The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has congratulated Mr. Khaled El-Enany, former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, on his emergence as the new Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which is expected to be confirmed by the organization’s biennial General Conference, scheduled to take place on November 6, 2025.
In his congratulatory message, signed by his spokesperson, Mr Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, the Chairperson commended H.E. El-Enany’s record of leadership and public service, particularly in the areas of culture, education, and heritage. He expressed confidence in the new Director-General’s capacity to steer UNESCO with vision and dedication, noting that his leadership comes at a time when international cooperation is more vital than ever.
Reaffirming the African Union’s commitment to deepening collaboration with UNESCO, H.E. Youssouf emphasised the AU’s focus on advancing inclusive and quality education, fostering scientific excellence, and preserving Africa’s rich cultural heritage. He highlighted the shared ambition to accelerate the implementation of both the African Union’s Agenda 2063: “The Africa We Want” and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The African Union Commission expressed readiness to work closely with H.E. El-Enany and the UNESCO Secretariat to promote joint initiatives that empower African youth, encourage innovation and creativity, and safeguard the continent’s cultural and natural heritage for future generations.
