Egypt's Foreign Ministry has described 2025 as an exceptional year for its diplomacy, marked by a series of high-profile electoral victories in United Nations bodies, headlined by a historic win in UNESCO's leadership. These successes reflect the country's rising international standing and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's strategic push to bolster Cairo's role in global decision-making.
Egypt's Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday an "exceptional year" for Egyptian diplomacy, pointing to a string of prominent electoral wins in United Nations bodies. Leading these achievements is the election of Khaled El-Anany as Director-General of UNESCO, the first Egyptian and Arab to hold the post, securing 55 out of 57 votes on the Executive Board—the largest margin in the organization's history—and coinciding with the anniversary of Egypt's October War victory. Egypt also secured a seat on the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2025-2029 term.
The ministry stated: "This exceptional win embodies the great confidence in the efficiency of Egyptian leadership and the unique position Egypt enjoys on the international stage in world heritage matters."
Egypt expanded its influence in human rights and transport sectors, winning election to the UN Human Rights Council for 2026-2028 with 173 votes in the General Assembly. The ministry credited this to international recognition of Egypt's "reformist approach," particularly the implementation of its National Human Rights Strategy and modernization of its justice system.
In maritime and aviation fields, Egypt gained membership on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for 2026-2027, with 132 votes, highlighting the Suez Canal's role as a vital global artery. It also obtained a seat on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council for 2025-2028.
The diplomatic momentum reached the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), where Egyptian diplomat Mina Rizk, aged 38, was elected Independent Chairperson of the FAO Council—the first Egyptian and the youngest since the agency's founding in 1945.
Under Badr Abdelatty's leadership, the ministry affirmed it would continue leveraging these positions to defend Egyptian, Arab, and African interests, especially for developing nations in the Global South.
