From the very first moments of Professor Dr. Gihan Zaki’s tenure as Egypt’s Minister of Culture, it has been evident that we are witnessing a transformative era in cultural work. This phase transcends mere protocol and ceremonial celebrations, diving deep into the essence of Egyptian identity while striving to restore the nation’s soft power to its rightful international standing.
Intensive Activity: Early Weeks and Signs of Change
Dr. Gihan Zaki’s first weeks at the Ministry have been characterized by a "field-oriented" approach and "swift action." The highlights of this dynamic period can be summarized in the following key pillars:
Revitalizing Stalled Cultural Landmarks: The Minister directed the immediate completion of restoration and development works for several closed theaters and sites. She emphasized that "the citizen's right to culture" begins with the availability of a nearby cultural platform.
International Engagement: Leveraging her diplomatic background, she held intensive meetings with ambassadors and directors of foreign cultural centers to enhance cultural exchange and position Egyptian art more effectively on the global stage.
Supporting Creators and Youth: During her initial tours, she prioritized listening to creators across generations, with a particular focus on empowering youth and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern technology into the Ministry’s various sectors.
Culture for All: She adopted a strategy aimed at deploying cultural convoys to remote areas and border governorates, rooted in the belief that culture is the primary line of defense against extremist ideologies.
A Distinguished Career Culminating in Leadership
The selection of Dr. Gihan Zaki was the result of an exceptional academic and administrative journey that has made her one of the most prominent faces of Egyptian culture globally:
Academic Excellence: A Professor of Egyptology with a PhD from Université Lumière Lyon 2 (France), providing her with a rigorous scholarly perspective on Egypt's history and civilization.
The Egyptian Academy of Arts in Rome: She achieved remarkable success during her leadership of the Academy in Italy, transforming it into a beacon of Egyptian culture in the heart of Europe and building bridges of communication across the Mediterranean.
Legislative & International Expertise: She refined her political experience as an appointed member of the House of Representatives, advocating for national identity. Furthermore, as a former researcher at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and a UNESCO expert, she is well-versed in the language of international institutions.
Conclusion
Dr. Gihan Zaki represents a model for Egyptian female leadership, blending the depth of archaeological knowledge with modern administrative thought. Her remarkable activity at the start of her tenure provides a strong indication that Egyptian culture is on a path to reclaiming its luster as a fundamental tool in human development and the shaping of national consciousness.
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