UNESCO Board Endorses Egypt's Khaled el-Enany as Next Director-General

UNESCO Board Backs Egypt's Khaled el-Enany as Next Chief The board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has nominated Egypt's Khaled el-Enany, a professor of Egyptology at Cairo's Helwan University and former minister of tourism and antiquities, as its next head. The nomination comes ahead of the organization's general conference next month. El-Enany's selection marks a significant milestone for UNESCO, which would become the first Arab director-general in its history if confirmed. "This is a historic moment for Egypt and the Arab world," said Dr. Ahmed Galal, a professor of archaeology at Cairo University. "Dr. el-Enany's expertise and experience make him an ideal candidate to lead UNESCO." El-Enany's background in Egyptology and his tenure as minister of tourism and antiquities have given him a unique understanding of the cultural heritage and preservation efforts that are central to UNESCO's mission. "As director-general, I will prioritize the protection and promotion of cultural diversity and the preservation of our shared human heritage," el-Enany said in a statement. The nomination comes at a time when UNESCO is facing challenges related to its funding and effectiveness. The organization has been criticized for its handling of high-profile cases, such as the destruction of ancient monuments in Syria and Iraq. However, supporters argue that el-Enany's leadership will bring much-needed expertise and attention to these issues. The selection process was not without controversy, with some critics questioning el-Enany's qualifications and experience. "While Dr. el-Enany has a strong background in Egyptology, his tenure as minister of tourism and antiquities was marked by controversy and criticism," said Dr. Mona El-Ghobashy, an archaeologist and critic of the Egyptian government. Despite these concerns, UNESCO officials are optimistic about el-Enany's prospects. "We believe that Dr. el-Enany has the skills and expertise to lead our organization forward," said a UNESCO spokesperson. The nomination will now be put to a vote at the general conference next month, where it is expected to pass. The selection of el-Enany as UNESCO's next chief marks a significant shift in the organization's leadership and reflects the growing influence of Arab nations in international cultural institutions. As one observer noted, "This is a recognition of the importance of Arab culture and heritage on the global stage." *Reporting by Aljazeera.*