Egypt’s Former Minister Tourism & Antiquities, Khaled El-Enany, has been elected as the new Director-General of UNESCO, becoming the first Arab and Egyptian to hold the prestigious post.

 

The election, held during the 222nd session of UNESCO’s Executive Council in Paris, saw El-Enany secure 55 votes, while his Congolese rival, Firmin Edouard Matoko, received two votes. The United States abstained from voting.  El-Enany succeeds outgoing French Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

 

A distinguished Egyptologist and former minister, El-Enany served as Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities from 2019 to 2022 and Minister of Antiquities from 2016 to 2019. He has been credited with modernizing museums, enhancing Egypt’s cultural tourism, and overseeing major heritage projects.

 

El-Enany’s academic credentials include a PhD in Egyptology from the University of Paul Valéry Montpellier 3, France, and extensive experience as a professor of Egyptology at Helwan University. He has also held visiting professorships in France and contributed to several international archaeological and heritage organizations.

 

His global recognition includes the Legion of Honor from France (2025), the Order of the Rising Sun from Japan (2021), and the Order of Merit from Poland (2020). He has served as Chair of the African World Heritage Fund and as a Cultural Tourism Ambassador for the UN World Tourism Organization.

 

Business and tourism experts highlight that El-Enany’s leadership at UNESCO may strengthen global cultural and heritage initiatives, while also promoting sustainable tourism and international partnerships that could attract investment to heritage-driven projects.

 

El-Enany’s election marks a historic moment for UNESCO, signaling both a recognition of Egypt’s cultural leadership and a milestone for Arab representation in international governance.