This honorary doctorate to Dr El-Enany, 53, comes as a recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, research, and the promotion of cultural exchange and cultural heritage preservation.

It is also a recognition of his accomplishments as an Egyptologist and a minister of antiquities 2016-2019 and minister of tourism and antiquities 2019-2022. 

In his speech at the award ceremony held at the French university, El-Enany, who was a professor of Egyptology at the University of Helwan, drew attention to the global significance of education in fostering peace and mutual understanding.

He emphasized that tourism, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration serve as bridges between nations, helping to dissolve boundaries and foster mutual respect. 

“Education, science, research, and culture are at the heart of our ability to build a better future,” he asserted, highlighting that education plays a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive and peaceful world.

The ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Egypt’s ambassador to France Alaa Youssef, Mayor of Montpellier Michaël Delafosse, along with French parliament and senate members and several academic and diplomatic figures, intellectuals, archaeologists, and museologists.

El-Enany called to action for students and educators alike. He urged students to view university life as a bridge to the world, encouraging them to travel, discover new cultures, and embrace the adventure of learning.

“Knowledge is the greatest journey you can undertake,” he told the audience, emphasizing the transformative power of education in shaping individuals and society.

As a candidate for the post of director-general of the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), El-Enany shared his vision for a future where education, science, and culture are tools for peace.

He quoted renowned Egyptian author Taha Hussein, who was also a former Egyptian minister of education and an alumnus of Montpellier, who once described UNESCO as an organization that unites nations and brings people together to resolve their differences.

El-Enany vowed to uphold this mission, advocating for a global approach to education and research that transcends borders and confronts the world’s most pressing challenges.

He also shared inspiring messages about the importance of education, cultural diversity, and the role of universities in shaping a global society.

“I often tell my Egyptian students that curiosity and knowledge know no boundaries,” he said. “Go beyond the books. Travel, explore, and engage with other cultures. Knowledge is the greatest adventure you can embark on,” he added.

He encouraged educators to continue fostering critical thinking in their classrooms. “Professors play a pivotal role in opening minds and nurturing a passion for learning,” he pointed out, highlighting the essential role educators play in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

El-Enany is not only the Egyptian candidate for the post of UNESCO Director-General, but his candidacy represents Africa and the Arab world as well.

Following the announcement of his candidacy in April 2023, the African Union expressed its support in February 2024, followed by a similar decision by the Arab Summit in Manama in May 2024.

It's time!
 

Dr El-Enany told Ahram Online that he hopes to live up to the trust placed in him and reaffirmed that many believe it is time for an Arab to lead the organization.

No Arab has ever held the post of UNESCO director-general.

The only African to have done so was Senegalese Amadou-Mahtar M'Bow, who served from 1974 to 1987 and passed away recently. 

If he assumes the post, El-Enany would become the first Arab and second African to serve as director-general of UNESCO.

El-Enany is currently touring several countries, gathering insights and perspectives for his electoral programme, which he plans to present next March at UNESCO.

During his tour, he met with government officials, intellectuals, artists, and civil society members. 

“These exchanges enrich my vision for UNESCO,” he said, adding that his candidacy is not limited to Arab and African countries but aims to represent all nations while acknowledging their cultural and economic diversity.

His goal, El-Enany said, is to propose an “inclusive candidacy” that addresses the diverse aspirations and challenges of all member states.

He also aims to strengthen UNESCO’s resources by forming partnerships with the private sector, major corporations, philanthropists, and civil society.

“Humanity needs UNESCO now more than ever,” El-Enany asserted, highlighting the organization’s pivotal role in combating hate speech, which stems from cultural, ideological, or religious conflicts.

“Respect for others begins at school,” he explained.

“We must teach children the values of tolerance and acceptance. Cultural diversity is a strength, not a crime or mistake,” he added.

El-Enany also called for deep reflection on how to utilize technology to benefit people "fairly and equitably." 

Climate change is another key focus for El-Enany. He believes that it is an issue that threatens humanity's natural and cultural heritage. He lamented that this new reality is worsening the economic, social, and environmental conditions in vulnerable regions, driving millions of people into exile.

Regarding education, El-Enany, who has taught at multiple universities in Egypt and abroad, emphasized the need for improved infrastructure, better working conditions for teachers, the integration of new technologies, and a focus on vocational training.

Third Egyptian candidate
 

Former minister of tourism and antiquities Khaled El-Enany is Egypt’s third nomination for the post of UNESCO director-general, with the election taking place in the last quarter of 2025.

In 2009, Egypt nominated former minister of culture Farouk Hosny for the post of UNESCO director-general, but he lost his bid to Bulgarian former foreign minister Irina Bokova.

Egyptian politician and diplomat Moushira Khattab was also Egypt’s candidate for the post of UNESCO director-general in 2017.

Khattab, who served as minister of state for family and population between 2009 and 2011, lost her bid to Audrey Azoulay, a former French minister of culture who is the current UNESCO director-general.