Barcelona: Minister of Culture Ahmed Fouad Hanno is leading a high-level delegation to the global UNESCO conference on cultural policies and sustainable development (MONDIACULT 2025), which will take place from September 29th to October 1st 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. This conference is considered one of the most significant global cultural forums. The participation follows a recent important visit by the King of Spain to Egypt, which was met with extensive official and public celebrations due to its significance in enhancing the "strategic partnership" between the two countries.According to State Information Service Egypt, the conference will also feature the participation of culture ministers from various countries, alongside representatives from international organizations and civil society. Its aim is to develop a new global agenda for culture that addresses common challenges, primarily: cultural rights, heritage protection, the use of artificial intelligence, the creative economy, and the role of culture in achieving sustainable development and building peace.Hanno confirmed that the MONDIACULT conference represents the 'General Assembly of Global Culture,' due to its symbolic importance and role in shaping international cultural policies. He explained that it is the largest gathering of its kind organized by UNESCO since its inception and serves as a key platform for establishing the place of culture in the sustainable development agenda beyond 2030.The Minister of Culture added that Egypt's participation comes at a crucial time, just days before the vote for the position of Director-General of UNESCO, with Egypt in the race nominating Professor Dr Khaled Anani. He noted that the ministerial participation sends a strong message affirming the state's confidence in its candidate and supports international backing for him through high-level bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the conference.Hanno mentioned that Egypt's participation also aims to showcase the national vision that positions culture as a fundamental human right and a key pillar in achieving sustainable development goals, highlighting Egypt's efforts in cultural justice and making culture accessible to all segments of society, supporting youth, and integrating people with disabilities into cultural life.He also clarified that the conference provides an important opportunity to highlight Egypt's cultural and civilizational status globally, introducing its major projects such as the Grand Egyptian Museum and digital initiatives for heritage protection and cultural justice, alongside affirming Egypt's historical leadership as the first country to establish an opera house in Africa and the Arab world, continuing today with the construction of new cultural bastions within the framework of the new republic.Minister of Culture is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings with participating culture ministers, including the Spanish Minister of Culture, to enhance cooperation between Egypt and Spain and to open innovative pathways for future part nerships in cultural and artistic fields.