On September 2, 2025, the French Republic bestowed upon me the great honor of being named a Knight of the Legion of Honor. I extend my gratitude to France for this mark of trust, which goes far beyond personal recognition: it is a call to go further, to strengthen intercultural dialogue, to build bridges, to defend peace, and to promote cultural and scientific diplomacy on a global scale. This is the vision I carry today in my candidacy for Director-General of UNESCO, true to the slogan’s campaign: “UNESCO for the people.”

Receiving this distinction from a country that has profoundly shaped my journey is a deeply moving moment, as it tells a story: that of my school memories in Cairo, my years in Montpellier, my commitment to the French Institute of Oriental Archaeology, my scientific, institutional, archaeological, and tourism collaborations, as well as the teachings and conferences in France where I had the privilege of both sharing and learning.

To be twice named a Knight—of the Order of Arts and Letters in 2015, and of the Legion of Honor yesterday—is a rare privilege. And since it is said that a knight finds joy in the fight, my fight will be for the dialogue of cultures, mutual respect, peace through education and knowledge, and solidarity among nations to build harmony between peoples.