Dr. Abdulaziz Qansua, Egypt's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, who is also acting as the Minister of Culture, chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Committee for the 58th Cairo International Book Fair. The meeting, held on September 21, 2026, aimed to review preparations for the upcoming event and gather suggestions for its development. The Cairo International Book Fair is a prominent cultural and intellectual event in the Middle East and the second-largest book fair globally.
During the meeting, Dr. Qansua emphasized the significance of the Cairo International Book Fair as a cultural and intellectual phenomenon that showcases Egypt's soft power and historical weight. He highlighted the importance of the President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's support for the cultural sector, which drives efforts to deliver an exceptional event that reflects Egypt's regional and international stature. The Minister stressed the need for a comprehensive development of the fair, focusing on organizational and service aspects.
The meeting discussed the committee's roles and responsibilities, including cultural, executive, marketing, and logistical policies for the upcoming event. Members agreed on the importance of preparing a comprehensive structure for the executive committees to ensure efficient organization and management. The committee also reviewed the selection of Qatar as the guest of honor for the 58th edition, which is expected to enhance cultural exchange and intellectual interactions between the two countries.
The Supreme Committee also examined the development plan for the "Smart Fair" system, which aims to introduce digital services for visitors and publishers. The plan includes electronic guidance, direct purchasing, and sales tracking, as well as providing modern communication networks in collaboration with major companies. The committee agreed to set a detailed timeline for launching the advanced features of the "Publishers' Platform" to start subscription and registration processes.
The meeting addressed the expansion of economic and professional services at the fair, aiming to establish a comprehensive market for intellectual property rights, translation, and publishing. The committee discussed mechanisms to maximize the use of the fair's professional program and allocate specific days and times for professionals to propose ideas and establish partnerships. Members also agreed on the importance of reactivating the "Collective Pavilion" for publishers with limited publications.
The committee reviewed marketing plans, emphasizing the need for innovative ideas to increase the fair's investment returns and services. A specialized committee will be formed to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy focusing on attracting sponsors and building partnerships with the private sector, banks, and major institutions through corporate social responsibility programs. The meeting also covered logistical preparations and cooperation with various state institutions.
The Supreme Committee's meeting concluded with a collective commitment to prioritize national interests and coordinate efforts to deliver an exceptional edition of the Cairo International Book Fair. Members agreed to implement the approved visions and initiatives during this cycle, ensuring the event's success and reinforcing its position as a premier cultural and intellectual event globally.
Key points
- The 58th Cairo International Book Fair is scheduled for 2027, with Qatar as the guest of honor.
- The event aims to introduce digital services and enhance cultural exchange and intellectual interactions.
- The fair's development plan focuses on organizational, service, and logistical aspects to ensure an exceptional experience for visitors and publishers.
