In a moment that could reshape the future of international cultural policy, Dr. Khaled El-Enany of Egypt has been decisively elected as the next Director-General of The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Securing 55 votes to 2 against Firmin Edouard Matoko of the Republic of Congo, the Egyptian scholar received a commanding endorsement from the Executive Board. His nomination will now proceed to formal approval by the 193 member states during the General Conference in November, a step widely seen as procedural given the scale of support.
From Heritage Scholar to Global Cultural Leader
With a career rooted in Egyptology, Dr. Khaled El-Enany has long bridged academic inquiry and cultural preservation. Educated at Helwan University and later at Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3 University in France, Dr. Khaled El-Enany built a reputation for both scholarship and institutional leadership. Over three decades, he held academic posts at Helwan University, served in administrative roles, and lectured in both Egypt and France/
His public service record includes his tenure as Egypt’s Minister of Antiquities and later as Minister of Tourism and Antiquities from 2016 to 2022. During this period, Dr. Khaled El-Enany spearheaded numerous projects to restore museums, modernize heritage infrastructure, and enhance public access to Egypt’s ancient legacy. A defining achievement came in 2021 with the “Golden Parade”, which showcased the transfer of 22 royal mummies in a globally televised event that symbolized both national pride and international engagement.
Running on a campaign titled “UNESCO for the People,” Dr. Khaled El-Enany emphasized transparency, inclusivity, and organizational reform. His outreach spanned over 60 countries, reflecting a consultative approach that sought insight from academics, civil society, and cultural institutions worldwide. The campaign also highlighted the need for diversified funding models, proposing collaboration with philanthropic and private-sector actors to reduce dependency on state contributions.
A Historic Election Amid Complex Challenges
The election of Dr. Khaled El-Enany is both symbolically and strategically significant. As the first Egyptian and first Arab to assume the leadership of UNESCO, Dr. Khaled El-Enany enters office at a moment of shifting geopolitical and cultural alignments.
His administration will begin against the backdrop of looming financial constraints. The United States has announced its intention to withdraw its USD 75 million annual contribution by 2026, threatening the financial stability of UNESCO’s global programs. Addressing this challenge will demand both creative resourcing and institutional discipline.
In addition to budgetary pressures, Dr. Khaled El-Enany inherits an organization operating within a contested global space. Debates over educational content, cultural identity, and historical narratives have become increasingly politicized. In response, the new Director-General has pledged to preserve UNESCO’s impartiality and protect its mission from external interference.
A Final Note: A Mandate of Trust and Responsibility
The 55-to-2 vote margin reflects a broad consensus in favor of Dr. Khaled El-Enany’s leadership and vision. That level of support, however, comes with heightened expectations. The new Director-General will be expected to stabilize finances, rejuvenate UNESCO’s internal systems, and deepen engagement with communities across all regions.
This victory is not merely personal, it represents a recognition of Egypt’s cultural standing and a broader call for more inclusive global governance in the domains of education, science, and heritage. With his background, credibility, and commitment to reform, Dr. Khaled El-Enany now carries the opportunity to guide UNESCO through a transformative era.
