The Forum for Intercultural Dialogue Continues the “Egypt Brings Us Together” Initiative Across Governorates to Promote Social Cohesion and Reject Intolerance
The Forum for Intercultural Dialogue at the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services continues to implement the activities of the “Egypt Brings Us Together” initiative under the slogan “You and Me… Not Me Against You,” moving across several governorates to reinforce the values of social cohesion, acceptance of others, and the rejection of all forms of intolerance.
In Aswan
Aswan University hosted the initiative’s activities with the participation of more than 120 male and female students, in partnership with the Faculty of Social Work, and in the presence of the University President and the Dean of the Faculty. The activities included dialogue and artistic segments that promoted a culture of accepting others and rejecting violence, and witnessed strong engagement from youth. One young participant expressed this interaction by saying:
“They asked me to put Egypt’s name in a clear sentence… I replied: the sentence is ‘Long live Egypt.’”
The final recommendations emphasized the pivotal role of youth in building a society based on peace and mutual respect.
In Minya – Tella Village
The activities were carried out in cooperation with Al-Rifa‘iya Association and a group of female preachers and volunteers, targeting more than 80 young women and women. They included interactive activities (puppet theater, sketches, and monologues) focusing on confronting rumors, discrimination, and verbal violence against women. Participants also reformulated negative popular proverbs into positive, community-supportive messages, in a dialogue experience that strengthened the values of cooperation, love, and protection of the social fabric.
In Cairo
In partnership with Misr Public Library in Al-Zawya Al-Hamra, around 100 young men and women participated in artistic and dialogue workshops addressing diversity, self-understanding, and acceptance of differences, alongside musical segments presented by the Shari‘na Choir. The activities provided spaces for expression through dialogue, writing, and drawing on issues of teamwork, the role of women, ambition, and the importance of positivity in life.
In Luxor
From the heart of the city of history and civilization, 130 participants from community leaders and youth gathered, in partnership with local institutions, to discuss tribal intolerance and the impact of rumors on social cohesion. This was done through artistic, musical, and theatrical performances carrying messages of unity and belonging. The activities concluded with an affirmation that social cohesion is a daily practice that begins with listening, grows through dialogue, and flourishes with love.
Thus, the “Egypt Brings Us Together” initiative continues its journey across governorates, affirming that Egypt is stronger through its diversity and the cooperation of its people.
