The Evangelical Authority concludes the activities of the conference “The New Republic… A Cultural Vision”
Participants in the conference emphasize the importance of the role of art, media, education, and civil society in building the new republic.
The Coptic Evangelical Organization concluded the activities of the conference “The New Republic… A Cultural Vision” on Wednesday. The conference was held over three days, from May 27 to 29, in Alexandria.
Dr. Mona El-Hadidi, Assistant Professor of Sociology at the Faculty of Arts, Helwan University, moderated the third session, which focused on “Soft Power and Civil Society.” Akram Kassas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Youm7, stated that “social media now plays a significant role in the media,” highlighting the “dangers of spreading rumors and false news, and the rise of unqualified content creators in various fields such as medicine, psychiatry, and nutrition.”
Mahmoud Bassiouni, Editor-in-Chief of Akhbar El-Yom, emphasized “the critical role of the media in raising public awareness about the risks and challenges facing the country,” warning against “the politicization of human rights,” and praised “the Egyptian media’s role in addressing the plans to displace Palestinians and resolve the Palestinian issue.”
Journalist Hamdi Rizk stated, “Journalism and media must support the values of justice, truth, beauty, and citizenship, and handle topics with neutrality and professionalism.” Participants stressed the “need to present national content that uplifts society, while ensuring the media does not overlook social problems and issues, as journalism reflects all sectors of society. Hence, a community dialogue on society’s media needs is essential.”
The second part of the session addressed the importance of civil society and building solidarity in the new republic. Dr. Ayman Abdel Wahab, Civil Society Studies Expert and Deputy Director of Al-Ahram Center for Political and Strategic Studies, spoke about the value of solidarity, stating it is a “firmly rooted value in the Egyptian collective consciousness, enhancing and developing civic work, and supporting the culture of volunteering.” Dr. Howaida Adly, Professor of Political Science at the National Center for Social Research, highlighted the “importance of national cohesion and solidarity in building the new republic, through citizen solidarity to achieve common benefits.”
The fourth session focused on “Art and its Role in Building the New Republic,” moderated by Dr. Khaled Montasser. Tarik Radwan, Chairman of the Human Rights Committee in the House of Representatives, emphasized the “importance of art as an effective tool for raising awareness on various societal issues, in a creative language suitable for different age and cultural groups, contributing positively to solving societal challenges.” Art critic Tarek El Shennawy stated that “creativity by nature cannot be against religion or morals,” stressing the “importance of art in building the new republic.”
The fifth session discussed “Knowledge and Technological Development in the New Republic,” moderated by Dr. Noha Bakr, Professor of Political Science and member of the National Council for Human Rights. Dr. Marian Azer, Professor at Nile University and the National Telecommunication Institute and former member of Parliament, emphasized the “importance of technology in enhancing communication, understanding, and dialogue, and the significance of social media as a means to initiate and continue dialogue.” Dr. Walid Rashad, Professor of Sociology at the National Center for Social Research, highlighted the importance of transitioning the new republic towards a smart society, and the opportunities smart cities offer to citizens.
The sixth session focused on future directions, moderated by MP Nashwa El-Dib. Speakers included Dr. Tarek Abu Hishima, Director of the Global Fatwa Index at Dar al-Ifta, who stressed the “need for a joint, effective religious discourse in the new republic that is inclusive, respects work, and promotes construction and development.” Dr. Essam Amer, journalist at Al-Shorouk newspaper, pointed out the importance of “expanding the teaching of humanities in scientific colleges to encourage thinking, creativity, and counter extremism.” Dr. Youssef El-Wardani, former Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports, emphasized the necessity for “active entities in society to establish a philosophical vision for the role of civil society, adopting a clear and specific developmental model based on fundamental governing values and principles.”
