The national conference "National Identity: Rooted and Renewed" kicked off on September 21, 2026, at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The event gathered high-profile attendees, including Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Hussein Issa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Abdel Aziz Kansowa, and Major General Dr. Khaled Foda, advisor to the President for Local Development.
Major General Dr. Khaled Foda emphasized that Egypt's national identity, shaped by a long history of cultural and civilizational interactions, is a living entity that balances tradition with the ability to adapt to the future. He stressed that local development goes beyond infrastructure development, extending to preserving Egyptian character and enhancing local identity in each governorate.
Dr. Foda outlined strategic axes for enhancing national identity, including building digital awareness, producing attractive Egyptian content, preserving urban and visual identity, supporting cultural economy and heritage industries, and promoting the role of family, educational and religious institutions. He called for discussions on launching a "National Identity Index" and a national initiative for visual identity and local heritage.
The conference brought together numerous ministers, officials, experts, and thinkers, along with around 450 young men and women from various governorates. The event aimed to foster diverse perspectives and societal dialogue on national identity, culminating in the announcement of the "Alexandria Document on National Identity" as a key outcome.
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina hosted the conference, which included a documentary film titled "Egyptian Identity: Rooted and Renewed" and a summary of the conference's themes and main topics. Dr. Ahmed Zaid, director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, was among the attendees.
The conference addressed several themes, including the impact of social media, artificial intelligence, and the historical and cultural roots of Egyptian identity. Participants sought to find ways to promote national identity, especially among young people.
The conference concluded with a call to turn recommendations into actionable steps that align with Egypt's 2030 vision. Key outcomes included proposals for a national initiative for visual identity, a digital bank of knowledge and Egyptian popular heritage, and the Alexandria Document on National Identity.
Key points
- The conference emphasized the importance of aligning national identity with Egypt's 2030 vision.
- Recommendations from the conference will be used as a reference for decision-makers, researchers, and society.
- The event promoted diverse perspectives and societal dialogue on national identity.
