Egypt’s Khaled El Anany Makes History as First Arab to Lead UNESCO
Paris/Dubai: In a landmark moment for Arab and global diplomacy, Egypt’s Dr. Khaled El Anany has been elected as the new Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The former Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities becomes the first Arab to lead the organization since its founding in 1945 — a moment widely celebrated across the Arab world and beyond.
El Anany secured an overwhelming victory during the Executive Board elections in Paris, winning 55 out of 58 votes, a clear endorsement of his leadership vision. He succeeds France’s Audrey Azoulay, who served two consecutive terms from 2017 to 2025. His nearest competitor, Firmin Edouard Matoko of Congo, fell short, while Mexico’s Gabriela Ramos withdrew from the race earlier in the process.
The official confirmation of El Anany’s appointment will come at the UNESCO General Conference in November, where 194 member states are expected to endorse the Executive Board’s decision.
Historic Milestone for the Arab World
El Anany’s election is being hailed as a breakthrough for Arab representation in international organizations. Backed strongly by the Arab League and African Union, his candidacy reflected a unified regional effort to elevate Arab voices in global cultural policymaking.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sissi congratulated El Anany, describing the victory as “a reflection of Egypt’s civilizational depth, cultural heritage, and the world’s confidence in Egyptian capabilities.” He added that El Anany’s leadership would enhance cultural dialogue, heritage protection, and peaceful cooperation among nations.
A Vision for a Modern UNESCO
El Anany campaigned under the theme “UNESCO for the People”, pledging to make the organization more inclusive, transparent, and responsive to global challenges. His focus areas include promoting education equity, climate-conscious heritage protection, digital transformation in learning, and ethical AI governance.
He emphasized that UNESCO should be “a platform that connects nations through shared knowledge, creativity, and mutual respect.” His campaign spanned over 60 countries across five continents, where he engaged with ministers, academics, and cultural leaders to share his reform vision.
Founded in 1945, UNESCO plays a pivotal role in advancing education, science, culture, and communication across the world. From preserving heritage sites and protecting biodiversity to championing gender equality and free expression, its mission continues to evolve with the times — and El Anany’s election marks a new chapter in that journey.
Academic and Professional Journey
Born on March 14, 1971, in Giza, Egypt, Dr. Khaled El Anany grew up surrounded by Egypt’s timeless monuments — a backdrop that shaped his lifelong fascination with ancient civilizations. He studied at a French school in Cairo before enrolling in Helwan University’s Faculty of Tourism and Hotels in 1988, majoring in Tour Guidance.
After earning a master’s degree in Egyptian Antiquities of Nubia, he pursued further studies in France, obtaining a PhD in Egyptology from Paul Valéry University – Montpellier in 2001. His scholarly excellence led him to teach at several global universities, including Montpellier, Palermo, and Brandenburg University of Technology in Germany.
El Anany also served as Director of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, where he orchestrated one of Egypt’s most spectacular cultural events — the Royal Mummies Parade in 2021. This internationally acclaimed event highlighted Egypt’s ancient legacy and modern capabilities in museum management and cultural presentation.
In 2016, he was appointed Minister of Antiquities, and three years later, his portfolio expanded to include the Ministry of Tourism. As Minister of Tourism and Antiquities until 2022, he played a key role in reviving Egypt’s tourism sector, overseeing the Grand Egyptian Museum project and promoting sustainable heritage tourism initiatives.
Looking Ahead
As El Anany prepares to assume his new role, expectations are high for a revitalized UNESCO that bridges cultural heritage with innovation. Analysts see his election as a chance for the organization to regain moral authority and relevance in a world facing new educational, environmental, and technological challenges.
In his victory statement, El Anany reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue, diversity, and development, saying:
“UNESCO’s mission is not just to protect heritage, but to build peace in the minds of people. Together, we will ensure that knowledge, culture, and science remain powerful tools for unity and progress.”