The National Conference "National Identity: Rooted and Renewed" kicked off on September 21, 2026, at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, under the auspices of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The conference brings together ministers, university presidents, officials, and intellectuals to discuss the concept of national identity and its importance in today's rapidly changing world. The opening session was attended by high-ranking officials, including Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Hussein Issa and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Abdel Aziz Kansowa.
Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, emphasized that the library represents a space for dialogue, idea exchange, and cultural encounter. He noted that the conference comes at a crucial time, given the rapid transformations occurring globally, and the need to reassess the concept of national identity. Zayed stressed that national identity represents a sense of belonging, history, and shared destiny, and its importance grows in the face of accelerating change and the impact of technology on shaping the awareness of new generations.
The conference features scientific sessions, discussion circles, and roundtable talks on issues related to national identity, including the reality of Egyptian identity, its evolution, and the challenges it faces. Participants include ministers, officials, experts, thinkers, writers, media professionals, and academics, as well as around 450 young people from various governorates. The conference aims to present practical visions to enhance belonging and social cohesion, making national identity a force for development, creativity, and building the future.
Dr. Zayed highlighted that preserving national identity is a shared societal responsibility, starting with building human beings and enhancing their awareness, critical thinking, and citizenship values. He pointed out that Egyptian identity is a rich model of cultural accumulation and interaction with other cultures, embodied in Alexandria's blend of roots and openness to the world. The director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina also stressed that taking pride in national identity does not mean isolation, and that openness to the world should not come at the expense of specificity.
The conference program includes a documentary film titled "Egyptian Identity: Rooted and Renewed," as well as a brief presentation on the conference's themes and main topics. The event concludes with the announcement of the "Alexandria Document on National Identity," which aims to support efforts to consolidate national identity and enhance awareness, especially among young people. This document is expected to be one of the conference's most prominent outcomes.
Key topics discussed during the conference include the impact of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and social media on national identity. Participants also explore the cultural, economic, and social dimensions linked to national identity. The conference provides a platform for diverse perspectives and societal dialogue on national identity, with the aim of promoting a sense of belonging and shared responsibility among Egyptians.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina's National Identity Conference represents a significant step towards fostering a deeper understanding of Egyptian identity and its role in shaping the country's future. By bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, the conference seeks to promote a culture of dialogue, tolerance, and mutual respect, ultimately contributing to the country's development and progress.
Key points
- The conference aims to promote a sense of national identity and belonging among Egyptians, particularly the younger generation.
- The event brings together high-ranking officials, intellectuals, and young people to discuss the concept of national identity and its importance.
- The conference concludes with the announcement of the "Alexandria Document on National Identity," which aims to support efforts to consolidate national identity and enhance awareness.
