The National Archive and Library has taken significant steps to engage with the youth in Cairo, focusing on their essential role in cultural development. During the Cairo International Book Fair 2026, they organized a youth forum at Badr University under the theme “The Role of Youth in Cultural Development.” This event aligns with the archive’s vision of empowering young talents and enhancing their contributions to cultural and intellectual movements, establishing them as active partners in sustaining cultural development.
A Platform for Youth Engagement
During the forum, the National Archive and Library emphasized that youth involvement in cultural and developmental events goes beyond traditional implementation frameworks. Their contributions include innovative and intellectual inputs that help refine cultural tools and renew methods to keep pace with rapid digital and intellectual transformations. This approach aims to enhance the effectiveness and societal impact of cultural initiatives.
Investing in Human Capital
Reflecting the National Archive and Library’s commitment to investing in people—particularly the youth—this forum recognizes young individuals as vital to cultivating cultural awareness and preserving national memory. Their role is critical in ensuring the sustainability of knowledge transfer between generations and enhancing Arab cultural identity.
Noteworthy Contributions and Discussions
The first day of the forum featured prominent discussions with Dr. Shawkat Al-Masri and Haytham El-Sayed, moderated by Mahmoud Sharaf. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from Badr University students, faculty members, and a distinguished group of cultural enthusiasts. Dr. Hussein Mahmoud, Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Translation, expressed eagerness for future collaboration with the National Archive and Library.
Transformative Youth Participation
In his remarks, Dr. Shawkat Al-Masri highlighted how youth participation in the Cairo International Book Fair over the past five years has substantially transformed the event’s character and operational nature. He noted that electronic applications, news websites, internet radio, and volunteer programs exemplify significant youth contributions to cultural engagement, enhancing the effectiveness and rapid dissemination of cultural activities. This supportive role taken by cultural institutions, especially the National Archive and Library, fosters an environment conducive to creativity and reinforces the presence of youth in the cultural landscape as content creators and partners in development, rather than mere consumers.