Former Tourism Minister Khaled El-Enany nominated as UNESCO Director-General

Egypt has nominated former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled El-Enany as the Director-General of the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The election will take place during the final quarter of 2025.

The Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced the nomination during a Wednesday press conference at the cabinet premises in the New Administrative Capital.

El-Enany expressed his appreciation to the Egyptian government for his nomination, saying it reflects the government’s confidence in his ability to assume this prestigious position.

The former minister explained that this nomination is a magnitude of responsibility, especially in light of UNESCO’s role and mission at this delicate stage in human history, in which it suffers from unprecedented challenges. 

He indicated that there are still tens of millions of children around the world who do not receive any education. Tangible and intangible cultural heritage as well as the world’s natural heritage are facing great challenges. In addition, the least developed countries failed to benefit from the huge leap in technology and modern innovations.

Moreover, El-Enany stressed that the world today is in dire need, perhaps more than ever, of dialogue and understanding, spreading a culture of tolerance, accepting difference, accepting and respecting others, and rejecting violence, hatred, intolerance and discrimination. 

It is also imperative to be working towards promoting cultural diversity, bridging the huge scientific and technological gap, and redoubling efforts to achieve the goals of sustainable development, especially those related to providing knowledge and quality education, equality, innovation, peace, and justice.