Politics

Morocco elected to UNESCO executive board during key global conference

Saturday 08 November 2025 - 08:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco elected to UNESCO executive board during key global conference

Morocco has achieved an important milestone on the global stage, securing a seat on the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The election took place during the 43rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The Kingdom garnered 146 votes, earning a four-year mandate on the board, as confirmed by the Moroccan delegation in attendance.

The UNESCO Executive Board, made up of 58 member states, plays a critical role in shaping the organization’s work. It examines UNESCO’s programs and budgets, which are proposed by the Director-General and approved by the General Conference.

New leadership at UNESCO

The conference also marked the election of Egypt’s Khaled Ahmed El-Enany as UNESCO’s new Director-General. El-Enany won an overwhelming 172 votes out of 174 participating countries, following a strong recommendation from the Executive Board in October. He succeeds Audrey Azoulay, who previously held the post.

El-Enany, born in 1971, is a prominent Egyptologist with a doctorate from Paul-Valéry University Montpellier 3 in France. His academic and professional career spans over 30 years, including teaching at Helwan University in Egypt and serving as a visiting professor in France.

He has held leadership roles in Egypt’s cultural and tourism sectors, including directing the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. From 2016 to 2022, El-Enany served as Minister of Antiquities and later as Minister of Tourism and Antiquities in Egypt.

Morocco’s growing international influence

Morocco’s election to UNESCO’s Executive Board reflects its growing influence in international diplomacy and cultural initiatives. The Kingdom’s commitment to fostering education, science, and cultural heritage aligns with UNESCO’s mission, positioning Morocco as a key partner in advancing the organization’s global objectives.