The National Identity Conference, sponsored by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, kicked off on September 21, 2026, at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Alexandria. The three-day event brings together high-ranking officials, intellectuals, and experts to discuss the concept of national identity. The conference aims to explore the roots of Egyptian identity and its renewed vision for the future. Key attendees include Dr. Hussein Issa, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, and Dr. Abdel Aziz Kansowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
The conference's opening session featured a documentary titled "The Egyptian Identity: Rooted and Renewed," followed by a presentation on the conference's main themes and topics. Dr. Hussein Issa emphasized that the conference represents a significant shift in addressing national identity, highlighting the importance of this concept in achieving social cohesion and stability. He also noted that the conference's title reflects the aspiration for a future marked by complexity and change.
Dr. Abdel Aziz Kansowa expressed his gratitude to President El-Sisi for sponsoring the conference, which reflects the state's interest in consolidating national identity and building human capital. Kansowa stressed that national identity is a state and societal issue that begins with the family and extends to schools, universities, and various cultural and social institutions. He also highlighted the impact of rapid transformations in the economy, digital space, and artificial intelligence on national identity.
The conference features a range of sessions and discussions on various aspects of national identity, including its historical, cultural, and social dimensions. Participants include ministers, university presidents, intellectuals, and media representatives. Dr. Khaled Foda, advisor to the President for Local Development, emphasized that Egyptian identity is a living system that combines rootedness with the ability to adapt to the future. He also highlighted the importance of local development in preserving Egyptian identity and promoting a sense of belonging.
Dr. Foda proposed several strategic axes to enhance national identity, including building digital awareness, producing attractive Egyptian content, preserving urban and visual identity, and supporting cultural economy and heritage industries. He also stressed the need for a national indicator of identity and a visual identity initiative. The conference aims to produce actionable recommendations that can be integrated into the state's plans and strategies.
Ayman Attia, Governor of Alexandria, welcomed conference participants, highlighting the city's rich history and cultural significance. He expressed his gratitude to President El-Sisi for sponsoring the event and emphasized its importance in the current context of rapid global changes. The governor also noted that the conference represents an opportunity for dialogue and the exchange of ideas on national identity.
The conference's outcomes are expected to contribute to the development of a comprehensive vision for national identity, one that takes into account the complexities of the modern world. Key points from the conference include the need for a renewed vision of national identity, the importance of education and cultural production in promoting identity, and the role of local development in preserving Egyptian heritage.
Key points
- The conference aims to produce actionable recommendations for promoting national identity.
- Egyptian identity is seen as a living system that combines rootedness with adaptability.
- The conference highlights the importance of education, cultural production, and local development in preserving and promoting national identity.
