Quoted from the official website of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

The Minister of Higher Education and the Alexandria Governor witnessed the Supreme Council of Universities honoring Dr. Khaled El-Anani at Alexandria University.

Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Lieutenant General Ahmed Khaled, Governor of Alexandria, witnessed the Supreme Council of Universities honoring Dr. Khaled El-Anany, the candidate elected by the Executive Board of UNESCO for the position of Director-General of the organization, in the presence of Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, President of Alexandria University, Dr. Mostafa Refaat, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Universities, university presidents, and ministry leaders at Alexandria University.

At the beginning of his speech, Dr. Ayman Ashour expressed his pride and great joy at the outcome of the elections to the UNESCO Executive Board, which resulted in the landslide victory of Dr. Khaled El-Anany, crowning a career rich in contributions and achievements in the fields of archaeology, culture, education, and the protection of human heritage. He emphasized that the political leadership had provided significant support for winning this prestigious international position, praising the considerable efforts made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Commission for UNESCO, and the relevant state agencies to support Dr. Khaled El-Anany in winning this position, and wishing him success and fulfillment in his new duties.

The Minister of Higher Education emphasized that this success reflects the state's belief in the importance of education and investment in people, which is what the ministry seeks to achieve by empowering young people and strengthening their national awareness. He pointed out that the appointment of an Egyptian to lead this organization represents international recognition of Egypt's cultural and historical status, and belief in its leading role in consolidating the values of peace, dialogue, and cultural diversity, as well as contributing to strengthening Egypt's presence in international institutions and adding a new victory to Egyptian culture and diplomacy.

For his part, Dr. Khaled El-Anany, the elected candidate for the position of Director-General of UNESCO, expressed his great happiness with the honor he received from the Supreme Council of Universities at Alexandria University, noting that UNESCO was established after World War II to consolidate peace among peoples, after it became clear that political and economic agreements unite governments, but they are not enough to unite peoples Hence the importance of UNESCO's role in promoting education and culture as pillars of human rapprochement.

Dr. Khaled El-Anany emphasized that UNESCO works to consolidate the status of education and science, support the right to education, eradicate illiteracy, promote lifelong learning, and focus on science, technology, innovation, and other areas of interest to the organization. He pointed out the importance of strengthening cooperation between Egyptian academic institutions and UNESCO in various fields, especially education, culture, and science.

Dr. Khaled El-Anany affirmed that he will work to support the organization's efforts during the coming period, expressing his thanks and appreciation to everyone who supported him in his journey to this high international position, as well as the great support provided by the Egyptian state and all its institutions. He emphasized that his success reflects the success of the university system, which has received unprecedented support from the President of the Republic.

During his speech, the Alexandria Governor congratulated Dr. Khaled El-Anany on his appointment as Director-General of UNESCO, the institution that represents the conscience of humanity and the guardian of the shared cultural and scientific memory of the peoples of the world, stressing that this well-deserved choice embodies the vision of the wise political leadership of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, which affirms that Egypt's true strength lies in its culture, identity, and civilizational depth, and that its message has been and will remain one of peace, civilization, construction, and awareness. He added that this achievement adds to a series of major Egyptian successes, foremost among which is the preparation for the historic opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which represents an eternal icon of human civilization, alongside Egypt's active presence on the international stage through the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit and global dialogues supporting the values of stability and peace.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Khaled expressed his full confidence that Dr. Khaled El-Anany, with his experience and vision, will contribute to consolidating cultural diplomacy, developing mechanisms for protecting human heritage, and supporting African and Arab countries rich in cultural treasures. He affirmed that Egypt is steadily moving towards achieving its “Egypt Vision 2030,” believing that culture, education, and knowledge are the foundation of true development and human development.

Dr. Abdelaziz Qanswa expressed his delight at honoring Dr. Khaled El-Anany, one of Egypt's loyal sons and distinguished scholars, on his election as Director-General of UNESCO, noting that this choice wasn’t in vain but rather the culmination of a career full of achievements in the fields of archaeology, tourism, culture, and education, and his well-known competence, ability, and dedication in serving his country and humanity.

The President of Alexandria University also expressed his delight at Alexandria University hosting this well-deserved honor, and that the higher education community is participating in celebrating this national figure who has raised Egypt's name high in international forums. and embodied the highest meanings of Egyptian soft power in the civilized dialogue between peoples and cultures. He wished him continued success and guidance in performing his new duties, and that his presidency of UNESCO would be a proud extension of Egypt's leading role in supporting education, culture, and science in the world.

For his part, Dr. Mustafa Refaat, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Universities, emphasized that this selection is an honor for Egypt as a whole, rather than just for Dr. Khaled El-Anany, and reflects the appreciation and respect accorded to Egyptian talent for its academic expertise, enlightened cultural vision, and ability to contribute effectively to shaping the future of education, scientific research, and culture at the international level. He pointed out that throughout his scientific and leadership career, Dr. Khaled El-Anany has been a model of a sincere national scientist who combines academic depth, cultural awareness, and high administrative ability, and has contributed to the protection of Egyptian heritage, the development of cultural tourism, and the promotion of Egypt's position on the cultural and civilizational map of the world.

The Secretary of the Supreme Council of Universities added that this event represents an opportunity to confirm the depth of cooperation between the Supreme Council of Universities and UNESCO, as the relationship between the two sides is long-standing and effective, based on partnership in supporting higher education, scientific research, and sustainable development. Through its programs and initiatives, the Council has been keen to strengthen cooperation with UNESCO in various fields, affirming the Council's commitment to continuing this close cooperation and expanding the scope of academic partnerships with UNESCO in the coming period.

The university presidents offered their sincere congratulations to Dr. Khaled El-Anany on his appointment to this high position and expressed their confidence in his ability to bring about a qualitative shift in the leadership of UNESCO in the future, especially as he possesses capabilities and expertise that represent a qualitative addition to the organization and reflect the civilizational and cultural aspects of Egypt.