Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Participates in the Press Conference for the Eighth Edition of El Gouna Film Festival

Coinciding with the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations:

Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Participates in the Press Conference for the Eighth Edition of El Gouna Film Festival

“Al-Mashat: Culture and the arts are a key driver for achieving development. We value the partnership between El Gouna Film Festival and the United Nations in highlighting development issues through art and creativity.”

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, participated in the press conference of the eighth edition of El Gouna Film Festival, which coincides with the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

The event was attended by Eng. Naguib Sawiris, Founder of the Festival and Chairman of Orascom Investment Holding; Eng. Samih Sawiris, Founder of El Gouna City and Chairman of the Festival Board of Trustees; Ms. Elena Panova, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt; Mr. Mohamed Amer, CEO of the Festival; Mr. Amr Mansi, Executive Director and Co-founder of the Festival; Ms. Marianne Khoury, Artistic Director of the Festival; along with a distinguished group of artists and public figures.

During her remarks, Dr. Al-Mashat expressed her gratitude to the organizers of the festival for their efforts in holding El Gouna Film Festival, which has contributed to revitalizing tourism in the Red Sea region. She noted that this year’s edition is taking place as Egyptian tourism witnesses record-high levels despite significant regional challenges.

Al-Mashat added that films and filmmaking bring people together and keep cultures alive, describing them as a “factory of joy and happiness.” She stressed the importance of linking films to current global and national issues, making them a tool to unify goals. She also highlighted that this year’s festival coincides with the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, emphasizing the deep, historic relationship between Egypt and the UN, with Egypt being one of the organization’s most prominent partners.

She further noted that El Gouna Film Festival enhances the value of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing in this edition on the issue of food as a central theme. She stressed that food is not only a basic human need but also a matter of national security. She affirmed that culture and creativity are powerful drivers of development, explaining that as Egypt continues shaping its economic development vision, it recognizes the arts as a fundamental catalyst for dialogue, inclusion, and opportunity.

The Minister highlighted that this strategic collaboration between the United Nations in Egypt, El Gouna Film Festival, and the Egyptian government represents a platform for promoting culture-based solutions for sustainable and economic development. “We are proud to support initiatives that shed light on the pivotal role played by a diverse range of actors — including philanthropic institutions — in driving progress, deepening cross-cultural understanding, and strengthening our shared values,” she said.

Al-Mashat added that Egyptian culture has undergone a fundamental transformation in recent years, with the state placing the development of the Egyptian citizen at the top of its priorities. She explained that the FY 2025/2026 plan aims to direct public investments toward enhancing cultural services through the implementation of several projects, programs, and development initiatives. These include completing the establishment and development of 21 cultural palaces in the governorates of Cairo, Aswan, Red Sea, Ismailia, Sharqia, Sohag, North Sinai, Fayoum, Luxor, Gharbia, and Suez; developing 6 children’s cultural centers; completing the development of three museums; as well as completing the renovation of 15 theaters — including the Mansoura National Theater, Mohamed Abdel Wahab Theater in Alexandria, and Minya Theater — while continuing efforts to bridge developmental gaps between governorates, rural, and urban areas by expanding mobile library activities.

She concluded by expressing her wishes for the continued success of the festival, which blends tourism, imagery, and storytelling to promote the Arab Republic of Egypt.

For her part, Elena Panova, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt, affirmed that for the United Nations in Egypt, this festival is not merely an artistic celebration, but a powerful platform for connecting with people through stories that carry real meaning and values. “Cinema opens dialogue, raises awareness, and embodies complex issues — reaching hearts and minds in ways few other mediums can,” she said.

She added that as the United Nations celebrates 80 years of promoting peace, human rights, and sustainable development, “we are proud to stand side by side with El Gouna Film Festival, the Egyptian government, and our partners across sectors to inspire audiences, amplify voices, and celebrate resilience, creativity, and our shared humanity.” Looking to the future, she affirmed the UN’s commitment to deepening its cooperation with El Gouna Film Festival and transforming it into a long-term partnership that annually highlights a key issue of importance to both Egypt and the United Nations.