Khaled El-Enany, the official candidate of the African Union and the League of Arab States, presented his vision for the future of UNESCO to the organization’s Executive Board on April 9, 2025.
A statement made available to journalists in Abuja indicates that with over 30 years of experience and more than 50 visits around the world, El-Enany’s vision emphasises inclusive governance, stronger representation for countries in the Global South, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
During the 90-minute session, El-Enany outlined his vision, highlighting the need to strengthen UNESCO’s presence on the ground, promote more inclusive governance and innovative financing policies, and place culture, education, science, and intercultural dialogue at the heart of international action.
El-Enany emphasised a pragmatic and human-centered approach, stating, “With my slogan ‘UNESCO for the People,’ I aim to break down barriers, give a voice to the silenced, and bring about concrete change— in villages, classrooms, and communities.” His candidacy has received widespread support, including endorsements from the African Union, the League of Arab States, France, Brazil, and Turkey.
The candidate’s vision for UNESCO is centered around making the organization more responsive and united, driven by a strong desire to bring UNESCO closer to the people.
El-Enany’s leadership would contribute to a more inclusive UNESCO, enabling regions like the Mediterranean and the Arab world to address global challenges effectively.
