Dr. Mohamed Hassan El-Banna, an Egyptian academic, has emphasized the need for Egypt's national forum to move beyond rhetoric and focus on creating practical plans to address the country's pressing issues. In his article, El-Banna expressed his vision for the forum, urging that it should not become a platform for empty words and slogans. He stressed that the nation's problems require more than just discussion.
El-Banna suggested that the forum's general and technical secretariats have a crucial role to play in ensuring that the discussions lead to tangible outcomes. He recommended that a modern, tech-savvy management team be established to oversee the forum, with a focus on distilling the results into actionable programs that can be implemented on the ground. This, he believes, will help turn words into reality.
The call for a more practical approach comes in response to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's invitation to all Egyptians to participate in the national forum. El-Banna welcomed the president's initiative, describing it as a generous gesture aimed at promoting the country's interests. He emphasized that the forum's organizers must be open to diverse views and not be deterred by differing opinions.
El-Banna identified several key areas that he believes require urgent attention, including issues related to governance, management, and the media. However, he also acknowledged that other pressing concerns, such as housing, environmental protection, population growth, and informal settlements, need to be addressed by experts in their respective fields.
The academic highlighted the challenges facing Egypt's economy, particularly in the context of regional conflicts and their impact on oil markets. He also noted the potential for tourism to drive economic growth, but stressed that this sector requires significant support from both citizens and the government. El-Banna praised the government's efforts to develop museums and tourist areas.
El-Banna emphasized that the tourism industry is a vital source of foreign currency and therefore a matter of national security. However, he argued that greater awareness is needed among Egyptians about the importance of tourism. He also touched on the goal of transforming Egypt into a major industrial power, describing this as a critical issue that requires careful consideration.
In conclusion, El-Banna urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the national forum leads to concrete solutions and effective plans to tackle Egypt's challenges. He expressed his hope that the forum will be a platform for constructive engagement and that its outcomes will have a lasting impact on the country.
Key points
- Dr. Mohamed Hassan El-Banna calls for practical plans to address Egypt's pressing issues
- The national forum must move beyond rhetoric and focus on tangible outcomes
- Egypt's tourism industry requires significant support from citizens and government
