On November 7, 2025, the organization announced that Egyptian archaeologist and professor Khaled Ahmed al-Anani Ali Ezz has been appointed as UNESCO's 12th Director-General. He will start his four-year term on November 15.
Al-Anani will be the first representative of an Arab country to head UNESCO and the second African to hold this senior position. He previously served as Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Minister of Antiquities.
The new leader holds a doctorate in philosophy in Egyptology, has 30 years of teaching experience, and is fluent in three languages. He is also known as the special ambassador for cultural tourism at the World Tourism Organization.
UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that helps strengthen peace through international cooperation in science, education, and culture. The organization unites 194 member states and manages more than 2,000 World Heritage sites worldwide.
