El-Enany, Egypt’s former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, won 55 out of 57 votes in the UNESCO Executive Board election, the widest margin in the organization’s history.
In a statement on Monday, the NCHR said the outcome reflects El-Enany’s “distinguished stature in cultural, scientific, and diplomatic circles,” adding that it was confident he would lead the organization “with a vision that upholds the values of humanity, science, and culture.”
The council said UNESCO’s mission aligns with the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which affirms that education, participation in cultural life, and access to scientific progress are fundamental human rights.
It added that El-Enany’s leadership comes at a “critical moment” for balancing shared human heritage with the demands of modern technological development.
The NCHR stated that it expects UNESCO’s role to grow under El-Enany, particularly in promoting creative interaction between culture and human rights, as well as in increasing access to knowledge worldwide.
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