An Urban Heritage Celebration Honoring Cairo’s Cultural Richness
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat opened Cairo Urban Week, an event dedicated to celebrating Cairo’s vibrant cultural diversity as the largest metropolitan city in Africa and the Middle East. The week, organized by the Cairo Governorate in collaboration with UN-Habitat and the International Forum for Art and Development, spotlights Cairo’s rich heritage and significance in urban life. It serves as a prelude to the 12th World Urban Forum, which Egypt will host from November 4-8. Recognized as the second-largest UN event following COP28, the forum this year encourages reflection on the cultural, social, and environmental aspects of urban life.
Opening Remarks: Egypt’s Leadership in Urban Development
In his opening speech, Dr. Tayeb Abbas, CEO of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, warmly welcomed the attendees and highlighted Egypt’s legacy in urban planning, culture, and art. “The World Urban Forum showcases Egypt’s global standing as a cradle of civilization, with a profound heritage in arts, culture, and urban development,” he stated, emphasizing Egypt’s influence on the development of cities and communities worldwide.
Prominent Dignitaries and Leaders in Attendance
The event was graced by an esteemed group of leaders and dignitaries, including Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development; Dr. Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime; and Ambassador Soha Gendi, former Minister of State for Migration and Egyptian Expatriates’ Affairs. Also present were Cairo Governor Dr. Ibrahim Khalil, Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO of the Grand Egyptian Museum; Hamdi El Sattouhi, Assistant Minister of Culture and Head of the Cultural Development Fund; and Ahmed Rizk, UN-Habitat Egypt Program Director. Additional notable attendees included Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt; Randa Fouad, Founder of the Global Art Forum for Development; Rania Hedaya, Regional Representative for the Arab States at UN-Habitat; and Dr. Mohamed Shaker, former Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Alexandria University.
Special Recognition for Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim’s Transition
During the event, a special tribute was paid to Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim in recognition of his valuable contributions as CEO of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, marking his transition to the CEO of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Attendees were grateful to Dr. Ghoneim for his enduring efforts to promote Egypt’s cultural and historical heritage. The tribute underscored the collective appreciation for his achievements. It extended best wishes for his new role, where he will continue to lead in the preservation and development of one of the world’s most significant museums.
Panel Discussion: Sustainability in Art Through History
A key highlight of the day was a panel discussion titled “Sustainability in Art: From Ancient Egyptian Civilization to the Modern Era”, organized and moderated by Randa Fouad, founder and president of the Global Art Forum for Development. The panel, featuring Dr. Ibrahim Khalil (Cairo Governor), Ahmed Rizk (UN-Habitat Egypt Director), and Dr. Manal Awad (Minister of Local Development), explored the enduring impact of sustainable art across millennia and its role in shaping today’s urban environments. The discussion delved into the link between Egypt’s ancient artistic heritage and modern urban landscapes, highlighting art as a tool for expression, preservation, and creativity.
Insights from Leading Voices on Urban Sustainability
The panel featured insights from Dr. Manal Awad, who discussed the integration of sustainability into urban planning; Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim, who shared his perspectives on museums as spaces for cultural preservation; and Elena Panova, who emphasized UN efforts to support sustainable urban practices. Additionally, Rania Hedaya from UN-Habitat shared regional efforts, while Hamdi El Sattouhi discussed cultural development projects aimed at promoting public engagement and enhancing the community’s role in urban spaces.
Museum Tour Highlighting Egypt’s Rich Cultural Heritage
As the day’s events concluded, attendees participated in a guided tour of the museum’s galleries, where they experienced the extensive historical artifacts and displays that connect Egypt’s ancient past to its contemporary urban landscape. The tour offered guests an in-depth understanding of Egypt’s enduring cultural legacy and how it continues to inspire urban transformation today.
Looking Ahead to the World Urban Forum
As Cairo Urban Week concludes, anticipation builds for the World Urban Forum, where leaders and stakeholders from around the globe will gather to discuss sustainable urban development. This week’s events have set a promising foundation for further international collaboration, reinforcing Egypt’s role as a global advocate for cultural heritage and sustainable urban growth.
