Egypt’s 23rd Central Upper Egypt Literary Forum opened in Minya on Wednesday with a focus on cultural identity and literary change. The event was inaugurated by Culture Minister Gihane Zaki and Minya Governor Emad Kadwany.
The forum took place at the Minya Governorate General Court Theatre under the theme “Culture Between Identity and Literary Transformations.” It brought together executive leaders, intellectuals, and literary figures from Upper Egypt.
Minister Zaki said the ministry prioritises cultural justice and plans to turn youth centres in rural villages into cultural hubs. She also mentioned mobile libraries and the “Culture is Life” project.
Governor Kadwany stated that the forum supports the goals of the New Republic by building awareness and protecting youth from extremist ideologies. Hisham Atwa, head of the General Authority for Cultural Palaces, noted the forum’s role in preserving national identity amid global changes.
The event, headed by Essam Khalaf with poet Osama Abu El-Naga as secretary-general, began with a folk art performance and included honours for writers Ragab Mekkawi and Abdel-Hafez Bakhit.