The African World Heritage Fund (AWHF) joins the international community in celebrating the historic election of its Patron, Professor Khaled El-Enany of Egypt, as the new Director-General of UNESCO, following an overwhelming vote of confidence by Member States during the 43rd session of the General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Professor El-Enany’s election marks a defining moment for Africa and the global heritage family. Garnering 172 out of 174 votes, his appointment reflects not only his distinguished professional achievements but also his steadfast dedication to the ideals of education, culture, and heritage that UNESCO upholds. He becomes the first Director-General from an Arab country and only the second from Africa, following Senegal’s Amadou Mahtar Mbow (1974–1987), to hold this esteemed position.
A renowned Egyptologist, academic, and heritage leader, Professor El-Enany has long been a driving force in shaping the global narrative on cultural preservation and intercultural understanding. His outstanding record includes leadership of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, and his tenure as Minister of Antiquities and later Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt (2016–2022). His visionary approach to heritage as a bridge between peoples and nations has earned him international respect and distinction.
As Patron of the African World Heritage Fund, Professor El-Enany has been a true champion of Africa’s heritage. His partnership with AWHF has inspired renewed commitment to the protection, conservation, and sustainable development of cultural and natural heritage across the continent. In July 2025, he played a pivotal role in hosting a high-level side event at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris, where he brought Africa’s heritage priorities to the global stage and mobilised new partners in support of AWHF’s mission.
“The election of Professor Khaled El-Enany as Director-General of UNESCO is a moment of immense pride for Africa and the African World Heritage Fund. His passion, integrity, and dedication to heritage have long inspired our work. As Patron of the Fund, he has been a tireless advocate for Africa’s voice in global heritage diplomacy. We are confident that his leadership will usher in a new era of inclusion, innovation, and cooperation at UNESCO, with Africa playing a central role.”
Professor El-Enany’s African Union–endorsed candidacy was founded on a compelling vision for UNESCO—one that prioritises capacity-building, heritage financing, and the empowerment of African peoples and institutions. These values resonate deeply with AWHF’s mandate and strategic direction.
Over the past two decades, the African World Heritage Fund has become a cornerstone of heritage conservation and capacity development in Africa—training over 1,500 professionals and directly supporting the inscription of 42 new African sites on the World Heritage List. With leaders such as Professor El-Enany championing its cause, AWHF continues to demonstrate that heritage is not only a testament to the past but a foundation for identity, unity, and sustainable development across the continent.
As Professor El-Enany prepares to assume his new role on 15 November 2025, the AWHF reaffirms its commitment to working closely with UNESCO under his leadership, to further advance Africa’s visibility, representation, and influence within the World Heritage system.
“Professor El-Enany’s election reminds us that Africa’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and global contribution. We stand ready to support him as he continues to champion heritage as a force for peace, understanding, and shared prosperity”
The African World Heritage Fund extends its warmest congratulations to Professor Khaled El-Enany, celebrating not only his personal achievement but also a renewed hope for the future of World Heritage in Africa and beyond.
Links to the stories:
https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/khaled-el-enany-elected-director-general-unesco
https://awhf.net/awhf-chairperson-and-patron-meet-in-cairo-to-advance-africas-heritage-diplomacy/
