As Egypt Seeks UNESCO Leadership, Can Cultural Heritage Bridge Middle East’s Political Divides?

Egypt’s bid to lead UNESCO through Khaled El-Anany represents both a historic milestone for Arab representation and a test of whether cultural diplomacy can transcend regional tensions.

A Watershed Moment for Arab Leadership

The potential appointment of Khaled El-Anany as UNESCO’s first Arab director-general comes at a pivotal moment for both the organization and the Middle East. El-Anany, who served as Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities from 2016 to 2021, brings a unique blend of academic credentials and practical experience in heritage preservation. His tenure oversaw major archaeological discoveries, including the stunning cache of ancient coffins at Saqqara, and the much-publicized restoration of Cairo’s historic Jewish synagogue – projects that garnered international acclaim and demonstrated Egypt’s commitment to preserving diverse cultural narratives.

UNESCO, founded in 1945 to build peace through international cooperation in education, science, and culture, has never been led by an Arab despite the region’s unparalleled contributions to world heritage. The organization has had directors-general from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, making this geographical gap increasingly conspicuous. El-Anany’s candidacy emerges as UNESCO faces budget constraints and political pressures, particularly after the United States’ withdrawal and subsequent return to the organization.

Regional Dynamics and Global Stakes

El-Anany’s potential leadership carries profound implications for UNESCO’s role in the Middle East, where cultural heritage sites have become casualties of conflict and political weapons. From the destruction of Palmyra in Syria to the ongoing disputes over Jerusalem’s holy sites, the region desperately needs UNESCO’s protective mandate. An Arab leader could bring invaluable regional insight and potentially greater diplomatic leverage in negotiating access to endangered sites and mediating heritage disputes.

However, this candidacy also raises questions about regional politics infiltrating UNESCO’s ostensibly neutral mission. Egypt’s relationships with other Arab nations vary widely – from close ties with Gulf states to complex dynamics with Qatar and Turkey. Critics might worry that an Egyptian leader could prioritize certain regional interests or face pressure from Cairo on sensitive votes, particularly regarding Palestinian heritage sites or Gulf archaeological projects.

The Soft Power Calculation

For Egypt, securing the UNESCO leadership represents a significant soft power victory at a time when the country seeks to reassert its cultural leadership in the Arab world. Under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Egypt has invested heavily in cultural mega-projects, from the Grand Egyptian Museum to the new administrative capital, positioning itself as the guardian of both ancient heritage and modern Arab culture. El-Anany’s appointment would validate this strategy on the global stage.

The timing is particularly strategic given the upcoming competitions for other UN leadership positions and the broader Global South push for greater representation in international organizations. Success here could catalyze more Arab candidacies for senior UN positions, potentially reshaping how global institutions approach Middle Eastern issues.

Challenges Ahead

Yet El-Anany faces substantial hurdles. UNESCO’s effectiveness depends on its perceived neutrality, and any director-general must navigate the competing interests of 194 member states. The organization’s most contentious decisions often involve Middle Eastern sites – from recognizing Hebron as a Palestinian World Heritage site to managing Turkish concerns over Byzantine heritage. An Arab leader might face heightened scrutiny over every decision touching the region, potentially limiting their effectiveness.

Moreover, UNESCO’s core challenges – inadequate funding, politicization of cultural heritage, and the climate threat to historical sites – require technical expertise and diplomatic finesse that transcend regional identity. El-Anany must convince member states that his vision extends beyond regional interests to embrace UNESCO’s global mission.

As the selection process unfolds, one question looms large: Will El-Anany’s potential appointment herald a new era of Arab influence in global cultural governance, or will it merely symbolize the continuing challenge of separating cultural preservation from political calculation in our fractured world?