Nigeria has formally endorsed Egypt’s former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Khaled El-Enany, as the African Union (AU) candidate for the position of Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The endorsement was announced by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, on the sidelines of the Nigeria-Egypt Business Forum held in Abuja.
Ambassador Tuggar described El-Enany as a globally respected cultural diplomat whose expertise in heritage preservation and international cooperation aligns with Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities and the broader aspirations of the Global South.
“Nigeria is proud to support Mr. Khaled El-Enany,” Ambassador Tuggar stated. “His work in Egypt speaks volumes particularly his leadership in the preservation of African antiquities and the promotion of tourism as a bridge between civilizations. We believe he is well suited to serve the international community in a broader capacity.”
El-Enany, a renowned Egyptologist and academic, served as Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities from 2016 to 2022. During his tenure, he led major restoration projects and significantly boosted Egypt’s profile in global cultural diplomacy.
His candidacy is widely seen as part of a collective push to amplify African representation in global institutions and promote experienced leadership in cultural governance.
The Nigeria-Egypt Business Forum provided a platform for enhanced bilateral relations, bringing together senior government officials, business leaders, and policymakers from both countries to explore opportunities in trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
