By Arirang Culture Connect News Desk
Seoul, October 8, 2025 —
Former Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Dr. Khaled El-Enany has been elected as the next Director-General of UNESCO, following a decisive vote by the Organization’s Executive Board on October 6. His nomination will be formally endorsed during the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on November 6, 2025 — marking a historic moment for both Egypt and the African region.
A Scholar, Statesman, and Cultural Diplomat
Born in Giza in 1971, Dr. El-Enany is a distinguished Egyptologist and former university professor who served as Egypt’s Minister of Antiquities and later as Minister of Tourism and Antiquities (2016–2022). During his tenure, he led major museum modernization and heritage preservation projects, including the opening of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, while advancing international cooperation across Africa, the Arab world, and Europe.
A Vision for “UNESCO for the People”
Running under the campaign theme “UNESCO for the People,” Dr. El-Enany emphasized inclusiveness, intercultural dialogue, and the revitalization of UNESCO’s mission amid rapidly changing global realities. His election, widely endorsed by the African Union, the Arab League, and a diverse range of European and Asian nations, reflects a broad international consensus around his vision of unity through culture, education, and science.
“UNESCO must not be an institution only of memory, but of hope — serving people through education, science, and culture,” El-Enany declared in his acceptance remarks, pledging to strengthen the organization’s ethical foundation and global relevance at a time of deepening polarization.
Symbolism of Samarkand
The forthcoming endorsement ceremony in Samarkand — a Silk Road crossroads and UNESCO World Heritage city — carries profound symbolism. It represents a bridge between civilizations, echoing El-Enany’s own lifelong mission to connect cultures through shared heritage, learning, and human dignity.
Global Reactions and Support
In response to the announcement, Culture Masters, an international organization dedicated to promoting intangible cultural heritage and global cultural solidarity, extended its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. El-Enany.
“We warmly congratulate Dr. Khaled El-Enany on his election as UNESCO Director-General,” said Dr. SeongYong Park, President and CEO of Culture Masters. “His academic depth, vision for inclusivity, and commitment to intercultural understanding embody the very ideals that UNESCO stands for. We wish him every success in leading UNESCO toward a new era of cultural cooperation and peace.”
Challenges and Prospects
Dr. El-Enany faces a demanding global agenda — from rebuilding trust among member states to addressing funding gaps and reaffirming UNESCO’s leadership in education, science, and culture. Observers highlight that his background as a scholar, heritage expert, and statesman uniquely positions him to navigate these challenges with both intellectual rigor and diplomatic balance.
As the world’s eyes turn toward Samarkand this November, UNESCO prepares not only to welcome a new Director-General — but also to reaffirm its mission to protect the world’s living memory and design its shared future.