The Knowledge Hub Universities (TKH) proudly celebrates the achievement of H.E. Professor Khaled El-Enany, member of TKH’s Board of Trustees and former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Egypt, who has been awarded the Legion of Honour (Chevalier rank), presented by H.E. Éric Chevallier, Ambassador of France to Egypt.
The award ceremony took place on Tuesday, 2 September 2025, at the French Embassy in Cairo. This recognition highlights H.E. Professor El-Enany’s outstanding academic, cultural, and scientific career, as well as his pivotal role in strengthening Franco-Egyptian relations over the past three decades.
In his remarks, Ambassador Chevallier commended H.E. Professor El-Enany for his dedication to education, cultural heritage, scientific research, and intercultural dialogue, noting his remarkable contribution to international cooperation.
H.E. Professor El-Enany expressed his deep gratitude to France and President Emmanuel Macron, describing the award as both a personal honour and a symbol of the strong cultural bridges between Egypt and France. He emphasised the importance of science, education, and culture as foundations for building peace, solidarity, and innovation in a divided world.
A Distinguished Academic and Cultural Leader
A Distinguished Academic and Cultural LeaderH.E. Professor El-Enany has served as a professor of Egyptology at Helwan University for more than 30 years, with an academic journey marked by excellence and global recognition. He earned his Ph.D. in Egyptology, pursued advanced studies between 1997 and 2001, and later received an honorary doctorate from Paul Valéry University Montpellier 3.
As Minister of Antiquities, and later Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, he played a central role in safeguarding and promoting Egypt’s cultural heritage. His leadership oversaw major projects such as the Grand Egyptian Museum and world-renowned cultural events, including the Pharaohs’ Golden Parade in 2021 and the “Tutankhamun: Treasures of the Golden Pharaoh” exhibition in Paris in 2019, which became the most visited exhibition in French history.
A Vision for UNESCO
Currently, H.E. Professor El-Enany is a candidate for the position of UNESCO Director-General, with strong support from France, the Arab League, the African Union, and several other nations. If elected, he would become the first Director-General from the Arab world and only the second from Africa in UNESCO’s 80-year history. His vision is to place his extensive experience at the service of the organisation’s mission to promote lasting peace through knowledge, culture, and education.
The awarding of the Legion of Honour is not only a recognition of H.E. Professor El-Enany’s distinguished contributions but also a testament to the enduring partnership between Egypt and France. At TKH, we are proud to see a member of our community celebrated on the international stage for his dedication to cultural heritage, education, and global cooperation.
