Paris, 6 October 2025. – Within the framework of the 222nd session of UNESCO’s Executive Board, the candidate of Egypt, Dr. Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz, was nominated for the post of Director-General of the Organization by a large majority, obtaining 55 votes in his favour.
In her statement following the official announcement of the results, the Ambassador of Cuba, María del Carmen Herrera Caseiro, conveyed congratulations on behalf of her country and reaffirmed Cuba’s support, as well as that of the Cuban Delegation to UNESCO, for the successful performance of his mandate.
At the same time, the Cuban representative acknowledged the work and dedication of the other candidate, Mr. Firmin Edouard Matoko, an official with extensive professional experience within UNESCO.
Dr. El-Enany is a distinguished Egyptologist and professor of Egyptology. He previously served as Director of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, and held the position of Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Following this nomination by the Executive Board, Dr. El-Enany must be endorsed by the 43rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference, to be held in the city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, next November.
Khaled El-Enany would become the twelfth Director-General of UNESCO. He would be the first Director-General from an Arab country and the second African, after the Senegalese Amadou Mahtar M’Bow (1974–1987).