Egypt's FM Meets UNESCO Director-General Nominee

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry welcomed Dr. Khaled El-Anany, Egypt's nominee for the position of Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), on Wednesday, February 6th. The meeting, as stated by Ambassador Ahmed Abu Zeid, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was part of the regular updates on the progress of Egypt's nomination campaign, with the Foreign Ministry leading the national working group overseeing the nomination process.

The discussions provided an opportunity to review the current status and future prospects of the campaign leading up to the elections scheduled for the last quarter of 2025 at UNESCO's headquarters in Paris. Minister Shoukry expressed keen interest in hearing about Dr. El-Anany's recent visits to various UNESCO member states, including South Africa, Botswana, and France, which are part of the campaign's strategic outreach.

Egypt's candidacy, endorsed by the Arab League's Ministerial Council, reflects the country's longstanding commitment to cultural heritage, education, and science. Dr. El-Anany, with his extensive background in Egyptology and cultural preservation, embodies Egypt's rich contributions to these fields. His candidacy comes at a time when UNESCO faces critical challenges in cultural heritage protection, education in crisis situations, and the promotion of scientific collaboration across borders.

The meeting also touched upon key milestones expected in the coming months as part of the nomination campaign. With Egypt's strategic position in the Arab world and Africa, and its historical role in fostering cultural and educational initiatives, Dr. El-Anany's candidacy is seen as a testament to the country's active engagement in international cultural diplomacy.