Egypt's Khaled El-Enany leads in race to succeed UNESCO chief, facing Congo’s Firmin Edouard Matoko in November vote.

Egyptian former Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled El-Enany is the frontrunner to succeed UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, backed by Egypt, the Arab League, and nations including France, Germany, and Saudi Arabia. His rival, Congo’s Firmin Edouard Matoko, a longtime UNESCO diplomat, remains hopeful, citing institutional expertise and support from African nations. The UNESCO executive board is expected to issue a recommendation ahead of the November 6 vote at the general assembly in Uzbekistan, where the final choice will be decided by secret ballot among 194 member states. The outcome may be influenced by geopolitical dynamics, including regional tensions and diplomatic balancing.