The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Emigration organized a high-profile event on January 13, 2025, in support of Dr. Khaled El-Anany’s candidacy for the position of Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The celebration, held at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo, brought together over 100 ambassadors and diplomats based in the capital.
Dr. Sameh Shoukry, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing that Egypt’s endorsement of Dr. El-Anany’s candidacy reflects the nation’s esteem for his vast academic, cultural, and administrative expertise. He underscored that Egypt has spared no effort in advancing global peace and fostering international cooperation to promote development, security, stability, and prosperity. He also highlighted that Dr. El-Anany’s leadership, vision, and qualifications make him well-suited to lead UNESCO, especially given that no Arab candidate has ever held the position of Director-General since the organization’s establishment. Minister Shoukry further noted that the time is ripe for greater representation from the Arab and African regions within UNESCO.
Dr. Shoukry stressed the necessity for global collaboration in addressing interconnected challenges and emphasized Egypt’s firm belief in multilateralism and the strengthening of international institutions. He also pointed out UNESCO’s vital role in promoting peace through education, science, and culture, areas where Egypt has always been actively involved, given its status as a founding member of the organization.
The event also featured remarks by Dr. Khaled El-Anany, who expressed gratitude for the trust and support shown by Egypt’s leadership and various state institutions for his candidacy. He particularly commended the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in managing his electoral campaign. Dr. El-Anany outlined the progress of his candidacy since its announcement by Egypt’s Prime Minister on April 5, 2023. He also spoke about his ongoing international outreach to gather global perspectives and build a consensus around his election platform.
Dr. El-Anany shared the broad outlines of his vision for UNESCO’s future, which he will formally present to the organization in mid-March 2025. He concluded his speech by launching the official website for his candidacy campaign.
The gathering witnessed the presence of Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communication, Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Yasmin Fouad, Minister of Environment, and former Foreign Ministers Ahmed Aboul Gheit and Sameh Shoukry, and Dr. Hala El-Said, Economic Development Advisor to the President, along with key parliamentarians.
This celebratory gathering underscored Egypt’s firm commitment to promoting its candidate for the prestigious role at UNESCO, an institution central to the global agenda of peace, education, and cultural preservation.
