As part of the state’s commitment to enhancing cultural justice and extending services to border regions, Dr. Gihan Zaki, Minister of Culture, met with tribal representatives and residents of Shalateen. The meeting took place on the sidelines of her visit to the Red Sea governorate to inaugurate the third edition of the Shalateen Book Fair.
Addressing Local Needs and Heritage
During the session, the Minister listened to the demands of tribal leaders, which centered on expanding cultural and artistic activities for local youth. Key requests included increasing heritage craft workshops** and supporting young talents in literature and folk arts to preserve the unique cultural identity of Egypt’s southern border.
Dr. Gihan Zaki emphasized that the Ministry places high priority on border areas, following the directives of **President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to achieve "cultural security" and foster human development across all regions. She described Shalateen as a vital model of cultural diversity that the Ministry is dedicated to safeguarding.
Economic Empowerment and Global Outreach
The Minister highlighted that her visit aimed to tailor cultural services to the specific needs of each community. She specifically noted the importance of **women's economic empowerment**, praising the traditional handicrafts and fashion she observed at the book fair.
In a significant move to elevate local heritage, Dr. Zaki announced:
*National Integration:Shalateen’s artistic heritage will be showcased at Cultural Palaces in Cairo and other governorates.
*International Presence: Exceptional local folk troupes will be selected to perform at international events, most notably at the Egyptian Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, to project Egypt’s "Soft Power" and bridge cultural gaps globally.
Mobile Culture and Talent Discovery
To ensure accessibility for remote villages, the Minister announced several immediate initiatives:
1. Mobile Theaters:
Deployment of mobile stages and "Fine Arts Buses" for painting and sand-art workshops.
2. Cinema Outreach:
Screenings of educational and purposeful films in areas distant from the Shalateen Cultural Palace.
3. Talent Scouting:
A bi-annual program by the General Authority for Cultural Palaces and the Theater Sector to discover and support local talents in acting, singing, and folk arts.
Local Reception
At the conclusion of the meeting, tribal representatives expressed their appreciation for the Minister’s visit and her direct engagement with the community. They noted that such initiatives reflect the state’s genuine commitment to integrating border regions into the national cultural landscape.
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