UNESCO's executive board has nominated Khaled El-Enany Ezz as its sole candidate for the next director-general. The 54-year-old Egyptian archaeologist and former minister of tourism and antiquities was praised for his 'unwavering dedication' and a two-year campaign visiting 65 countries. El-Enany, a professor of Egyptology at Helwan University, previously oversaw the construction and renovation of more than 20 museums, including the Grand Egyptian Museum. He will be the first Arab to lead the organization.
The selection comes at a critical time for UNESCO, which is grappling with the destruction of cultural sites in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as accusations of anti-Israel bias. The United States has announced it will withdraw from UNESCO at the end of 2026, a move that threatens the organization's finances. El-Enany's appointment has already sparked debate in Israel, with some viewing it as a sign that UNESCO is doubling down on alleged bias, especially as he replaces the first Jewish director-general, Audrey Azoulay.