Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Gouna Film Festival, United Nations mark 80th anniversary with a focus on culture for development
In celebration of the United Nations’ 80th anniversary, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, joined key dignitaries at a press conference for the 8th Gouna Film Festival.
The event reflected a dynamic partnership between the festival, the United Nations, and the Egyptian government, highlighting the powerful role of arts and culture in driving sustainable development.
Dr. Al-Mashat praised the Gouna Film Festival’s impact on boosting tourism to the Red Sea region and emphasized the importance of cinematic arts as “makers of happiness” that unite people and cultures. This year, the festival is further amplified by its special collaboration with the United Nations, underscoring Egypt’s historic relationship as a longstanding UN partner.
Focusing on urgent themes, the festival spotlights food security—a core topic of this edition—with Dr. Al-Mashat highlighting food as a key issue of national and global significance. She further stressed that culture and creativity are essential engines for dialogue, inclusion, and opportunity, and are integral to Egypt’s vision for economic development.
The partnership between the United Nations and the Gouna Film Festival, together with the Egyptian government, creates a platform to elevate culture-based solutions for sustainable development. Dr. Al-Mashat shared pride in supporting initiatives that promote progress, deepen cultural understanding, and reinforce shared values.
The festival also reflects Egypt’s broader strategy to invest in culture and human development, announcing new public investments in cultural centers, museums, theaters, and community programs across the country.
United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt Elena Panova remarked that the festival acts as a vital channel for public engagement. “Cinema opens dialogue, raises awareness, and embodies complex issues in ways few other platforms can,” she said. Panova reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to expanding cooperation with the festival, transforming this partnership into an annual platform to highlight major societal issues in Egypt and beyond.
As the Gouna Film Festival continues to blend tourism, visual storytelling, and creative expression, attendees hope it will remain a beacon for culture-driven progress and a celebration of Egypt’s rich heritage on the international stage.