SAMARKAND/ PARIS – Khaled El-Enany, new Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to the Member States that placed their trust in him.
He expressed his profound pride in his home country, Egypt, which honored him with this nomination, and to the Arab states that sincerely supported him as the first Arab candidate to assume this position in an organization whose essence embodies the values of cultural diversity and human dialogue.
During his inauguration ceremony speech, El-Enany also thanked the African nations that stood united behind him, believing in the fact that defending knowledge and identity is a common message that Africa carries to the world.
The Director-General said the UNESCO today seeks to be the meeting point for human intellect and creativity, noting that he is keen to serve as a Director-General who dedicates his efforts to the organization’s motto of serving the people.
He reiterated that the UNESCO was established for the peoples, and it must remain in the service of the peoples.
El-Enany stated that he visited over 60 countries during his electoral campaign and will seek to continue these visits to listen and understand so that he can be at the service of those who are at the core of UNESCO’s mandate.
He noted that the UNESCO’s mission intersects with his personal and professional journey, pointing out that he, as a professor, witnessed how education develops critical thinking, and, as an Egyptologist researcher, he sought to understand ancient civilizations and the present world.
The Director-General stated that he assumes his new responsibility with all humility and the realization that the highest priority is for the Member States, extending his thanks and appreciation to the former Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, for her efforts during a difficult period in the organization’s history, as well as to previous Directors-General who left a valuable legacy that UNESCO will preserve.
El-Enany, 54, is one of the most prominent academic and cultural figures in Egypt and the world. He has held several positions, including Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and Professor of Egyptology at Helwan University, and has notable international scientific and cultural contributions.
During his electoral campaign, El-Enany received widespread international, regional, and Arab support, reflecting great confidence in his academic competence and cultural standing.
