CAIRO – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Expatriates Badr Abdelatty said on Tuesday that the vision of Egypt’s candidate for Director-General of UNESCO Dr Khaled El-Anany is based on leveraging culture as a force for shaping the future and as a bridge for peace and human understanding.
Speaking during the ministerial meeting of the Ancient Civilisations Forum, held on the sidelines of the high-level segment of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s nomination of Dr. El-Anany for the post.
The top diplomat noted the growing support the nomination has received from various countries and regional organisations, including the Arab League and the African Union, according to a statement released by the foreign ministry in Cairo.
Abdelatty said that Dr. El-Anany has visited more than 60 countries across different continents, using these visits as an opportunity to listen and learn about member states’ aspirations and their views on how to advance UNESCO’s objectives.
The minister expressed hope for continued backing of the Egyptian nominee, emphasising El-Anany’s comprehensive vision that could open new horizons for co-operation, innovation, and future-oriented progress.
Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt’s strong commitment to cultural dialogue as a tool to enhance mutual understanding, tolerance, and global peace.
He stressed that cultural diversity is a cornerstone for building bridges between civilizations and addressing shared challenges, from climate change to extremism and armed conflict.
The foreign minister also called for the protection of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, particularly in conflict zones, expressing deep concern over the destruction of Palestinian heritage amid ongoing Israeli assaults in the occupied territories.
He underscored the importance of adhering to relevant international conventions, including the Hague Convention and UNESCO treaties.
