CIFF Congratulates Dr. Khaled El-Anany on Election as UNESCO Director-General

Cairo International Film Festival, headed by renowned actor Hussein Fahmy, extends its heartfelt congratulations and deepest pride to Dr. Khaled El-Anany, former Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, on his historic election as Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

This victory—achieved on October 6, 2025, coinciding with the 52nd anniversary of Egypt’s glorious October Victory—stands as a global recognition of Egypt’s enduring cultural and civilizational influence. Dr. El-Anany becomes the first Egyptian and Arab, and only the second African since UNESCO’s founding, to assume this prestigious position—an achievement that reflects the strength of Egypt’s soft power and its leading role on the international stage.

On this occasion, Hussein Fahmy, President of Cairo International Film Festival, stated:

“With immense joy and pride, I extend my warmest congratulations—on behalf of every Egyptian filmmaker and intellectual—to Dr. Khaled El-Anany, who has honored us all with this remarkable achievement. His appointment to the helm of UNESCO crowns a distinguished career devoted to safeguarding cultural and human heritage—an endeavor we witnessed firsthand during his tenure as Minister of Antiquities and Tourism, where he led major cultural initiatives with excellence and vision, most notably the majestic Royal Mummies Parade.

We are confident that his enlightened vision, expressed through his campaign slogan ‘UNESCO for People’, will open new horizons for global cultural cooperation and strengthen the organization’s mission to build bridges of dialogue and peace among nations. This is truly a proud day for Egypt and its rich cultural legacy.”

Cairo International Film Festival affirms that Dr. El-Anany’s election—backed by strong Arab and African support—marks the beginning of a new era of international collaboration to safeguard both tangible and intangible human heritage, and to advance the values of education and culture as powerful forces for global understanding and peace.