Gihan Zaki: Culture is a Pillar of Egyptian National Security and a Strategic Ally to Political Files During Crises

 Dr. Gihan Zaki, Egypt's Minister of Culture, affirmed that culture constitutes a fundamental pillar of Egyptian national security, playing a vital role as a strategic backbone for political affairs during times of crisis. She emphasized that culture remains inseparable from politics—serving as both a support system and the nation’s conscience—noting that the Ministry's mission is to instill hope for a better future and achieve "cultural justice" by ensuring services reach the minds and hearts of citizens nationwide.

These remarks were made during her participation in a meeting with the House of Representatives' Media, Culture, and Antiquities Committee. The session focused on the Ministry’s operational roadmap, specifically the modernization of "Culture Palaces" (community cultural centers), the enhancement of cultural and creative awareness, and the reinforcement of national identity. Discussions also touched upon bolstering Egypt’s civilized image on both regional and international stages.

The meeting was attended by MP Emad El-Din Hussein and MP Engy Anwar, Vice-Chairs of the Committee; MP Doha Assi, the Committee’s Secretary; and several heads of sectors and entities within the Ministry of Culture, who addressed inquiries from committee members.

A Roadmap for Structural Reform

Dr. Zaki confirmed that the Ministry is moving forward with a comprehensive overhaul of the cultural sector. This restructuring plan rests on several key pillars:

 Organizational Restructuring: Redefining sector roles to ensure clarity and integration.

 Digital Transformation: Expanding the use of technology in delivering cultural services.

Regional Support: Boosting activities in various governorates to achieve cultural equity.

Human Capital: Investing in the training and qualification of personnel.

 Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening ties with the private sector and Egyptian civil society.

The Minister underscored the importance of rigorous field monitoring of Culture Palaces to ensure authentic engagement with citizens' needs, rather than relying on superficial procedures or paper reports. She stressed the necessity of a clear vision for on-the-ground implementation and measuring the actual impact of cultural activities in villages and rural centers.

Building Identity through the Youth

Dr. Zaki highlighted a special focus on reviving School Theater, describing it as an essential tool for building awareness and shaping the character of children and youth. She noted that theater aids in teaching correct pronunciation and linguistic integrity, which form the bedrock of national identity. Furthermore, she emphasized the need to simplify concepts of identity, belonging, and patriotism for younger generations, linking these values to a child's personal sense of community.

Addressing Challenges

The Minister also addressed the hurdles facing the Ministry, most notably:

 Weak coordination between certain affiliated entities.

The need to maximize existing resources.

The necessity of keeping pace with technological advancements to attract youth and broaden community participation.

For her part, Dr. Thuraya al-Badawi, Chairperson of the Media and Culture Committee, stated that the meeting aimed to evaluate cultural programs in the provinces and their effectiveness in reaching all segments of society, thereby reinforcing culture's role as "Soft Power" in human development.

The Chairperson concluded that the current stage demands a holistic cultural vision. She noted that Culture Palaces are among the state's most important tools for spreading enlightened thought and discovering creative talents, calling for diligent oversight to ensure the Ministry's plan highlights Egypt's civilized image to the world.