Hawass Foundation Leads Global Push to Recover Nefertiti’s Bust.

As part of the ongoing efforts by the Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities and Heritage to protect Egyptian cultural identity, a high-level meeting was held, hosted by Mr. Mostafa Moharram, Chairman of Moharram & Partners (M&P) for Public Policy and Strategic Affairs. The gathering brought together elite officials and experts to discuss enhancing the repatriation of Egyptian antiquities.

The meeting was led by Dr. Zahi Hawass, the world-renowned Egyptologist and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities and Heritage. Attendees included Dr. Mamdouh el-Damaty, former Minister of Antiquities; Counselor Mostafa El-Bahabety, Assistant Minister of Justice; Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, former Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities; Mr. Ali Abou Deshish, Director of the Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities and Heritage; Ambassador Mona Omar; German Public Affairs expert Mr. Dominik Meier; and Dr. Mohamed Abdel Fattah.

A Strategic Alliance to Repatriate "Nefertiti"

The meeting aimed to establish a comprehensive vision integrating the archaeological leadership of the Zahi Hawass Foundation with modern political and legal tools. A joint collaboration was announced, through which Moharram & Partners will contribute its global expertise in public policy to support the Foundation’s mission to repatriate the Bust of Queen Nefertiti from Germany. This contribution is provided pro bono in support of the national cause.

Supporting the Million-Signature Campaign

Participants discussed ways to bolster international momentum for the grassroots campaign led by the Zahi Hawass Foundation, which aims to collect one million signatures to pressure international cultural institutions. Dr. Zahi Hawass emphasized that the synergy between national and international expertise is a cornerstone in transforming the Nefertiti file into a global public opinion issue that addresses decision-makers in Europe.

Key Meeting Outcomes:

Thought Leadership: Enhancing the role of the Zahi Hawass Foundation as an archaeological reference in drafting international policy papers regarding the repatriation of artifacts.

 International Dimension: Utilizing present German and international expertise to develop a diplomatic and cultural dialogue that supports Egypt's rightful demands.

 Institutional Framework: Establishing cooperation between Egyptologists and policymakers to ensure the sustainability of heritage preservation efforts.

It is worth noting that this collaboration represents a qualitative shift in the national methodology for repatriating Egyptian treasures. It bridges the historical legitimacy represented by the Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities and Heritage with modern strategic influence on the international stage.