The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has elected former Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Khaled El-Enany as its new Director-General, making him the first Arab and second African to assume the post after Senegal’s Amadou-Mahtar M’Bow (1974–1987).

El-Enany, 54, won 55 out of 57 votes from the organization’s Executive Board, defeating his Congolese rival Édouard Matoko, while the United States abstained.

The decision is expected to be formally ratified during UNESCO’s General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in November, with El-Enany officially assuming office on November 14.