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Cyprus To host conference On cultural rights in Framework Of MED9 In September

A conference on ‘Cultural Rights in Times of Crisis – Contemporary challenges and perspectives’ will be held in Cyprus on 16 September, within the framework of the 9 Mediterranean Member States of the EU (MED9) Summit.

The conference is being organised by the Deputy Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Organisation for European Programmes and Cultural Relations and the University of Cyprus.

According to a press release by the Deputy Ministry of Culture,  the Conference will be followed by a closed online meeting of the Ministers of Culture of the MED9.

The aim of the conference, which will start with a keynote lecture by UN Special Rapporteur in the Field of Cultural Rights Dr Alexandra Xanthaki and will bring together experts from both Cyprus and abroad, is to discuss the importance of safeguarding cultural rights and the Mediterranean cultural heritage, as well as to promote regional cultural cooperation in supporting artistic freedom in the spirit of cultural diversity, intercultural dialogue, equality, and inclusiveness.

The conference will be inaugurated by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou, the Rector of the University of Cyprus, Professor Tasos Christofides and the Head of the Cultural Policy Unit of the European Commission Catherine Magnant.

The proceedings will take place on Monday, 16 September, at the University of Cyprus. The conference will be open to the public and includes a panel discussion with the participant experts.

As it is noted, acknowledging the political urgency of safeguarding cultural rights in times of crisis, particularly in the context of the accelerating pace of political, economic, climate, and technological challenges, the aim is that at the end of the meeting, the Ministers will adopt a Declaration on Cultural Rights.

Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone Draws $8.1B In Investments Through 255 Projects

Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) has secured an impressive $8.1 billion in investments across 255 projects in the last 30 months, according to an official announcement on Monday.

Major Investment Boost For SCZone

The General Authority for the SCZone has successfully attracted 251 projects in its industrial zones and ports, accumulating $6.2 billion in capital investments, which has resulted in around 28,000 new jobs, as stated by SCZone Chairman Walid Gamal El-Din.

Additionally, four new projects have brought in $1.8 billion in investments, boosting the total capital inflows within the zone. These developments were discussed in a meeting with Mohamed Zaki El Sewedy, Chairman of the Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI), and other officials from various chambers of commerce.

Strengthening Industrial Ties And Opportunities

The meeting focused on expanding investment prospects, fostering collaboration, and addressing challenges faced by industrial firms with strong export potential. A key objective was to encourage businesses to scale up their operations within the SCZone, leveraging its prime location, advanced infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies.

El-Din stressed the importance of the SCZone in driving Egypt’s economic growth and industrial transformation, citing the Ain Sokhna Integrated Industrial Zone as a flagship example of development. This zone is a testament to Egypt’s growing presence as a competitive global manufacturing hub.

The continued partnership between the SCZone and the private sector, El-Din noted, plays a pivotal role in building a strong ‘Made in Egypt’ brand, supporting local industrial development, and boosting innovation to improve Egypt’s position in global markets.

Acknowledging Achievements And Future Collaboration

El Sewedy praised the SCZone for its efforts in creating a robust investment climate, offering comprehensive services, incentives, and cutting-edge infrastructure. This meeting marked the beginning of a deeper collaboration between the SCZone and FEI, setting the stage for future joint initiatives.

Egypt’s Economic Outlook

Egypt’s economy is projected to grow by 4% in the year leading up to June, bolstered by supportive measures from the IMF, according to a Reuters poll conducted in January 2025. The poll also forecasts a GDP growth acceleration to 4.7% in 2025-26 and 5% in 2026-27.

However, the country’s GDP growth slowed to 2.4% in 2023-24, down from 3.8% in the previous year, primarily due to the ongoing currency crisis and the geopolitical impact of the war in neighboring Gaza, according to the Central Bank of Egypt.

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