Rwandan President Paul Kagame held talks with UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany in Paris on September 9, 2026, ahead of the International Space Summit. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Rwanda and UNESCO in areas such as education, science, and culture. Their discussions built on existing partnerships between Rwanda and UNESCO, particularly in areas crucial to the country's development.
The talks also centered on preserving Rwanda's cultural heritage and protecting its history and memorial sites, which are key priorities for UNESCO. The organization's efforts to promote education, science, and culture align with Rwanda's development goals. Khaled El-Enany, an Egyptian historian and expert, has been leading UNESCO since November 2025, succeeding Audrey Azoulay, who served for eight years.
The partnership between Rwanda and UNESCO encompasses programs aimed at improving education and science, harnessing technology for development, and preserving the country's heritage and culture. President Kagame's visit to Paris for the International Space Summit provided an opportunity for him to engage with global leaders on issues related to technology, science, and innovation.
The International Space Summit, taking place at the Grand Palais in Paris from September 9 to 10, 2026, brings together around 2,000 participants from approximately 120 countries. The event focuses on technology, science, space research, and the role of nations in advancing these fields. President Kagame's meeting with El-Enany highlighted the importance of international cooperation in promoting sustainable development.
President Kagame and Director-General El-Enany emphasized the potential of international partnerships to drive progress in education, science, technology, and culture. Their discussions reflected Rwanda's commitment to leveraging global collaborations to achieve its development objectives. The meeting also underscored UNESCO's role in promoting cultural diversity and protecting the world's heritage.
Khaled El-Enany's leadership of UNESCO has been marked by a focus on promoting education, science, and culture as essential drivers of sustainable development. His meeting with President Kagame demonstrated the organization's commitment to engaging with African nations and supporting their development priorities.
The talks between President Kagame and Director-General El-Enany concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of cooperation between Rwanda and UNESCO. The two leaders recognized the potential for their partnership to contribute to Rwanda's development and to promote global understanding and cooperation in education, science, and culture.
Key points
- President Kagame and UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany discussed cooperation in education, science, and culture to promote Rwanda's development.
- The meeting highlighted the importance of international partnerships in driving progress in education, science, technology, and culture.
- UNESCO's efforts to promote cultural diversity and protect the world's heritage align with Rwanda's development priorities.
