Paris: France's Arab World Institute has elected Anne-Claire Legendre, a senior diplomatic adviser to President Emmanuel Macron, as its new president, the institution announced on Tuesday.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Institut du Monde Arabe stated that Legendre was unanimously elected following a proposal by the French state, marking her as the first woman to lead the Paris-based cultural body. She takes over from Jack Lang, who stepped down from the position.

Legendre is a career diplomat who began her service at the French embassy in Yemen. She has held various positions at the foreign ministry and France's permanent mission to the United Nations. She later served as ambassador to Kuwait and, between December 2023 and February 2026, acted as diplomatic adviser on North Africa and the Middle East to Emmanuel Macron.

The Arab World Institute, founded in 1980, is regarded as one of the leading institutions dedicated to Arab-Islamic culture in France and Europe. It aims to promote the study of the Arab world in France, foster a deeper understanding of its civilization and culture, and encourage cultural exchange and cooperation between France and Arab countries.

The institute's president is appointed on the proposal of the French president, in consultation with representatives of Arab states in France.