Cairo: Egypt’s former tourism and antiquities minister, Khaled El Enany, is expected to become the next head of UNESCO after receiving strong support from the organization’s executive board. He won 55 out of 58 votes, positioning him to be the first Arab to lead the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
El Enany, a professor of Egyptology at Helwan University and former director of the Egyptian Museum, is known internationally for his expertise in archaeology and cultural preservation. He served as Egypt’s minister of antiquities from 2016 to 2019 and as minister of tourism and antiquities from 2019 to 2022. His appointment will be officially confirmed when all 194 UNESCO member states vote during the organization’s General Conference in early November in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
However, his nomination has not been free of controversy. Several heritage experts and cultural activists in Egypt have criticized his past record, accusing him of allowing projects that damaged important historical areas, including parts of Cairo’s City of the Dead necropolis and areas near St Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai. Critics argue that some of his policies favored tourism and urban development at the cost of historical preservation.
Supporters, on the other hand, praise El Enany’s academic background and leadership experience, saying his appointment will bring fresh energy to UNESCO at a time of financial and political challenges. He has pledged to strengthen the organization’s independence, streamline its decision-making process, and seek new funding sources as the United States prepares to withdraw its financial support by 2026.
The Egyptian government and the Arab League have both welcomed his selection, describing it as a proud moment for the Arab world. France and several African nations also supported his candidacy.
If confirmed, El Enany will take office at a critical time for UNESCO, which faces growing pressure to protect heritage sites in conflict zones and secure stable funding for its educational and cultural programs. His leadership will be closely watched to see how he handles the criticisms surrounding his past decisions and whether he can restore confidence among heritage advocates around the world.