The Ministry of Social Solidarity has launched the first edition of the “Diarna Universities for Handicrafts and Heritage” exhibition at the Egyptian Russian University, marking the start of a series of campus events organized across Egyptian universities that host Social Solidarity Units.
The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Sherif Fakhry, President of the Egyptian Russian University, Dr. Essam Khamees, Academic Development Advisor to the University President, and senior officials from the Ministry of Social Solidarity.
The four-day exhibition features 45 exhibitors — artisans, entrepreneurs, and small business owners — presenting a wide range of handmade and traditional products tailored to student audiences. Displays include wooden crafts, home décor, paintings reflecting authentic Egyptian culture, handmade accessories, natural beauty products, ready-to-wear clothing for women and children, cotton textiles, and distinctive Sinai handicrafts and pottery.
Empowering Youth and Preserving Heritage
The “Diarna Universities” initiative extends the legacy of the national “Diarna” exhibition, one of Egypt’s oldest and most prominent platforms supporting local crafts and heritage industries. Through this new university-based format, the Ministry seeks to promote entrepreneurship among young people, encourage them to connect with Egypt’s cultural identity, and build sustainable economic opportunities for artisans and craft producers.
The Ministry confirmed that similar exhibitions will be organized in multiple universities in the coming period, in coordination with the Ministry’s Exhibition Sector and the Social Solidarity Units on campuses nationwide.
By integrating cultural heritage into university life, the initiative aims to empower youth, promote social inclusion, and preserve Egypt’s rich artistic traditions.
