Egypt’s Khaled El-Enany gains support for UNESCO director-general bid

The race for UNESCO’s top position is heating up, with Khaled El-Enany, Egypt’s former Minister of Tourism & Antiquities, emerging as a strong contender. 

Backed by France, Brazil, the African Union, and the Arab League, El-Enany’s candidacy highlights Egypt’s push to lead the global cultural and educational organization.

The elections, scheduled for late 2025, are shaping up to be highly competitive. While El-Enany has garnered significant international endorsements, potential bids from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar could add complexity to the contest. Within the Arab world, these rival candidacies may split regional support, creating a challenging path for any single contender.

Adding to the race’s intensity, current Director-General Audrey Azoulay, a French national, may seek re-election. Azoulay has led UNESCO since 2017 and, if she announces her candidacy, could attract a significant share of the votes currently expected to back El-Enany.

El-Enany: Egypt’s strategic nomination

El-Enany’s candidacy represents Egypt’s ambition to play a leading role in global cultural diplomacy. As former Minister of Tourism, he played a key role in promoting Egypt’s rich heritage, strengthening its global cultural ties, and advancing sustainable tourism. His leadership experience and vision align with UNESCO’s mission to foster international collaboration in education, culture, and science.

Egypt has a storied history with UNESCO, having been a founding member and home to some of the world’s most iconic cultural heritage sites. El-Enany’s nomination symbolizes Cairo’s intention to leverage this legacy to influence the organization’s future direction.

With just over a year until the elections, El-Enany and other candidates must navigate a complex field of diplomacy, regional politics, and global partnerships. 

While his candidacy underscores Egypt’s ambition to shape UNESCO’s future, the race remains wide open. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Khaled El-Enany can consolidate support and secure leadership of this vital international institution.