Latest news with #KhaledEl-Enany
Yomiuri Shimbun
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Egyptian Candidate for Unesco's Top Spot Stresses Agency's Role in Times of Crisis
The Japan News Khaled El-Enany speaks during an interview with The Japan News at the Egyptian Embassy in Tokyo on May 26. Khaled El-Enany, a former minister of tourism and antiquities for Egypt and now a candidate for director general of UNESCO, stressed the role the U.N. organization has played in times of crisis and the need to strengthen its funding in a recent interview with The Japan News in Tokyo. A written response was also provided after the interview. Recent conflicts around the world, including in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, have damaged and destroyed numerous cultural properties, while also seriously impacting many children's ability to get an education. El-Enany argued that the destruction of cultural heritage is 'no longer a tragic by-product of war' but is now rather 'a deliberate strategy … to erase identity.' As for the children who lose access to education, he said they 'miss the values needed to thrive in their societies,' which can put an entire generation at risk 'of marginalization, of vulnerability, sometimes of radicalization.' The affected children need 'pragmatic solutions,' such as distance-learning tools, as well as psychological support. UNESCO, said El-Enany, has neither the power nor the mandate to stop wars. That means it should be focused on its roles at three levels — preventing conflicts by 'fostering a culture of peace and fighting against hate'; protecting institutions and cultural assets during conflicts; and prioritizing reconstruction of 'heritage sites and schools' after conflicts. In February, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced it would reconsider U.S. membership in UNESCO because the agency has 'demonstrated anti-Israel sentiment over the past decade,' among other reasons. The United States withdrew from the organization in 2018 during the first Trump administration and was readmitted in 2023 during the Biden administration. Nicaragua recently announced it intends to withdraw over issues related to free speech. El-Enany expressed regret over these developments, which he said present a serious problem for funding and mean the loss of U.S. expertise. That is why UNESCO must 'do everything to keep the United States,' he asserted. 'The idea behind UNESCO is inclusivity, and we have to have everyone, even countries who disagree politically.' He added that UNESCO 'can offer [a] very important platform' for discussion of contentious issues. In light of these problems, he called for strengthening UNESCO's funding to make it more diverse, flexible and sustainable, so that the organization can minimize the possible impact of withdrawals and 'focus on its strategic priorities rather than constantly adapting to fragmented project-based logic.' To this end, there needs to be stronger 'partnerships with the private sector and philanthropic foundations.' UNESCO's next director general election will be appointed by the General Conference in October. Currently, two other candidates are also in the running.
Egypt Today
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
African-European Ministerial Meeting addresses Egyptian candidate Khaled Anani for post of UNESCO of Director-General
Khaled Anani- File Photo CAIRO – 23 May 2025: The final communiqué of the African-European Ministerial Meeting in Brussels tackled the African Union's endorsement of Dr. Khaled El-Enany as a candidate for the position of of Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said the Egyptian Foreign Ministry in a statement on Friday. The third African Union–European Union Ministerial Meeting, held on May 21, 2025, in Brussels, reviewed the progress made in implementing the Shared Vision 2030 for a renewed partnership between Africa and Europe. The meeting also set the stage for the upcoming seventh AU–EU Summit, to be held in Africa later this year, marking the 25th anniversary of the partnership. The communiqué highlighted the European Union's understanding of the African Union's endorsement of Dr. El-Enany's candidacy for the 2025–2029 term, the Ministry added. This endorsement reflects a unified continental stance on the importance of African representation in leading international institutions, as well as confidence in the Egyptian candidate's ability to advocate for Africa's priorities within UNESCO, said the Egyptian Ministry. Dr. El-Enany's candidacy continues to gain international momentum, with Austria and Slovakia becoming the latest countries to officially declare their support last week, the Ministry continued. The Executive Council of the African Union has endorsed the nomination of Egyptian candidate Dr. Khaled El-Enany for the position of UNESCO Director-General. The AU's endorsement was announced during the 44th session of the Executive Council, held in Addis Ababa on February 14–15.
Al-Ahram Weekly
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt's Khaled El-Enany outlines strategic vision in bid for UNESCO leadership
Egypt's candidate for the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General post, Khaled El-Enany, presented his candidacy and strategic vision to members of UNESCO's Executive Board in Paris on Wednesday. 'Today, I had the honour and privilege to present my vision to the esteemed members of UNESCO's Executive Board,' El-Enany wrote on his official Facebook page. He said the session marked a significant milestone in a remarkable journey he began two years ago, driven by a strong belief in the transformative power of dialogue. 'A journey where I traveled to over 45 countries, listening and engaging with officials, students, academics, artists, journalists, and civil society to get a firm grasp on the real needs and priorities of people,' he added. El-Enany emphasised that his campaign for the top UNESCO post is founded on transparency, inclusivity, and active listening. 'After today's exchanges, I am more determined than ever to continue my transparent and inclusive journey to get in touch with the hopes and aspirations of every member state,' he wrote. He pledged that his mission will focus on dialogue and engagement, aiming to foster trust and, above all, to realise the vision of 'A UNESCO for the People.' El-Enany, a prominent Egyptian academic and former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, is widely recognised for advocating international cooperation in education and science. His candidacy positions Egypt again at the forefront of multilateral diplomacy within UNESCO, an organisation Egypt helped found. In 2009, Egypt nominated former Minister of Culture Farouk Hosny for the post of UNESCO director-general. He lost his bid to Bulgarian former foreign minister Irina Bokova. In 2017, politician and diplomat Moushira Khattab was also nominated by Egypt for the post. However, she lost her bid to the current UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azouly. The final selection of the next Director-General is expected later this year. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
