UNESCO’s Future Leadership: A Critical Evaluation of Egypt’s Candidacy

By Coptic Solidarity –

This October, during the 43rd session of the General Conference, the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will vote to nominate the candidate to become organization’s next Director-General. This nomination will then be formally approved at the General Assembly to be held in November.

Three candidates are in contention for this influential post:

• Khaled El-Enany (Egypt)
• Gabriela Ramos (Mexico)
• Firmin Edouard Matoko (Republic of Congo)

As the world faces unprecedented challenges to cultural heritage, education equity, and freedom of expression, the selection of UNESCO’s next leader carries important global consequences. This new report by Coptic Solidarity offers a timely and essential analysis of Egypt’s candidacy and record—particularly in the core areas that define UNESCO’s mission: culture, heritage, education, and human rights.

Coptic Solidarity believes that any candidate aspiring to lead UNESCO must demonstrate moral integrity, a proven commitment to cultural diversity and freedom of expression, and executive experience in promoting inclusive and equitable education. Egypt’s track record undercuts these values in multiple, critical areas.

Key concerns highlighted in the report include:

• The St. Catherine Monastery Crisis
  The Egyptian government has mounted legal challenges to the historic land ownership of the St. Catherine Monastery—a prominent UNESCO World Heritage Site—undermining centuries-old history of survival. These actions contradict both the Status Quo agreement and Egypt’s own representations to UNESCO, with the candidate’s ministry directly involved in these proceedings.
• Destruction of Historic Cemeteries and Controversial Heritage Policies
  Large-scale demolitions of historic cemeteries in Cairo, questionable restoration practices, and restrictive photography/filming policies all raise alarms. These actions, carried out under the candidate’s tenure as Minister of Antiquities and Tourism, appear to prioritize state-driven development at the expense of Egypt’s cultural heritage.
• Cultural Suppression and Minority Discrimination
  The report documents systemic discrimination against Egypt’s Coptic Christian minority—eroding their cultural identity, limiting access to public sector positions, and excluding them from equal participation in education and heritage preservation. These issues directly contradict UNESCO’s commitment to safeguarding cultural diversity and minority rights.
• A Sectarian and Unequal Education System
  Egypt’s dual-track education system—including a state-sponsored, Muslims-only religious track run by Al-Azhar, and a growing network of Quranic schools (Kuttab) —entrenches sectarian divides. A recent policy decision to incorporate religious education scores into overall academic grading further institutionalizes inequality in access to educational opportunity.
• Severe Restrictions on Press Freedom
  Egypt ranks among the lowest in the world for media freedom. In 2024, Reporters Without Borders placed Egypt 170th out of 180 countries in its World Press Freedom Index, citing total government control over media and the routine imprisonment of journalists. Such conditions are incompatible with the open, pluralistic values that UNESCO must uphold.

This report is a critical resource for countries evaluating Egypt’s bid to lead UNESCO. It urges Executive Board members to closely examine not just the résumé of a candidate—but the values, record, and system they represent. At stake is the credibility of UNESCO itself.

View Report in English

View Report in French