Bhopal: Ambassador Omar Selim, Advisor to the Minister of Culture for International Relations, emphasized that culture has evolved into a crucial driver of innovation, sustainable development, social cohesion, and mutual understanding among peoples. He highlighted the need to intensify international efforts against the illicit trafficking of cultural property and promote the return of artifacts and cultural objects to their rightful countries. Selim described this initiative as a shared moral and humanitarian duty to protect humanity's heritage.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Selim made these remarks while participating via video conference in the XI BRICS Culture Ministers Meeting, hosted by Bhopal, India. He represented Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture. Speaking on behalf of Egypt, Selim expressed gratitude to India for its successful organization of the meeting and its efforts to bolster cultural cooperation among BRICS countries. He also conveyed Konsowa's greetings to Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, India's Minister of Culture.
Selim affirmed Egypt's support for the Sanchi Declaration on Cultural Connectivity and its agenda to strengthen partnerships among BRICS countries in the creative economy, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence applications. He emphasized the importance of using modern technologies to document and preserve cultural heritage and safeguard intellectual property rights.
Selim also highlighted Egypt's commitment to culture under President Abdel Fattah El Sisi's leadership, noting that the Egypt Vision 2030 places culture at the center of the national development agenda. He mentioned the City of Arts and Culture in Egypt's New Capital as a major cultural landmark and a testament to Egypt's belief in investing in creativity for the future.
In his concluding remarks, Selim reaffirmed Egypt's dedication to integrating culture with education and scientific research to build knowledge-based societies capable of addressing emerging challenges. He emphasized Egypt's commitment to working with all BRICS partners to turn shared aspirations into tangible outcomes benefiting the peoples of the member states.