A conference titled "National Identity: Rooted and Renewed" was recently held at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The event brought together experts and former ministers to discuss the challenges facing national identity in Egypt. They emphasized that national identity has been instrumental in preserving Egypt throughout history, and that it is shaped by accumulated experiences over decades.
The conference featured several sessions, including one on "Identity in the Digital Age: Artificial Intelligence and Social Media." Dr. Mohamed Salem, former Minister of Communications and Information Technology, noted that the world is currently debating the implications of artificial intelligence. He stressed the need for Egyptians to be producers of technology, rather than just consumers.
Dr. Hisham El-Halaby, a former minister and military officer, emphasized that national identity has been successful in preserving Egypt throughout history. He noted that national identity is shaped by accumulated experiences over decades. El-Halaby called for the production of national content that is attractive and links national identity to scientific achievement.
The conference also discussed the role of social media in shaping national identity. Dr. Yasser Abdel Aziz, a media expert, noted that social media has contributed to the loss of certainty and the questioning of everything. He emphasized that the strategic power determines the elements of national identity and that social media is a force that cannot be controlled.
Dr. Nazir Eiad, former Mufti of Egypt, emphasized that national identity consists of a set of interconnected elements, including homeland, history, language, religion, and civilization. He stressed the need to restore the Egyptian narrative and confront what he described as a war of misconceptions that threatens the continuity and development of national identity.
The conference also touched on the challenges posed by extremist groups to national identity. Ahmed El-Moslemani, head of the National Media Authority, warned of the dangers of the spread of extremist ideas through digital platforms. He noted that the discourse of Islamist groups is based on dividing the world into contradictory binaries that lead to the weakening of the state.
The experts and former ministers also discussed the economic and social challenges facing national identity. Dr. Osama Heikal, former Minister of Information, emphasized that Egyptian national identity includes an ancient Egyptian component that is of great interest and pride globally. He noted that the diversity of Egyptian culture makes it difficult for external forces to penetrate or influence Egyptian identity.
Key points
- National identity has been instrumental in preserving Egypt throughout history.
- The conference emphasized the need to produce national content that is attractive and links national identity to scientific achievement.
- Experts and former ministers stressed the importance of restoring the Egyptian narrative and confronting extremist ideas that threaten national identity.
