UNESCO Executive Board Appoints Egypt’s Khaled El-Enany as Director-General Amid US Withdrawal Over Israel Bias Claims

UNESCO’s Executive Board took decisive action to elevate Egypt’s Khaled El‑Enany.

“Home>Headlines>UNESCO names Egypt’s Khaled El-Enany as Next Director-General UNESCO names Egypt’s Khaled El-Enany as Next Director-General Rabat – In a decisive vote on Monday, UNESCO’s Executive Boardnominatedformer Egyptian minister Khaled El-Enany to lead the United Nations’ cultural, educational, and scientific agency, positioning him as the organization’s next Director-General”

Morocco World News

Sources describe this action variously as an endorsement, nomination, appointment, or election, with different vote counts reported.

Morocco World News

African outlet Arise News reports the board voted 55–2 to endorse El‑Enany, pending final approval by the 194‑member General Conference in November.

Western Alternative WION states he has been elected with 55 out of 58 votes.

The Arab Weekly says he won 55 of 57 votes.

Several outlets note he will succeed France’s Audrey Azoulay after two terms, with confirmation expected at the November session.

Club of Mozambique adds that the specific venue and date for the transition will be in Uzbekistan in 2025.

Coverage differs on U.S. participation: Arise News and WION say the United States abstained, while thesun.my reports it did not participate.

Multiple sources highlight the historic nature of El-Enany’s elevation and the breadth of backing behind it.

Arise News and Club of Mozambique say he will be the first Arab and second African to lead UNESCO.

The Arab Weekly

AJC and The Arab Weekly stress he would be the first director from the Arab world.

Eastleigh Voice notes the Arab League and African Union support and quotes Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi hailing the move as a “historic achievement.”

WION details a 30-month global campaign under the theme “UNESCO for the People,” his museum leadership including the 2021 Royal Mummies Parade, and his ministerial tenure until 2022.

The appointment unfolds amid a funding crisis tied to the United States’ stated plan to quit UNESCO over claims of bias.

“In a statement on X on Monday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi praised the nomination as a "historic achievement" for Egypt and a milestone for Arab and African diplomacy and culture”

The Eastleigh Voice

Sources differ on the nature of the alleged bias and the details of U.S. participation in the vote.

Arise News reports that Washington abstained in the board vote as it plans to withdraw over alleged bias against Israel.

Club of Mozambique cites a U.S. announcement to leave by the end of 2026 due to claims of bias and divisiveness.

By contrast, thesun.my states the decision came amid accusations of pro-Israel bias, but also says the U.S. cited anti-Israel bias for its departure and did not participate in the vote.

Several outlets quantify the stakes involved in the withdrawal.

Arise News notes that the U.S. provides about 8% of UNESCO’s budget.

Morocco World News estimates the expected annual loss at about $75 million.

AJC and Eastleigh Voice describe the withdrawal as causing a significant budget shortfall or financial challenges.

El‑Enany’s stated agenda is cast as reconciliation, depoliticization, and financial stabilization.

Several sources highlight efforts to keep or bring back the U.S. and to diversify funding.

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Arise News reports he pledged to prioritize reconciliation and to persuade the U.S. to remain.

Thesun.my says he vowed to focus on technical issues rather than politicization and encourage a U.S. return.

Club of Mozambique says he intends to work toward re-engaging Washington.

Morocco World News adds his funding plan includes private-sector partnerships, new revenue models, and engagement with the tech industry, emphasizing transparency and non-politicization.

WION frames his vision around promoting international cooperation and cultural-heritage preservation.

The race and ratification timeline are depicted with notable discrepancies.

“UNESCO’s board voted 55–2 to back Egypt’s Khaled El-Enany as director, a decision awaiting final approval in November”

Arise News

Eastleigh Voice says El‑Enany defeated his only rival, Édouard Firmin Matoko of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Arise News

The Arab Weekly notes a Mexican candidate withdrew before El‑Enany defeated Matoko of the Republic of Congo.

WION and Arise vary on the final vote counts.

Regarding the process, WION and Arise both say the full 194‑member body will vote in November.

The Arab Weekly says the assembly typically follows the board’s recommendation.

Club of Mozambique places the vote in Uzbekistan with a specific date in 2025.

Eastleigh Voice simply says Uzbekistan will hold the vote next month.

Morocco World News and WION emphasize broad regional and international backing for El‑Enany, including support from the Arab League, African Union, and beyond.