PARIS, Oct. 6, 2025: The Executive Board of UNESCO today elected Egypt’s candidate, Khaled El-Enany, as Director-General, with 55 votes in favor out of 57 valid ballots. His opponent, Firmin Édouard Matoko of the Republic of Congo, received two votes. The United States abstained. Following the vote, the board officially nominated El-Enany for the post.
The nomination now moves to UNESCO’s General Conference, scheduled for November in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where all 194 member states will vote to confirm his appointment. El-Enany, 54, is an Egyptologist and academic. He has taught at Helwan University for more than 30 years and holds a doctorate in Egyptology from Paul-Valéry University Montpellier III in France.
Over his career, he has led major cultural institutions, including serving as director of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (2014–2016) and overseeing the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. In government, El-Enany held the role of Minister of Antiquities from 2016 to 2019. In December 2019, his portfolio was expanded when he became Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, a position he held until 2022.
Egyptian president welcomes the election result
Matoko, 69, previously served as UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Priority Africa and External Relations. His long tenure within UNESCO’s leadership ranks gave him a distinct profile in the contest. Following the vote, El-Enany addressed the board, describing an extensive campaign involving dialogue with member states. He is due to formally assume office on Nov. 14, 2025, succeeding Audrey Azoulay, whose second term ends this month.
In a joint press statement, the African Union chairperson extended congratulations to El-Enany, citing his track record in public service and leadership in culture, education, and heritage. Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi also issued a statement marking the result as a milestone in Egypt’s diplomatic and cultural record. UNESCO’s press release confirmed that the Executive Board had completed its nomination process. According to the release, the General Conference vote will take place on Nov. 6 during its session in Samarkand.
Election hailed as a cultural milestone for Egypt
Under UNESCO’s statutes, the board’s nominee must receive approval from the full membership to assume the role. In past transitions, the General Conference has approved Executive Board selections, and the November confirmation has been a procedural formality. El-Enany is the first Egyptian and first Arab to be nominated by UNESCO’s governing board for the Director-General post.
If confirmed, he will lead UNESCO’s global initiatives in education, science, culture, communication, and information. The UNESCO Executive Board comprises 58 member states representing all regions. Its decision today was final within its own process. Once the General Conference votes, El-Enany will legally become the 11th Director-General and begin leading the organization’s workforce of more than 2,300 staff across 54 countries. – By EuroWire News Desk.