News|United NationsUNESCO board backs Egypt’s Khaled el-Enany as its next chiefThe Egyptologist and former minister of antiquities will be the first Arab to lead the UN’s cultural organisation.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) board has nominated Khaled el-Enany of Egypt as its next director-general. El-Enany is an academic and former minister of tourism and antiquities. His nomination is pending…
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) board has nominated Khaled el-Enany of Egypt as its next director-general. El-Enany is an academic and former minister of tourism and antiquities. His nomination is pending confirmation at UNESCO’s general conference scheduled for the following month.
El-Enany is a professor of Egyptology at Helwan University in Cairo. If confirmed, he will be the first Arab to lead the organization, which manages cultural heritage and fosters international collaboration in science and education.
The nomination followed a campaign in which el-Enany competed against Firmin Edouard Matoko from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gabriela Ramos of Mexico withdrew from the race earlier this year. The board, consisting of 58 member states, will finalize their decision at UNESCO’s general assembly in Uzbekistan.
El-Enany is set to replace Audrey Azoulay, former French Minister of Culture, who has led UNESCO since 2017. The organization faces challenges related to the preservation of cultural heritage sites threatened by wars, pollution, and climate change.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) board has nominated Khaled el-Enany of Egypt as its next director-general.
UNESCO anticipates an eight percent funding cut by the end of 2026, as the United States plans to withdraw its membership and funding, marking the second withdrawal following the admission of the State of Palestine as a member in 2011. The State of Palestine is a Permanent Observer State member of the United Nations General Assembly.
UNESCO continues to monitor damage to cultural heritage sites, including in the Gaza Strip, where it has confirmed damage to 110 sites since October 7, 2023. These include religious sites, buildings of historical interest, and archaeological sites.
El-Enany’s Contributions and Future Focus
El-Enany previously worked as a tour guide, earned a doctorate in France, and served as Egypt’s minister of antiquities and tourism. During his tenure, he initiated significant tourism projects and discoveries. His focus at UNESCO is expected to include cultural programs and combating religious intolerance.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
