Samarkand, 11 November – Within the framework of the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO, the investiture ceremony of Dr. Khaled Ahmed El-Enany, the new Director-General of the Organization, was held this Wednesday. Dr. El-Enany took the oath of office and delivered his inaugural address.
In his remarks, the former Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities conveyed a message of gratitude to his country for the confidence placed in him, as well as to the Arab Group, the African Group, and all Member States that trusted his vision and priorities for the future of the Organization.
He reaffirmed the message of a “UNESCO for the peoples,” a central theme throughout his campaign, emphasizing his vocation as a public servant to States and their peoples, which, he stated, will guide his work. In this context, he made special reference to the most vulnerable, including Small Island Developing States, acknowledging their particular circumstances in the face of the immense challenges they confront. He also underscored the importance of permanent dialogue with all stakeholders—governmental and non-governmental representatives, as well as Secretariat staff—conveying a message of unity in light of the turbulent times ahead.
The Cuban delegation participating in the Conference, headed by the President of the Cuban National Commission for UNESCO, Ambassador Dulce María Buergo Rodríguez, extended its message of congratulations and support to the new leadership of the Organization, while highlighting the value of cooperation and solidarity in addressing the challenges to come.
Dr. El-Enany received congratulations from numerous Member States, the President of the Executive Board, the representative of the outgoing Director-General, the Presidents of UNESCO’s six electoral groups, as well as representatives of the host country of the Organization, France, and the host country of the 43rd session of the General Conference, Uzbekistan, all of whom reaffirmed their support for the new Director-General.
This marks the first time in the Organization’s 80-year history that the post of Director-General is held by an Arab, and the second time by an African.