Samarkand, Uzbekistan | The 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand has elected Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz of Egypt as the new Director-General of UNESCO for the term 2026–2029.
El-Enany secured 172 votes, with 2 votes against and 2 abstentions, out of a total of 175 votes cast.
His election marks only the second time an African has taken leadership of UNESCO at this level, signalling a stronger African presence in global cultural and educational diplomacy.
Uganda was represented in the election by H.E. Ambassador Doreen Ruth Amule, who cast Uganda’s vote in favour of the newly elected Director-General.
The new Director-General will be officially installed in office on 11th November 2025.
Attention now turns to tomorrow’s vote for the UNESCO Executive Board, where Uganda is among the candidates.
There are 26 seats available, with 33 countries competing for representation.
Securing a seat would place Uganda at the heart of UNESCO’s policy-making table, strengthening the country’s ability to influence decisions in education, culture, science and heritage at a global level.
Ambassador Amule is expected to continue Uganda’s diplomatic engagements as the vote approaches.
