Egypt and the Arab world.

El-Enany, a renowned Egyptologist and archaeologist, has led key restoration projects including the Luxor Temple and Saqqara pyramids. He has promoted tourism reform and emphasized the integration of cultural heritage preservation with sustainable development. His academic and policy background makes him a candidate capable of balancing tradition and modernization.

El-Enany’s platform emphasizes “culture connects humanity, education shapes the future,” advocating educational equity, digital learning, scientific innovation, and protecting heritage in conflict zones. He also stressed restoring UNESCO’s moral authority in the face of global information wars and cultural divisions, reaffirming commitment to freedom of expression and knowledge sharing.

UNESCO faces financial challenges, with the US planning a $75 million funding cut in 2026. El-Enany pledged to seek support from partner countries and the private sector to ensure organizational stability. His election received unanimous backing from the African Union, Arab League, and France, symbolizing the rise of Global South countries in international governance.

The appointment will be formally confirmed at UNESCO’s 41st General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on November 6. Observers expect him to lead UNESCO toward a more inclusive and diverse future amid geopolitical tensions and global cultural fragmentation.