The Egyptian government is gearing up for the 58th Cairo International Book Fair, scheduled for 2027. Dr. Abdulaziz Qansua, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, chaired the second meeting of the Supreme Committee to discuss and review proposals for the upcoming event. The meeting aimed to ensure the fair's organization and implementation meet the country's cultural and intellectual standards.

The 58th Cairo International Book Fair is expected to be a milestone event, marking a significant shift towards digital transformation and organizational development. Dr. Qansua emphasized that the event will feature a digital infrastructure, utilizing the latest artificial intelligence technologies and smart solutions to facilitate access to cultural products for millions of visitors. The government aims to provide an exceptional experience for all segments of society.

The meeting reviewed statistical data from the 57th edition of the book fair to identify areas for improvement. The committee discussed the structure of executive committees, their mandates, and coordination mechanisms. These committees include cultural, intellectual, and artistic activities, as well as professional and international events. The committee also reviewed the selection criteria for the fair's theme, logo, and main intellectual and cultural axes.

The committee discussed the launch of a unified electronic application, expected to be available by December 1st. The application will provide intelligent search services, interactive maps, and electronic ticket booking. The app may also feature an AI-powered chatbot and offline browsing capabilities. The government plans to form a joint task force with the Ministry of Communications to address infrastructure and network challenges.

The meeting also addressed the logistical organization of the event. The committee reviewed an architectural plan to improve movement paths, expand main corridors, and redistribute spaces to ensure equal opportunities for large and small publishers. The plan aims to enhance the overall experience for visitors and participants.

The committee emphasized the importance of learning from previous experiences to ensure the sustainability of the digital platform. The application is expected to provide advertising spaces for sponsors and support the digital service for all aspects of the event. An expanded coordination meeting will be held with publishers to discuss and integrate their proposals into the application's development.

Dr. Qansua concluded the meeting by thanking the committee members and emphasizing the importance of continuous coordination and follow-up to ensure the event's success. The government aims to present an exceptional edition of the Cairo International Book Fair, maintaining its international reputation and cultural significance. The next phase will involve intensive coordination meetings to monitor progress and address any challenges.

Key points

  • The 58th Cairo International Book Fair will feature a unified electronic application to facilitate access to cultural products and enhance the visitor experience.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.