The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates announced that the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) approved the election of Dr. Khaled El-Enany as the new Director-General of UNESCO during the elections held today, Thursday, November 6, 2025, in the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Dr. Khaled El-Enany assumes the post of Director-General of UNESCO in a historic achievement, as the first Egyptian and Arab and the second African to hold this high position, in a step that reflects the prestigious standing and international weight of Egyptian foreign policy under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and at a delicate stage for the region and the world.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Dr. El-Enany's election was approved with the support of 172 out of 175 member states of the General Conference, a clear indication of the great confidence he enjoys at the international level, and of his competence and comprehensive vision for the organization's work and its future.
On this occasion, with the conclusion of Egypt's nomination campaign for the post of UNESCO Director-General after more than 30 months of diligent, intensive and continuous work, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates, extended his congratulations to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the Egyptian people and the Arab and African peoples on this well-deserved victory, which is a new achievement added to Egypt's rich record of successes on the international stage, according to the official Facebook page of the Egyptian Cabinet.
For his part, Dr. Khaled El-Enany said on his official Facebook page today: "I am honored to have been elected Director-General of UNESCO by the General Conference. I extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to all member states for the precious trust they have placed in me, and for the spirit of unity behind this collective decision. I also express my deep thanks to my campaign team, my family and everyone who supported me throughout this long journey."
He added: "I visited 65 countries in 31 months, met remarkable people and witnessed firsthand the profound impact of culture, knowledge and dialogue on the progress of peoples. This campaign has been the most sublime and enriching chapter of my life. In cooperation with all member states and our partners, I pledge to build a UNESCO for tomorrow, a UNESCO for the people. Hand in hand, we will work together to make our shared goal more radiant and impactful. And to all who believe that dialogue and understanding are the path to peace: let us continue this journey together, let us now move on to the work ahead." This was posted on his official Facebook page.
