Egypt’s Khaled El-Enany Unveils Vision For a More Inclusive UNESCO.

By Caroline Ameh

Khaled El-Enany, Egypt’s former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and the official candidate of both the African Union and the League of Arab States, presented his strategic vision for UNESCO’s future before the organization’s Executive Board on Tuesday.

In a detailed 90-minute presentation, El-Enany, who boasts more than three decades of experience and extensive international engagement, outlined a plan focused on inclusive governance, stronger representation for countries in the Global South, and the ethical development and use of artificial intelligence.

Speaking under the campaign slogan “UNESCO for the People,” El-Enany pledged to bring the organization closer to communities around the world. “I aim to break down barriers, give a voice to the silenced, and bring about tangible change in villages, classrooms, and communities,” he said.

His vision prioritizes strengthening UNESCO’s field presence, promoting innovative financing mechanisms, and placing culture, education, science, and intercultural dialogue at the center of international efforts. El-Enany’s pragmatic and human-centered approach seeks to make UNESCO more responsive, effective, and united in facing global challenges.

His candidacy has already gained significant international backing, with endorsements from the African Union, the League of Arab States, France, Brazil, and Turkey.

If elected, El-Enany promises to champion a more inclusive UNESCO, aiming to empower regions like the Mediterranean and Arab world to play a greater role in shaping solutions to global issues.