Monday, August 18, 2025

Egypt and China Celebrate Int’l Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations at NMEC

Mona Yousef

In a vivid celebration of cultural diversity, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) commemorated the first-ever International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations on June 10, hosting a captivating cultural event in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Cairo under the theme: “Dialogue and Connection: Music Unites the World.”

The event, held in the heart of historic Fustat, showcased music as a universal language of peace, friendship, and mutual understanding—bridging civilizations from East to West.

A Platform for Cultural Diplomacy

Dr. El-Tayeb Abbas, CEO of NMEC, opened the celebration with a welcoming address, expressing pride in the museum’s growing role as a global platform for intercultural exchange. He emphasized how cultural and musical events hosted at the museum promote dialogue among peoples and foster appreciation of Egypt’s millennia-old heritage alongside the richness of world cultures.

“NMEC has evolved into an international hub for cultural convergence,” Abbas noted, “fostering artistic and diplomatic cooperation through music, exhibitions, and shared heritage.”

A Message from Beijing

A video address from Wang Yi, Chinese Foreign Minister and member of the Communist Party of China’s Political Bureau, highlighted the symbolic and strategic importance of cultural harmony:

“Civilizations complement and inspire each other,” Wang said. “Dialogue among civilizations is a bond of peace, a driver of development, and a bridge of friendship. The time is now for us to deepen such exchanges.”

Chinese Ambassador Liao Liqiang, in attendance, praised the Egyptian-Chinese cultural partnership, noting that such initiatives not only build diplomatic goodwill but also help Egyptian audiences gain deeper insight into Chinese art and heritage.

East Meets Nile: A Cross-Cultural Showcase

The program featured spellbinding musical and dance performances celebrating the traditional arts of both nations. Highlights included:

  • Chinese classical string instrument solos by renowned musicians,
  • A dynamic performance by the “Living Fossils” Chinese dance troupe, blending folkloric aesthetics with contemporary choreography,
  • And an energetic set by Egypt’s own Nile Folk Music and Singing Ensemble, presenting traditional Egyptian songs using iconic instruments like the mizmar, tabla, sagat, and arghul.

The audience included government officials, diplomats, artists, and culture enthusiasts, among them:

  • Dr. Essam Sharaf, former Egyptian Prime Minister,
  • Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO of the Grand Egyptian Museum,
  • Cultural attaches and ambassadors from various nations, all of whom praised the event’s high-level organization and cross-cultural resonance.

A United Nations-Endorsed Celebration of Unity

The celebration marked the inaugural observance of the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations, officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly during its 78th session in June 2024. Held annually on June 10, the day aims to promote mutual respect, intercultural solidarity, and global peacebuilding through the acknowledgment of diversity as a vital force in global development.

Bridging Cultures Through Music

In a world often marked by division, the NMEC event offered a powerful reminder of what unites us. With ancient civilizations as its backdrop and music as its voice, the evening stood as a testament to the shared human experience.

“This is not merely a celebration,” said one diplomat in attendance. “It is a statement: that in our differences lie the seeds of deeper connection.”

 

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