Sunday Times 2
DG candidate sees UNESCO’s relevance as unifying force
View(s):By Chandani Kirinde
Khaled el-Enany, Egypt’s candidate for the post of Director-General of the Paris-headquartered United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), was in Sri Lanka this week to meet with government officials and other stakeholders as he travels across countries canvassing support for his candidature.
An Egyptologist and former tourism minister, he is well placed to take up the position of DG of UNESCO at a time when the United Nations as a whole and organisations like UNESCO in particular are struggling with funding cuts, heightening global tensions and numerous other challenges. During his brief visit to Sri Lanka, Mr. El-Enany spoke to the Sunday Times on his plans to overcome the challenges the UN body faces and pledged to ensure that UNESCO’s presence in Sri Lanka is even more visible, active, and attuned to the realities of its people if he is elected to the UN body. Here are excerpts of the interview:
- It’s a challenging time to take over a UN body given the funding cuts, layoffs and numerous other challenges?
Khaled el-Enany: Way forward is dialogue, not divisions. Pic by Indika Handuwala
This year, UNESCO marks 80 years since its founding in 1945. The world has changed dramatically since then, and like all multilateral institutions, UNESCO is navigating a period of profound challenge—while staying true to its core mission: building lasting peace. In a fragmented world, shaped by deep geopolitical shifts, the challenges we face are complex—but they also provide a chance to rethink how UNESCO works. We must become more agile, more responsive to crises, and more grounded in the realities on the ground.
The question of financing is central. A persistent lack of resources continues to hinder global progress. That’s why I am proposing a new financial pact built on three pillars: diversification, transparency, and innovation. With a clear and coherent financial strategy, we can give UNESCO the means to fulfil its ambitions—through more effective governance and by empowering our regional offices that work closest to communities.
This approach includes diversifying our sources of funding by engaging both public and private partners and by developing innovative financial instruments: social impact bonds, crowdfunding, and targeted campaigns. UNESCO must be equipped to adopt solutions that serve its objectives—not be held back by financial instability. Through a dedicated digital platform, each partner will be able to track the impact of their contributions. That’s how we build trust—and that’s how we build a stronger UNESCO.
- President Trump wants to conduct a review of membership in UNESCO, stating the US interest may not be aligned with the direction UNESCO is taking. How would you handle such a situation?
Multilateralism only works if we make the effort to keep the door open—always. UNESCO is a space where dialogue must prevail over division and where every member state—regardless of its size, power, or politics—has something vital to contribute.
The United States has long been a valued partner within UNESCO, not only because of its financial contributions—which are indeed significant—but also because of the depth of its intellectual, scientific, educational, and cultural leadership. Its presence strengthens the organisation’s global reach and relevance, just as the engagement of all other member states does, from Asia to Africa to Latin America.
I do not believe multilateralism means perfect agreement. It means choosing cooperation over retreat—especially when perspectives differ. As Director-General, I would see it as my responsibility to engage respectfully and continuously with all member states, including those expressing doubts or concerns. We must always seek common ground, grounded in UNESCO’s core values.
- Does UNESCO remain relevant to today’s world?
UNESCO’s mandate has remained fundamentally relevant throughout its history, and it continues to be essential today. In a rapidly changing world, its mission—to promote peace, education, science, culture, and communication—addresses global challenges that transcend time and geography. The recent inscription of a trilingual stone tablet— in Chinese, Tamil, and Persian—on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register is a powerful example. Co-submitted by China and Sri Lanka, this artefact praises Buddha, Vishnu, and Allah in the same breath. It speaks volumes about international cultural cooperation, inter-civilisational dialogue, and the peaceful coexistence of faiths. It reminds us of the unifying power of heritage—its ability to bridge cultures and bring people together. And it shows that UNESCO’s relevance is real and far-reaching. Now is the time to deepen and expand that relevance.
In Sri Lanka, the impact of UNESCO is especially visible—not only in the safeguarding of historic sites like Sigiriya but also in the protection of biodiversity. The Bundala Biosphere Reserve, recognised by UNESCO, stands as a symbol of how conservation and human activity can coexist—through natural sciences, public awareness, and the commitment of states.
- You have been a minister in the Egyptian government and are a renowned Egyptologist. How would that experience help you in the job of UNESCO DG?
My background combines institutional leadership with deep field experience. I began my career as a tour guide—with a simple but powerful mission: to promote culture and make it accessible to all. For me, that is the essence of UNESCO: to protect, promote, and pass on our shared heritage. Later, as Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, I carried the same passion into public service—working to align heritage preservation with the full economic potential of the cultural sector through major archaeological and museum projects.
I also spent over thirty years as a professor. As an Egyptologist, I have seen how heritage can serve as a universal language. To me, education is not just about passing on knowledge. It is about shaping free minds: minds capable of debate without division, of cooperation, of independent thought. That is the foundation of any democracy, of any lasting peace.
My profile is unique in this election, but I believe it has shaped a leadership style grounded in listening, consensus-building, accountability, and a focus on tangible results. That is the approach I want to bring to UNESCO—one that is rooted in the field and firmly oriented toward real-world impact.
I have visited over 45 countries as part of my bid for the position of UNESCO Director-General, and what I have consistently encountered is a profound respect for the mission and values of the organisation. The response I’ve received from across the globe has been overwhelmingly positive and deeply encouraging.
These visits reflect my commitment to transparency and my work ethic. I wanted to announce my candidacy well in advance to ensure I could listen to all relevant stakeholders. This was not just about meeting government officials but also engaging directly with academics, intellectuals, journalists, artists, educators, NGOs, and those involved with UNESCO’s work on the ground. I believe that to lead effectively, it is essential to listen to the voices of those who are impacted by UNESCO’s actions.
- I understand France and several other countries have already endorsed your candidature?
I am truly honoured and deeply grateful for the support I have received from many countries, including France. Some countries have chosen to make their support public, while others have preferred to keep their endorsements private, and I respect both approaches. The diversity of support reflects the broad-based trust and confidence in my vision for UNESCO.
I am particularly proud that my candidacy has been endorsed by the African Union and the League of Arab States, which underscores my commitment to representing the entire UNESCO membership. I strongly believe that the position of Director-General is one that must reflect the collective interests of all Member States, transcending regional or national boundaries. UNESCO is an organisation that belongs to all its members, and as such, the Director-General must represent the diverse voices and aspirations of every country. It is important to recognise that my candidacy is not tied to one country or region.
- What is your message to Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka embodies the very values UNESCO must uphold: diversity, resilience, a deep commitment to education, and the preservation of natural resources. I am grateful to the Government of Sri Lanka for providing me with the opportunity to organise this mission and these meetings, which is a crucial part of my ongoing efforts to listen to stakeholders on the ground. Sri Lanka has much to offer the world. The country is a powerful example of how cultural heritage can serve as a driver of peace, social cohesion, and sustainable development. After years of conflict, Sri Lanka has drawn on its history and traditions to promote reconciliation and unity—turning heritage into a symbol of national renewal.