UNESCO Governing Board Endorses Khaled el-Enany as Next Director-General

Egypt’s Khaled El-Enany Nominated to Lead UNESCO, Marking Historic First

Paris, France – October 7, 2025 – A pivotal moment for international cultural preservation is on the horizon as Egypt’s Khaled el-Enany has been nominated to become the next Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The nomination, announced by the UNESCO board, positions El-Enany as the first Arab to potentially lead the organization, responsible for safeguarding global heritage and fostering international collaboration across diverse fields.

A Landmark Nomination

If confirmed next month at UNESCO’s general conference in Uzbekistan, El-Enany, a distinguished Professor of Egyptology at Cairo’s Helwan University, would succeed France’s Audrey Azoulay, who has directed the organization since 2017. His candidacy was highly contested, with Firmin Edouard Matoko of the Democratic Republic of Congo and gabriela Ramos of Mexico also vying for the prestigious role. Ramos withdrew from the race earlier this year.

Who is Khaled El-Enany?

El-Enany brings a wealth of experience to the potential leadership position. Prior to his academic career, he worked as a tour guide at numerous Ancient Egyptian sites. He also served as Egypt’s Minister of Antiquities, and later Minister of Tourism, under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi from 2016 to 2022. During his tenure, he spearheaded major tourism initiatives, including the development of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation in Cairo.

President El-Sisi lauded the nomination as a “historic achievement” reflecting egypt’s growing diplomatic and cultural influence in both the Arab and African worlds.

Challenges Facing the Next Director-General

El-Enany’s potential appointment comes at a complex time for the Paris-based UN body. UNESCO currently confronts numerous Political challenges,including navigating the preservation of cultural sites threatened by armed conflict,environmental degradation,and climate change. According to a 2024 report by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), over 800 World Heritage sites are currently vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Financial instability also looms large. The organization anticipates an eight percent reduction in funding at the end of 2026, precipitated by the planned re-withdrawal of the United States. This marks the second time the US has severed ties with UNESCO,initially in 2011 due to the admission of Palestine as a member state. The US formally left UNESCO in 2019. This situation underscores long-standing geopolitical tensions impacting the organization’s operations.

challenge	Details
Political Tensions	US withdrawal linked to Palestine membership; ongoing conflicts impacting heritage sites.
Financial Constraints	Anticipated 8% funding cut in 2026 due to US withdrawal.
Environmental Threats	Climate change and pollution endangering World Heritage sites.

UNESCO is actively monitoring damage to cultural sites in conflict zones, including the Gaza Strip, where it has documented harm to over 110 sites as october 7, 2023.

A Focus on Cultural Programs and Inclusivity

El-Enany has signaled his intention to prioritize UNESCO’s cultural programs and to reaffirm the organization’s dedication to combating anti-Semitism and all forms of religious intolerance. His leadership is expected to bring a renewed focus on protecting and promoting cultural diversity worldwide.

The Enduring Importance of UNESCO

Established in 1945, UNESCO plays a crucial role in fostering international cooperation and safeguarding cultural and natural heritage. Its work extends beyond preserving monuments; it encompasses promoting education, scientific development, and freedom of expression. As global challenges intensify, UNESCO’s mission remains vital for building a more peaceful and lasting future.

Did you know? UNESCO maintains a list of World Heritage Sites deemed of outstanding global value. As of October 2025, there are over 1,150 sites on this list representing diverse cultures and natural wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions about UNESCO and El-Enany’s Nomination

What are yoru thoughts on El-Enany’s nomination and its potential impact on UNESCO? Do you believe the organization can effectively navigate its current challenges?

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How might Dr. el-Enany’s experience as Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities influence UNESCO’s approach to balancing heritage preservation with sustainable tourism?

A New Era for Global Heritage Preservation

The UNESCO Governing Board has officially endorsed Dr. Khaled el-Enany as the next Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. This pivotal decision, made on October 6th, 2025, marks a important transition for the organization dedicated to international cooperation in education, science, and culture. The appointment is subject to approval by the UNESCO General Conference later this year. This selection follows a rigorous evaluation process,considering candidates from across the globe,and signals a commitment to continued leadership in safeguarding world heritage.

Dr. Khaled el-Enany: A Profile of expertise

Dr. el-Enany brings a wealth of experience to the role, notably in the fields of archaeology, Egyptology, and cultural heritage management. His background is deeply rooted in the preservation of ancient sites and the promotion of cultural understanding.

* Academic Background: Dr. el-Enany holds a PhD in Egyptology and has lectured extensively on ancient Egyptian history and archaeology at leading universities.

* Ministerial Roles: Prior to this appointment, he served as Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, a position where he spearheaded numerous initiatives for the restoration and protection of Egypt’s iconic archaeological treasures.

* Key Achievements: During his tenure as Minister, Dr. el-Enany oversaw the opening of several previously inaccessible archaeological sites, boosting tourism and fostering greater public engagement with Egypt’s rich cultural heritage. He also championed international collaborations for conservation efforts.

* UNESCO involvement: He has been actively involved with UNESCO projects in Egypt for many years, demonstrating a strong understanding of the organization’s mission and priorities.

Implications for UNESCO’s Future Direction

The selection of Dr. el-Enany as Director-General is expected to influence UNESCO’s strategic direction in several key areas:

Strengthening World Heritage Site Protection

Given his expertise, a heightened focus on the preservation of World Heritage Sites is anticipated. This includes:

1. Enhanced Monitoring: Implementing more robust monitoring systems to identify and address threats to sites, particularly those impacted by conflict or climate change.
2. Increased Funding: Advocating for increased financial resources dedicated to conservation efforts, especially in developing countries.
3. Community Engagement: Prioritizing the involvement of local communities in the management and protection of heritage sites, recognizing their crucial role as custodians of cultural traditions.

Addressing the Impact of Climate change on Cultural Heritage

Climate change poses an escalating threat to cultural heritage worldwide. Dr. el-Enany is expected to champion initiatives to mitigate these risks, including:

* Vulnerability assessments: conducting thorough assessments to identify sites most vulnerable to climate change impacts (sea-level rise, extreme weather events, etc.).

* sustainable Tourism: Promoting sustainable tourism practices that minimize environmental impact and contribute to the long-term preservation of cultural resources.

* Innovative Conservation Techniques: Supporting research and development of innovative conservation techniques that are resilient to climate change.

Promoting Digital Heritage and Innovation

The use of digital technologies is transforming the field of cultural heritage preservation. Dr. el-Enany is likely to encourage the adoption of:

* 3D Modeling & Virtual Reconstruction: Utilizing 3D modeling and virtual reconstruction to document and preserve endangered sites.

* Digital Archives: Creating comprehensive digital archives of cultural heritage materials, making them accessible to researchers and the public worldwide.

* Artificial intelligence (AI): Exploring the submission of AI for tasks such as damage assessment and predictive modeling.

Past UNESCO Leadership & Notable Events

Understanding past leadership provides context for this transition. Irina Bokova, the former Director-General, faced significant challenges, including the deliberate destruction of cultural heritage sites in Syria and Iraq.

* Palmyra’s Destruction (2015): Bokova strongly condemned the destruction of the Temple of Baalshamin in Palmyra, highlighting the urgent need to protect cultural heritage during armed conflict. (UNESCO, 2015)

* Focus on Education: Bokova also prioritized education, particularly girls’ education, and promoted UNESCO’s role in achieving the Sustainable Development goals.

These events underscore the complex responsibilities facing the Director-General and the importance of strong leadership in navigating global challenges.

The Role of the UNESCO General Conference

The UNESCO General Conference, comprising representatives from all Member States, will formally approve Dr. el-Enany’s appointment. This process typically involves a thorough review of his qualifications and a vote by the member states. The conference is scheduled for November 2025. Prosperous confirmation will pave the way for Dr. el-Enany to assume his duties as Director-General in early 2026.