Egypt emphasizes Arab, African cultural contributions to global stage
Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates, Badr Abdel-Aati, voiced on Friday Cairo’s sincere appreciation for the support extended by Arab nations for the candidacy of Khaled El-Anany for the post of Director-General of UNESCO.
The minister’s remarks were made during a meeting in Paris with Arab ambassadors accredited to UNESCO, held as part his visit to head Egypt’s delegation to the upcoming UNESCO Executive Board meetings, which will include the election of the organisation’s next Director-General.
El-Anany, Egypt’s official and sole Arab candidate, was also present at the meeting.
Minister Abdel-Aati underscored the significance of Anany’s nomination for both the Arab and African regions, describing it as a concrete expression of their shared cultural heritage and a recognition of their enduring contributions to global civilization and the promotion of intercultural dialogue.
He expressed pride in the Arab League’s formal endorsement of Anany’s candidacy during the May 2024 Arab Summit, marking the first time a candidate has received unanimous Arab backing for this post, a testament to the consensus on the importance of Arab leadership within UNESCO in the coming period.
The minister highlighted Anany’s extensive professional background and distinguished achievements in culture, heritage preservation, and intercultural engagement, affirming that these credentials make him a strong and capable candidate to lead the organization effectively.
Strategic vision for UNESCO
Abdel-Aatialso outlined Egypt’s strategic vision for UNESCO, underscoring the organization’s vital role in safeguarding cultural heritage, promoting education and scientific advancement, defending freedom of expression, and fostering peace and intercivilizational dialogue. He affirmed that Anany exemplifies these core values.
For his part, Anany expressed deep appreciation for the broad-based Arab support his candidacy has garnered since its announcement in April 2023, describing it as a powerful incentive to represent not only Egypt, but the Arab world as a whole on the international stage.
He stressed that UNESCO’s member states are bound by a shared conviction in the power of education, culture, and science as essential pillars for fostering mutual understanding and international cooperation.
Anany pledged to translate this shared conviction into concrete initiatives aimed at advancing dialogue, peace, and sustainable development on a global scale.
He also outlined his campaign vision under the theme “UNESCO for People,” which advocates for strengthening the organization’s global role in addressing contemporary challenges and serving the needs of communities worldwide.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working in a spirit of partnership, inclusivity, and collaboration with all member states, while ensuring that UNESCO continues to serve as a platform for cultural diversity, intellectual dialogue, and mutual understanding.
He concluded by underscoring the scope of his 30-month campaign, during which he visited more than 60 countries, engaged in direct consultations with members of UNESCO’s Executive Board, and held high-level meetings with ministers, senior officials, and cultural figures from around the world.
These engagements, he noted, have enabled him to shape a comprehensive and inclusive vision for UNESCO’s future.
