Cairo: Culture Minister Gihan Zaki emphasized on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, that culture has evolved beyond being just a creative endeavor or intellectual indulgence, becoming a fundamental component of national security and a crucial tool for shaping societal awareness and fostering sustainable development. This declaration was made during her presentation of the ministry's strategic vision to the House of Representatives' Culture and Media Committee, chaired by MP Thuraya El-Badawy.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Zaki highlighted that investing in culture equates to investing in people, improving their capacity to comprehend and positively engage with challenges, while aiding in solidifying values and nurturing a more aware and cohesive society. She stressed that cultural awareness and education are top priorities in coordination with state institutions to rebuild the Egyptian character based on knowledge, values, and national belonging.
The minister unveiled an integrated vision to bolster national and cultural identity across various artistic and cultural sectors, alongside endeavors to enhance Egypt's international image by showcasing Egyptian culture in a modern and contemporary manner. She affirmed the ministry's commitment to supporting cultural initiatives that enable citizens to access arts and culture, reinforcing values of belonging and safeguarding national identity, especially among youth and children.
Zaki underscored that culture plays a vital role in cultivating citizens' awareness and equipping them to tackle daily life issues consciously, pointing out that the forthcoming period may pose challenges necessitating an active cultural role in promoting positive behavior and fortifying social cohesion. She added that Egyptian arts and culture have been pivotal in confronting political and economic challenges while maintaining Egypt's presence in international forums and global artistic events, enhancing the nation's civilizational image and supporting creative talents.
The minister also emphasized efforts to promote Egypt's global image and strengthen international cultural cooperation, asserting that Egyptian cultural institutions abroad serve as significant bridges for cultural dialogue and bolster Egypt's soft power. Zaki insisted that acceptance of others and respect for diversity are vital cultural values, cautioning that their absence leads to a decline in societal values, and promoting these concepts aids in improving social interaction within the community.
Zaki announced the preparation of a comprehensive plan to nurture creativity in governorates, aimed at enabling youth to access cultural and artistic programs and enhancing community participation. She affirmed that the ministry's approach to certain cinematic works is guided by balancing creative freedom with societal protection, especially for children, with regulatory measures ensuring content that preserves societal values without undermining artist support.
Zaki noted that Egyptian arts and culture have played a pivotal role in addressing political and economic crises in recent years, emphasizing Egypt's continued presence in international forums despite challenges. She cited Egypt's participation in the Venice Biennale during politically complex periods, highlighting that such participation bolstered Egyptian artists and projected Egypt's civilizational image internationally.
The minister stressed the importance of intensified field monitoring of cultural palaces across governorates to ensure they effectively address citizens' needs, avoiding formalities or reliance on paper reports. She emphasized the need for clear implementation mechanisms and measuring the real impact of cultural activities, particularly in villages and rural areas.
Acknowledging some shortcomings, Zaki affirmed ongoing efforts to maximize available resources and activate the role of cultural palaces in spreading awareness and building the Egyptian citizen. She noted the ministry's work in establishing an accurate and updated database of cultural activity sites and beneficiaries to ensure efficient resource distribution and achieve cultural equity, particularly in underserved areas.
The minister unveiled plans to implement cinema screen projects, including the launch of 'popular cinema' screens, aiming to expand services to all governorates by the end of 2026, making arts and culture accessible to all citizens. She also highlighted special attention to reviving school theater as an effective tool for building children's awareness, developing linguistic and intellectual skills, and reinforcing concepts of identity and belonging in a simplified and impactful manner.
Zaki concluded by stressing that achieving cultural equity and protecting the Egyptian mind remain central to the ministry's mission, noting that building awareness is a cumulative process requiring sustained effort, with its impact reflected in societal behavior and value systems, not merely numerical indicators.