Paris: Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), outlined the museum's development and international partnerships at a cultural event hosted by Egypt's permanent delegation to UNESCO in Paris. Speaking in the organization's main hall, he presented the project's history and Egypt's investment in GEM to become the world's largest museum dedicated to a single civilization, according to a press release here.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Ghoneim highlighted cooperation with partners including Japan and France, and reviewed key collections, notably rare artefacts from ancient Egypt and the museum's use of advanced conservation and restoration technologies. Ghoneim urged attendees to visit the site, describing the GEM as a monumental symbol of Egypt's enduring heritage.

Alaa Youssef, Egypt's ambassador to France and UNESCO permanent delegate, said the museum's opening marked a new chapter for the country, noting its vast holdings, including the full funerary collection of Tutankhamun. He highlighted Egyptian-Japanese collaboration on the project and acknowledged the role played by UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany during his tenure as Egypt's tourism and antiquities minister.

Speakers including Japan's UNESCO ambassador, UNESCO's assistant director-general for culture, and former UNESCO director-general Irina Bokova praised the influence of ancient Egyptian civilization and lauded the GEM's cultural significance. The event drew ambassadors and permanent delegates from member states, senior UNESCO officials, French representatives and experts in culture, heritage and museology.