Egypt President al-Sisi reiterates support for El-Enany’s UNESCO D-G candidacy
President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt says support for the Egyptian candidate for UNESCO, Khaled El-Enany, will maintain African unity and solidarity in the comity of nations.
In a letter by Mohamed Fouad, Egyptian ambassador on Monday in Abuja, Al-Sisi said that the move carries strong diplomatic weight, coming just weeks before the election of UNESCO’s next Director-General.
El-Enany, Egypt’s former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, first announced his candidacy in April 2023.
It was formally endorsed by the African Union in February 2024—a position that has since been reiterated during successive sessions of the African Union in 2024 and 2025.
No other contender has secured the pan-African backing, making him the sole candidate accepted by the continent as a whole to date.
Al-Sisi said: ‘’That solid foundation quickly opened the door to wider support beyond Africa, underscoring the recognition of a profile able to unite across divides. In an election shaped by delicate diplomatic balances, the Egyptian bid has emerged as a consensus-building option.’’
He added that since launching his campaign, El-Enany has toured more than 60 countries, meeting political leaders, academics, young people, and civil society representatives.
He said that this hands-on diplomacy has shaped a platform closely aligned with member states’ priorities: education as a fundamental right, culture as a bridge between peoples, and science and research as pillars of sustainable development.
Among his concrete proposals are strengthening UNESCO’s presence in Africa, supporting development programmes, and investing in local capacity-building. ‘’A respected Egyptologist, professor since 1993, and former minister managing an administration of 35,000 people, El-Enany brings both academic and political credentials that fit UNESCO’s mission.
‘’His reforms in heritage preservation, museum modernisation, and cultural tourism have earned him international recognition, further reinforcing his standing.
‘’Now backed not only by the African Union but also by the Arab League and a cross-regional coalition of states, his candidacy extends well beyond its continental roots.’’
Al-Sisi’s message confirmed El-Enany’s acceptance as the October 6 vote nears.
El-Enany increasingly appears to be the candidate of global consensus; unifying, forward-looking, and attuned to the future of UNESCO.(NAN)
