Monday, 25 May 2026
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy (left) and Dr. Nuria Sanz, Director of the Regional Office in Cairo, at the event in Cairo.
Heritage forum inspires bold steps for historic preservation
In the heart of Cairo, where centuries-old streets echo with the stories of civilizations past, a bold new chapter in heritage preservation is unfolding.
This week, the majestic Prince Mohamed Ali Palace Museum in Manial played host to an inspiring gathering of minds dedicated to protecting Historic Cairo—a city renowned as a living museum in itself and recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979.
Spearheading the event was Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, who joined a distinguished roundtable to discuss the outcomes of the “Heritage Universities Forum – Historic Cairo: A Case Study” project.
This forum united researchers, university professors, postgraduate students, and heritage experts in a vibrant exchange of ideas, rooting academic insight firmly in real-world action.
At the forum, dialogue flourished, weaving together diverse perspectives on how best to safeguard and revitalize Historic Cairo’s unique urban landscape. Participants showcased a series of thoughtful recommendations, from innovative visitor experiences to empowering local communities and enhancing the stewardship of the city’s remarkable archaeological treasures.
Minister Fathy warmly recognized the pivotal contributions of all involved, expressing particular gratitude to UNESCO—represented by Dr. Nuria Sanz, Director of the Regional Office in Cairo—and to the Supreme Council of Antiquities, for their ongoing partnership.
“This initiative represents a critical step toward a more sustainable and inclusive future for one of the world’s most iconic heritage sites,” Fathy remarked, highlighting the collective hope that the fruits of academic labor can blossom into effective, sustainable solutions on the ground.
One of the most significant outcomes of the roundtable was a shared commitment to turn vision into action. A follow-up meeting with all stakeholders—including key government representatives—is on the horizon, paving the way for a practical roadmap to implement the proposals. This next step will focus on marshaling both the human talents and financial resources needed to ensure the preservation of Historic Cairo for generations to come.
This project stands as a testament to the rich collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and UNESCO’s Regional Office in Cairo. Together, they are developing an integrated management and conservation plan to uphold Historic Cairo’s Outstanding Universal Value, while addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and modern life.