Islamabad (TDI): Dr. Khaled El-Enany, the first Egyptian and Arab Director General of UNESCO, met the Pakistani Prime Minister on Monday, during an official visit to the country.
El-Enany was elected in October last year by winning an overwhelming 55 of 58 votes; a voting from which the United States abstained. But his election was celebrated as a milestone both in Egypt and the larger Arab world.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shebaz Sharif, congratulated Dr. El-Enany on assuming the role, and expressed confidence in his leadership at a time when the world faces complex educational, cultural, and environmental challenges.
He emphasized that Pakistan remains fully aligned with UNESCO’s mission of promoting quality education for all, safeguarding cultural heritage, and strengthening societal resilience.
The meeting was also attended by Minister for Education and Professional Training – Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Minister for Science and Technology – Khalid Hussain Magsi, and Minister for National Heritage and Culture – Aurangzeb Khichi.
PM Sharif commended UNESCO’s ongoing work and highlighted Pakistan’s desire to further deepen collaboration with the organization under El-Enany’s stewardship.
Read More: Egypt’s Khaled el‑Enany Elected UNESCO’s First Arab Director‑General
He outlined key initiatives undertaken by the government in the education sector, particularly the “Education Emergency” program, which aims to maximize the enrollment of out-of-school children across the country.
Sharing insights from his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab, the PM spoke about successful education reforms, best practices, and innovative approaches that had yielded measurable improvements in access and quality.
On cultural heritage, the prime minister expressed satisfaction with UNESCO’s support in protecting and preserving six cultural heritage sites in Pakistan.
He invited UNESCO to expand its partnership with Pakistan by considering additional sites for enlistment, including the historic Khewra Salt Mines, which hold significant cultural, economic, and historical value.
Dr. El-Enany said that during his short visit to Pakistan, he has toured several schools and cultural sites, gaining firsthand insight into the country’s efforts in education and heritage preservation.
He praised Pakistan’s achievements in the education sector and reaffirmed UNESCO’s continued commitment to supporting Pakistan in the fields of education, science, and culture.
