UNESCO Board Appoints Egyptian Ex-Minister as Next Director-General Amid US Tensions

On Monday, UNESCO’s executive board voted to appoint Khaled el-Enany, Egypt’s former antiquities and tourism minister, as the United Nations cultural agency’s next director-general. The decision comes amid accusations of pro-Israel bias that led the United States to announce its withdrawal from the organisation.

Appointment Details

• Appointee: Khaled el-Enany, 54
• Previous role: Egypt’s Minister of Antiquities and Tourism (2016–2022)
• Predecessor: Audrey Azoulay, France (served two four-year terms)
• Vote outcome: 55 of 57 votes in favour (Vera Lacoeuilhe, board chair)
• Assumption of office: 14 November 2025, pending General Assembly ratification in Uzbekistan on 6 November

If confirmed, Enany will be UNESCO’s first director-general from an Arab country and the second from Africa, following Senegal’s Amadou Mahtar Mbow (1974–1987).

Context and Controversy

The United States did not participate in the vote, having announced in June that it would leave UNESCO by the end of 2026, citing perceived bias against Israel and the promotion of “divisive” causes. US contributions account for 8% of UNESCO’s overall budget, making the withdrawal a significant financial blow.

Enany has stated his intention to encourage US re-engagement and prioritise the agency’s budgetary stability.

“The current challenge is the budget. That is going to be the priority of all of us,” he told reporters.
He also pledged to focus on technical deliberations rather than politicisation within UNESCO.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi described the appointment as a “historic success” and wished Enany success in his “noble mission.”

Election Process

• Initially, two candidates vied for the top role after a Mexican contender withdrew in August.
• Enany competed against Firmin Edouard Matoko of the Republic of Congo, who served as UNESCO’s de facto foreign minister until March.
• During his campaign, Enany claimed to have visited 65 countries and met 400 people over 30 months to garner support.

Career Highlights

Enany emphasised that his tenure would focus on technical expertise and multilateral collaboration, seeking to ensure that UNESCO functions effectively beyond political disputes.

Next Steps

• UNESCO General Assembly: Ratification meeting in Uzbekistan, 6 November 2025
• Executive Board: Consists of 58 of UNESCO’s 194 member states, whose recommendations have never been overturned by the assembly.

The organisation, renowned for designating world heritage sites, now faces the challenge of maintaining its operations amid the loss of US funding and ongoing geopolitical tensions.