Professor Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, President of Alexandria University, participated today, Sunday, June 1, 2025, in the seminar entitled "The Political Leadership's Vision for the Management and Protection of World Heritage Sites." The seminar was delivered by Major General Dr. Khaled Fouda, Advisor to the President of the Republic for Local Development and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for the Management of World Heritage Sites. The event was attended by Lieutenant General Ahmed Khaled Hassan Saeed, Governor of Alexandria, Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and a group of experts and specialists in the fields of heritage, antiquities, and culture.

In his speech, Dr. Konsowa emphasized the importance of the seminar's topic, especially in light of the Egyptian state's interest in preserving its cultural and civilizational heritage and reviving its global heritage. He pointed to the Alexandria Library's revitalization project as one such heritage restoration project, which has received worldwide appreciation and respect. Dr. Konsowa also referred to the activities included in the 20th International Association for the Study of Traditional Environments (IASTE) conference, organized by Alexandria University in cooperation with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The conference included numerous discussions on development projects, including heritage revitalization projects for the city of Alexandria, which the Alexandria Governorate is currently working on in cooperation with Alexandria University. He added that Alexandria enjoys the attention and respect of the European community in the northern Mediterranean countries. He also emphasized the need to protect Egypt's global heritage in cooperation with all institutions and civil society. Dr. Konsowa announced that Alexandria University will hold a series of seminars for all Alexandria University affiliates on the importance and development of historical heritage sites.

During his lecture, Major General of Staff Dr. Khaled Fouda discussed the Egyptian state's strategic vision for managing and protecting World Heritage sites, and the responsibilities of the Supreme Committee for World Heritage Site Management, through coordination with all local and international entities regarding the management and protection of heritage sites. He also spoke about Egypt's international obligations under the 1972 UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of Cultural Heritage, and the importance of coordination with UNESCO before initiating any projects within the scope of the World Heritage site. He emphasized the importance of effective partnerships between national and international institutions to achieve best practices in preserving Egyptian cultural heritage. He also announced that he would cooperate with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina to hold a major symposium on Egyptian identity under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Khaled affirmed that Egypt is witnessing a qualitative shift in the protection and development of heritage sites. He noted that Egypt boasts seven sites inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, in addition to 32 sites on the Indicative List, reflecting the richness and diversity of Egyptian heritage. The Governor highlighted the significant efforts being made in the Abu Mena archaeological site in Alexandria Governorate, in implementation of the directives of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. A groundwater reduction project has been completed in coordination with the Ministries of Tourism and Antiquities, and Water Resources and Irrigation, paving the way for the launch of a project to reposition the area as a leading destination for cultural and religious tourism, enhancing its contribution to the national economy.

The Governor of Alexandria emphasized the importance of heritage protection, considering it a shared responsibility that requires the combined efforts of the state, civil society, and academic institutions. He also commended the pioneering role played by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in supporting heritage studies and research and organizing cultural and scientific events that contribute to enhancing community awareness and preserving national identity.

Dr. Ahmed Zayed emphasized the importance of this seminar, which carries a significant message to preserve Egyptian heritage, especially in light of the presence of decision-makers, a number of experts, academics, and owners of initiatives and projects related to preserving and protecting cultural heritage. He emphasized that the discussion of preserving heritage also includes discussion of identity and the importance of social cohesion among members of society. He added that today's seminar confirms that culture occupies an important place in the thinking of the Egyptian state, expressing his hope that this event will be repeated annually to raise awareness of the importance of preserving Egyptian heritage.