Businessman Ali Salem Congratulates Dr. Khaled El-Anany on His Historic Election as UNESCO Director-General

In a moment of profound national pride and celebration, Egyptian businessman Ali Salem, Chief Executive Officer of El Shorouk Electric Company, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Khaled El-Anany, Egypt’s former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, following his historic election as Director-General of UNESCO—the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. The decisive vote took place during the 222nd session of UNESCO’s Executive Board on Monday at the organization’s headquarters in Paris.

Ali Salem praised Dr. El-Anany’s victory as a landmark achievement for Egypt, the Arab region, and the African continent, describing it as “a triumph that carries the voice of Egypt to the world and reaffirms the country’s leadership in culture, heritage, and civilization.”

“Dr. Khaled El-Anany’s success is not just a personal victory,” Salem stated,“It is a collective national achievement that places Egypt at the forefront of the global cultural scene and renews confidence in the country’s ability to lead international institutions with wisdom, vision, and honor.”

A Historic Milestone for Egypt and the Arab World

Salem highlighted that Dr. El-Anany’s election as the first Egyptian, the first Arab, and only the second African to assume the position of UNESCO Director-General in the organization’s 80-year history represents a defining moment for regional representation and cultural diplomac

He emphasized that this victory “sends a strong message to the world—that Egypt continues to be a beacon of civilization, peace, and knowledge, capable of contributing meaningfully to global understanding and sustainable development.”

Salem added that this achievement reflects the international community’s trust in Egyptian expertise, intellect, and leadership, noting that El-Anany’s selection came after an intense global competition among highly qualified candidates.

“The world has spoken clearly,” Salem continued. “Egypt remains a trusted voice in promoting dialogue among civilizations, protecting heritage, and defending the values of education and culture.

A Leader Who Bridged Egypt’s Past and Future

Reflecting on Dr. El-Anany’s professional journey, Ali Salem lauded his remarkable record of national service and his enduring contributions to preserving Egypt’s cultural identity. As Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, El-Anany led some of the country’s most ambitious heritage and tourism projects, positioning Egypt as a global destination for history and modern innovation alike.

Salem recalled several of El-Anany’s landmark accomplishments, including the inauguration of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in Fustat, the restoration of the Avenue of the Sphinxes in Luxor, and the transfer of royal mummies in a grand procession that captivated the world.

> “Dr. El-Anany’s work redefined how the world views Egypt,” Salem remarked. “He succeeded in merging authenticity with modernity, presenting our heritage not as a relic of the past but as a living force shaping our present and future.”



He further noted that under El-Anany’s leadership, Egypt’s tourism and heritage sectors witnessed unprecedented international attention, revitalizing the country’s image as the cradle of civilization and a symbol of cultural resilience.

Egypt’s Soft Power on the Global Stage

Ali Salem underscored that Dr. El-Anany’s victory symbolizes the power of Egypt’s soft diplomacy—its ability to influence global discourse through culture, knowledge, and creativity. He described the moment as a reflection of the country’s renewed leadership in global governance, grounded in its historic contributions to humanity’s intellectual and spiritual development.

“Egypt has always been a bridge between civilizations,” Salem explained. “With Dr. El-Anany leading UNESCO, we can expect an era of deeper cooperation between nations, a reinforcement of cultural understanding, and stronger advocacy for education and heritage preservation across the globe.”

Salem affirmed that supporting Dr. El-Anany’s candidacy came from a deep conviction that Egyptian leadership embodies integrity, vision, and balance—qualities essential to guiding a global institution like UNESCO amid today’s complex challenges.

A Triumph Beyond Borders

For Salem, this moment represents far more than a national celebration—it is a global endorsement of Egypt’s moral and cultural authority. He emphasized that El-Anany’s election resonates across continents, echoing Egypt’s timeless message of peace, coexistence, and enlightenment.

> “This victory is not just Egypt’s pride—it belongs to the Arab world, to Africa, and to every nation that believes in the power of knowledge and culture,” Salem said. “It demonstrates that leadership built on education and values will always prevail.”



The businessman also expressed his belief that this success story will inspire new generations of Egyptians to pursue excellence in international institutions, reaffirming Egypt’s role as a source of talent and wisdom on the world stage.

A New Chapter for Egypt’s Global Journey

In conclusion, Ali Salem described the election of Dr. Khaled El-Anany as “a new chapter in Egypt’s civilizational journey,” one that embodies the nation’s enduring quest to contribute to humanity’s progress.

> “Dr. El-Anany’s victory is a triumph for history itself,” Salem concluded. “It proves that Egypt’s voice remains strong, its civilization eternal, and its people destined to lead, inspire, and shape the future.”

With this milestone achievement, Egypt once again affirms that its leadership knows no boundaries, and its legacy continues to guide the world through wisdom, culture, and enlightenment.