Egypt’s new UNESCO leadership

It is a great delight to learn that professor Khaled El-Enany, former Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, has been elected the new director-general of UNESCO at the UNESCO General Conference held on Nov. 6, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. His appointment marks not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for Egypt — a cradle of ancient civilization whose wisdom, creativity and humanistic spirit have long inspired the world.

El-Enany is the first Arab and the second African after Senegal’s Amadou-Mahtar M’Bow (1974–1987) to hold the post in UNESCO’s 80-year history. His leadership is expected to bring renewed vitality to the organization’s mission of advancing peace, cultural understanding and global solidarity.

I vividly recall his remarkable lecture earlier this year at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, when he was still a candidate for the post. The event was hosted by Egyptian Amb.Khaled Abdel Rahman on May 30. Particularly thought-provoking was his discussion on environmental stewardship and scientific advancement in ancient Egypt — themes that resonate with today’s global priorities for ethical and sustainable development.

I later met with him again at the ambassador's residence, exchanging views on Korea’s rich cultural heritage, with a particular emphasis on relics in Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, where the APEC 2025 summit was held. He also expressed great interest in the Korean media landscape, including The Korea Times.

For over three decades, El-Enany has built a distinguished career in scholarship, museum leadership and international engagement, embodying UNESCO’s ideals and promoting trust, cultural cooperation and shared heritage.

His vision of cultural diplomacy as a bridge between civilizations is timely and enduring. He underscores the need for UNESCO to act with discernment, adaptability and transparency, while steadfastly preserving humanity’s shared heritage. His appointment is a reminder that culture transcends preservation, serving as a force for sustainable development and mutual understanding among nations.

Egypt, with its enduring accomplishments and heritage, continues to stand as a beacon of human excellence. Its legacy lives on in the modern world through the wisdom and stewardship of leaders such as El-Enany. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to him. His foresight, integrity and unwavering dedication are poised to guide UNESCO toward a more inclusive, enlightened and harmonious future.

Egypt is also deepening its ties with Korea through renewed cultural and tourism exchanges. It is encouraging that Hanjin Tourism has reintroduced Korean Air charter flights to Egypt after a three-year hiatus, unveiling an inspiring travel program to one of the world’s most captivating destinations. These renewed connections provide a gateway for Korean travelers to rediscover Egypt’s timeless heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Along the majestic banks of the Nile — the cradle of a glorious civilization — ancient temples still echo with the legends of gods, and pyramids continue to breathe with the spirit of the pharaohs.

Ultimately, it is the enduring people-to-people connections that will keep our partnership aloft. Through exchange programs, tourism, cultural diplomacy and educational collaboration, Egypt and Korea continue to deepen mutual understanding and trust. These living ties form the true foundation of our relationship — one that will allow our two nations to grow together and flourish well into the future.

Given Korea’s wealth of UNESCO-designated cultural heritages, it is hoped that the newly elected Director-General Khaled El-Enany will give special attention to Korea’s distinctive cultural legacy, acknowledging it as an essential and enduring part of humanity’s shared heritage.

Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist for The Korea Times. He is a recipient of Sweden’s Royal Order of the Polar Star, one of the nation’s most distinguished honors.