Egypt has nominated former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled El-Enany as the Director-General of the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The election will take place during the final quarter of 2025.
The Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced the nomination during a Wednesday press conference at the cabinet premises in the New Administrative Capital.
El-Enany expressed his appreciation to the Egyptian government for his nomination, saying it reflects the government’s confidence in his ability to assume this prestigious position.
The former minister explained that this nomination is a magnitude of responsibility, especially in light of UNESCO’s role and mission at this delicate stage in human history, in which it suffers from unprecedented challenges.
He indicated that there are still tens of millions of children around the world who do not receive any education. Tangible and intangible cultural heritage as well as the world’s natural heritage are facing great challenges. In addition, the least developed countries failed to benefit from the huge leap in technology and modern innovations.
Moreover, El-Enany stressed that the world today is in dire need, perhaps more than ever, of dialogue and understanding, spreading a culture of tolerance, accepting difference, accepting and respecting others, and rejecting violence, hatred, intolerance and discrimination.
It is also imperative to be working towards promoting cultural diversity, bridging the huge scientific and technological gap, and redoubling efforts to achieve the goals of sustainable development, especially those related to providing knowledge and quality education, equality, innovation, peace, and justice.
El-Enany added that he is honoured to put his academic and executive experiences in the service of the organisation and its noble goals. The UNESCO goals, he added, are closely linked to the Egyptian conscience which has been — since ancient times — upholding the value of peace, based on moderation, and blending Arab and African identity, as well as Islamic, Coptic and Jewish heritage.
“I am confident in the full support that all government institutions will provide to enable Egypt to win this position that will allow the country to continue to perform its educational and enlightening role, to establish the values of peace and justice, and to build bridges between peoples,” El-Enany concluded.
Khaled El-Enany’s Biography
• Minister of Tourism and Antiquities (22 December 2019 – 13 August 2022); Minister of Antiquities (23 March 2016 – 21 December 2019). First Minister of both Tourism and Antiquities since they were separated in 1966.
• Professor of Egyptology, Tourism Guidance Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management (FTH), Helwan University (HU) – Faculty member since 1993.
• Order of the Rising Sun, Japan (2021); Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland (2020); Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres, France (2015).
• Honorary Member of the Société française d’égyptologie, Paris (2016); Corresponding Member of the German Archaeological Institute, Berlin (2015).
• General Supervisor of Egyptian Museum in Cairo (2015-2016); and National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (2014-2016; Project in cooperation with UNESCO).
• Vice-Dean for Education and Students Affairs, FTH, HU (2012-2013); Head of Tourism Guidance Department, FTH, HU (2011-2012).
• Visiting Professor, Paul-Valéry University (UPV), Montpellier III (seven times during 2006-2013).
• Associate Scientific Expert, Board Member, Member of Scientific Council, and Associate Researcher at French Institute of Oriental Archaeology in Cairo (IFAO ; 2002-2016).
• Ph.D. in Egyptology, UPV, Montpellier III (2001).
• B.Sc. in Tourism Guidance (French Section), FTH, HU (1992).
