Former Egyptian minister of antiquities and tourism, Khaled El-Enany, is set to become the next Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), following a decisive vote by the agency’s executive board. El-Enany won the board’s backing on Monday by 55 votes to 2, defeating Édouard Firmin Matoko of the Republic of Congo. His nomination will be formally ratified in November during the UNESCO General Conference in Uzbekistan, which brings together representatives from all 194 member states.
If confirmed, the 54-year-old Egyptologist will make history as UNESCO’s first leader from an Arab country and only the second African to head the organization since its founding in 1945. He is expected to succeed Audrey Azoulay of France, who has completed two four-year terms. El-Enany, who served as Egypt’s minister of antiquities and later tourism between 2016 and 2022, is widely respected for overseeing major archaeological discoveries and promoting Egypt’s heritage internationally, including the opening of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo.
The United States abstained from Monday’s vote, continuing its tense relationship with UNESCO. Washington announced in June its intention to withdraw from the organization by the end of next year, citing alleged bias against Israel. El-Enany has expressed his commitment to dialogue and hopes to restore U.S. participation, emphasizing America’s crucial role as a contributor to 8% of UNESCO’s annual budget. If confirmed in November, El-Enany will officially assume office in early 2026, at a time when UNESCO faces pressing global challenges related to education, heritage preservation, and cultural diplomacy.
