Senate Foreign Relations Committee Meets Culture Minister to Discuss Egypt’s "Soft Power

The Foreign Relations Committee of the Egyptian Senate, chaired by MP Mohamed Kamal, hosted Dr. Gehan Zaki, Minister of Culture, to discuss the strategic development of Egypt’s "soft power" and its role in international diplomacy.

A Shared Vision for Cultural Diplomacy

Opening the session, Dr. Mohamed Kamal welcomed the Minister, emphasizing that the committee places the "soft power" file at the top of its priorities. He noted that Dr. Zaki’s extensive expertise—including her previous tenure as head of the Egyptian Academy in Rome and her published works on cultural influence—makes her uniquely qualified to lead the ministry.

"The Foreign Relations Committee stands fully behind you in managing this vital file," Kamal stated, affirming the legislative body's support for the Ministry’s international and domestic goals.

Culture as a Pillar of Human Development

In her address, Dr. Jehan Zaki expressed her gratitude, noting that her experience as a former parliamentarian has shaped her understanding of governance. She highlighted that the political leadership views culture as a comprehensive system centered on human thought, identity, and openness to the world.

 "My goal is to bring culture to every citizen. We are committed to a conceptual transformation of Culture Palaces (Qusur al-Thaqafa), turning them into genuine gateways for knowledge and intellect rather than just physical buildings," the Minister stated.

Countering Extremism through Awareness

Dr. Zaki warned of the dangers of "intellectual voids," noting that a lack of cultural engagement can lead to the spread of extremist ideologies. She argued that culture is an intellectual framework before it is a material one, stressing that the state’s political institutions must work in harmony with intellectuals to achieve a lasting social impact.

Future Projects and Digital Transformation

The Minister outlined several key initiatives currently underway:

Rural Outreach: Expanding the reach of Culture Palaces to remote villages and hamlets.

Digital Integration: Introducing digital services to engage the youth and modernize cultural consumption.

Cinema for All: Expanding the "People's Cinema" project by adding screening halls to existing cultural institutions.

Inter-Ministerial Cooperation: Coordinating with the Ministries of Education, Higher Education, Endowments, and Youth to provide balanced and impactful content.

Dr. Zaki concluded by reaffirming Egypt’s status as a regional cultural leader. She emphasized the importance of the International Cultural Relations Sector in fostering global exchange and ensuring that Egyptian culture is presented in a manner that reflects the nation’s heritage and modern aspirations.