At the 222nd UNESCO Executive Board session in Paris, Egypt’s Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz swept the vote as the sole nominee for director-general, securing 55 of 57 votes over his rival from the Republic of the Congo.
A seasoned Egyptology professor at Helwan University for more than 30 years, El-Enany served as Egypt’s minister of tourism and antiquities, where he championed digital conservation tools, community-led restorations, and interactive heritage tours along the Nile.
His nomination now heads to the UNESCO General Conference on November 6 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, for final approval. If confirmed, he’ll be the first director-general from the Arab world and only the second African leader in UNESCO’s 80-year history.
For globally minded young readers, this milestone highlights a push for more diverse leadership in international bodies. Tech and culture enthusiasts can expect a focus on innovative preservation methods, while travelers and digital nomads may see new sustainable tourism initiatives emerge under his guidance.
El-Enany summed up his vision: "I am honored to represent my country and our shared heritage, and I look forward to guiding UNESCO toward a future where education, science, and culture empower all communities." The world will watch Samarkand as it casts the vote that could shape UNESCO’s next chapter.
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Egypt's Khaled El-Enany nominated as sole UNESCO chief candidate
cgtn.com
