First Arab elected to UNESCO presidency by an overwhelming majority

October 7, 2025 (Pen) The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) elected, by an overwhelming majority, Dr. Khaled El-Enany, the candidate of the Arab Republic of Egypt, as Director-General of the organization, making him the first Egyptian, Arab, and second African to hold this position since the organization's founding in 1945.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated that this achievement "reflects the great confidence that member states have in Egyptian diplomacy and the competence of the Egyptian candidate," stressing that El-Anani's election represents "a new addition to Egypt's long history of leadership positions in international organizations."

The ministry explained that El-Anani's victory was the result of an extensive diplomatic campaign spanning 30 months, under the direction of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. This campaign included intensive coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, and its embassies around the world.

In his speech following the announcement of the results, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Badr Abdel Aty emphasized that the election of Dr. Khaled El-Enany "is a celebration of the cultural, civilizational, and intellectual contributions of Egypt, the Arab world, and the African world over thousands of years." He extended his appreciation to the Arab League, the African Union, and all the countries that supported Egypt's candidacy.

Abdel-Ati considered this historic victory "reinforces Egypt's international standing and its pioneering role in supporting peace, development, and preserving human heritage," calling for "strengthening joint action within the organization toward a future that protects heritage, disseminates knowledge, and promotes coexistence and tolerance among civilizations."