Strategic Management Board

Mr Khaled El-Enany | Director-General

The General Conference of UNESCO, at its 43st session, has elected Mr Khaled El-Enany as Director-General of the Organization.

Khaled El-Enany, Egyptologist and former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities (2019–2023), has devoted his career to preserving and promoting cultural heritage. As Minister, he spearheaded major initiatives like the Grand Egyptian Museum and the restoration of key archaeological sites, linking heritage with education and sustainable tourism.

He is committed to ensuring UNESCO fully upholds its universal mission, promoting humanistic values, openness, and serving as a global intellectual forum and standard-setter. The Organization will advance society by shaping norms, fostering knowledge dissemination, and acting as a driving force within the UN system.

UNESCO Director general, Khaled El-Enany

©UNESCO, Michel Maxime

Ms Åsa Regnér | Deputy Director-General - DDG

Ms Åsa Regnér has held senior leadership positions in the Swedish government, in non-governmental organisations and within the United Nations system.

Most recently, she served as Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Sweden (2023–2026). She previously served as Deputy Executive Director of UN Women (2018–2023) and as Sweden’s Cabinet Minister for Children, the Elderly and Gender Equality (2014–2018), where she strengthened national policies on gender equality and on the prevention of violence against women.

Earlier in her career, Ms. Regnér was Director of Planning at the Ministry of Justice (2005–2007) and Political Adviser in the Prime Minister’s Office (1997–2005). She began her career defending women’s rights as a volunteer with a Swedish NGO in La Paz, Bolivia (1990–1991), before joining the Ministry of Labour.