Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's sponsorship of the "National Identity: Rooted and Renewed" conference reflects a deep understanding of the importance of national identity in the country's development and security. The conference, held at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss the concept of national identity and its role in shaping Egypt's future. According to Dr. Khaled Foda, advisor to the President for Local Development, the President's support for the conference underscores the government's commitment to promoting national identity as a key aspect of its development agenda.
The conference aimed to promote a comprehensive understanding of national identity, moving beyond traditional notions of identity as a connection to the past. Instead, the conference sought to explore national identity as a driving force for the future, one that can adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining its core values. Dr. Foda emphasized that Egyptian national identity is not static, but rather a living system that can evolve and interact with modern technologies and global trends while preserving its roots.
One of the key areas of focus at the conference was the importance of digital awareness among young people. The conference discussed the need to produce modern, globally competitive Egyptian content that showcases the country's history, culture, and national values in an engaging and interactive way. This includes the use of electronic games, animations, and digital applications to promote national identity and values among young people.
The conference also explored the relationship between national identity and urban development. Dr. Foda stressed that urban development in Egypt must be balanced with the preservation of the country's unique architectural and visual heritage. He emphasized that urban planning is not just about building structures, but also about preserving the visual memory of society and promoting a sense of belonging among citizens.
Another key area of discussion at the conference was the economic potential of cultural heritage. The conference highlighted the importance of supporting traditional crafts and local industries, and promoting cultural tourism as a way to generate income and create jobs. Dr. Foda emphasized that cultural heritage can be a sustainable source of income and employment, and that it is essential to support and promote Egypt's rich cultural diversity.
Dr. Foda emphasized that preserving national identity is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement of all segments of society. He stressed the importance of collaboration between government institutions, families, religious institutions, universities, and civil society organizations in promoting national identity and values. The conference proposed a number of practical initiatives, including the development of a national identity index to measure levels of awareness and belonging among different segments of society.
The conference concluded with a call to action, emphasizing the need to translate the conference's recommendations into tangible steps that can be implemented on the ground. Dr. Foda stressed that national identity is not just a cultural or intellectual issue, but a key aspect of Egypt's development and security. He emphasized that the government's commitment to promoting national identity is reflected in its support for the conference and its initiatives to preserve and promote Egypt's cultural heritage.
Key points
- The conference highlighted the importance of national identity in Egypt's development and security.
- The conference proposed a number of practical initiatives to promote national identity, including the development of a national identity index.
- The conference emphasized the need for collective action to preserve and promote national identity.
