The announcement came after the conclusion of voting during the 222nd session of UNESCO’s Executive Board in Paris.
El-Enany won 55 votes against just two for his closest rival, Firmin Edouard Matoko of the Republic of Congo, the largest winning margin in UNESCO’s history.
He is also the first Egyptian and Arab ever elected to the organization’s top post.
“I have visited 65 countries in 30 months and one day. I have conducted an inclusive campaign engaging all member countries,” El-Enany said during his acceptance speech.
“During my first 100 days, I promise to work with all member states to modernize UNESCO, without discrimination or personal agenda,” he added.
Born in Giza in 1971, El-Enany is an Egyptologist and academic who served as Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities from 2019 to 2022. He previously headed the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and was a professor of Egyptology at Helwan University.
A graduate of Helwan University’s Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management, he earned his master’s degree in Egyptology in 1996 and a PhD from France’s University of Paul Valéry Montpellier III in 2001.
Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, El-Enany has led several major heritage projects, including preparations for the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and multiple international cultural collaborations.
Nominated by Egypt in 2023, he campaigned on a platform of transparency, inclusivity, and dialogue, pledging to make UNESCO “a UNESCO for the people.”
In September, El-Enany received the insignia of Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur, France’s highest civilian distinction. French Ambassador Éric Chevallier praised his “remarkable career and constant commitment” to education, culture, scientific research, and intercultural dialogue.
..
Short link: