Egypt’s candidate Dr. Khaled El-Anany has been officially elected as the new Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), according to an official announcement.
El-Anany, a former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, becomes the first Egyptian to assume the organization’s top post, marking a significant milestone for Egypt’s role in global cultural and heritage affairs.
His election follows an intense voting process among UNESCO member states, during which Egypt’s nominee garnered broad support from Arab, African, and developing nations.
Throughout his career, El-Anany has been widely recognized for his expertise in archaeology, museum management, and cultural diplomacy. As tourism and antiquities minister, he played a pivotal role in promoting Egypt’s heritage globally and overseeing major projects such as the Grand Egyptian Museum.
El-Anany is expected to focus on strengthening UNESCO’s mission in promoting education, science, and cultural preservation, while fostering international cooperation in addressing global challenges through knowledge and heritage exchange.
His appointment underscores Egypt’s growing diplomatic influence within the United Nations system and reaffirms its longstanding commitment to protecting world heritage and advancing intercultural dialogue.