Paris: The General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today elected Egypt’s former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr. Khaled El-Enany, as Director-General of the organization, with 172 votes out of 174.
According to Qatar News Agency, the organization announced via its social media platform, X, that Dr. El-Enany will succeed Audrey Azoulay, who has held the position since 2017. Dr. El-Enany is scheduled to officially assume his duties as Director-General of UNESCO in mid-November.
Dr. Khaled El-Enany was elected Director-General of the international organization in early October, after receiving 55 out of 58 votes in the UNESCO Executive Board, which is responsible for electing the Director-General. His Congolese opponent, Firmin Mataku, received only two votes.
El-Anani will be the first Arab Director-General of UNESCO, which is one of the most prominent United Nations organizations.