CAIRO – Dr. Gihan Zaki, Egypt’s Minister of Culture, held an expanded meeting with ministry leadership and department heads to outline the features of a new cultural era. The strategy aims to address the significant challenges facing the state and keep pace with rapid geopolitical shifts on the international stage.
The Minister emphasized that the new vision centers on the Egyptian citizen, asserting that culture is neither a marginal activity nor a luxury for the elite. Instead, she described it as the foundation for building awareness, shaping the national conscience, and safeguarding society.
Culture as National Security
Dr. Zaki underscored that culture stands as a primary pillar of comprehensive national security. As a form of "soft power," it is capable of:
Rooting national identity and preserving collective memory.
Instilling aesthetic values in both human and civilized dimensions.
Serving as a "moral shield" against attempts to blur identity or distort public awareness.
"The ultimate goal, in line with the Egyptian state's vision, is the cultural development of the individual," the Minister stated, highlighting the importance of fostering belonging, enlightenment, and creativity to support social stability and national development.
The Revival of "Palaces of Culture"
A key priority in the Minister’s agenda is the revitalized role of Cultural Palaces (Qusour Al-Thaqafa). Dr. Zaki paid tribute to the late visionary thinker Tharwat Okasha, who established these centers in the mid-20th century.
She described the "Mass Culture" project as a stroke of genius born during complex political times, founded on the fundamental right of the public to access arts and knowledge. Dr. Zaki pledged to restore and enhance this role, ensuring that enlightened culture remains a proactive force accessible to all citizens across the country.
Digital Transformation and Global Outreach
The Minister reviewed several ambitious projects, including:
Heritage Awareness: Programs to enhance the appreciation of national heritage.
Digital Transformation: Expanding the digitization of Ministry publications.
Translation Initiatives: A special focus on translating the masterpieces of Egyptian authors to export Egyptian thought to the world.
Recalling Egypt’s pioneering history in international cultural cooperation—most notably the global effort to save its ancient monuments—Dr. Zaki noted that Egypt has always set a global benchmark for heritage preservation.
Building on the Legacy of Pioneers
The Minister stressed the importance of building upon the achievements of cultural icons such as Tharwat Okasha and Farouk Hosny. She highlighted the need to leverage the expertise of specialized bodies, including:
The Fine Arts and Theater sectors.
The National Organization for Urban Harmony.
The General Egyptian Book Organization and the National Library and Archives.
The Academy of Arts, which she described as the "Crown Jewel" that has provided generations of stars to the Arab and international creative scenes.
Cultural Justice and National Initiatives
In her concluding remarks, Dr. Zaki announced that the coming phase would focus on institutional integration to ensure cultural services reach every segment of society.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to achieving "Cultural Justice" by aligning with national mega-projects, such as the presidential initiative "Decent Life" (Haya Karima). By bringing cultural and educational opportunities to rural provinces, the Ministry continues to serve as a core supporter of the government’s comprehensive development plan.
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