The meeting came as part of broader efforts to advance cultural justice and expand access to cultural services in remote and underserved areas.
Tribal representatives outlined key demands, including scaling up cultural and artistic activities suited to the local community, expanding workshops for traditional crafts, and providing greater support for young talents in literature and folk arts, which they said are vital to preserving the region’s cultural identity.
Zaki affirmed that border areas remain a priority for the Ministry of Culture, in line with directives from President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to strengthen cultural security and invest in human development.
She described Shalateen as a model of cultural diversity, noting that the proposals raised will receive prompt attention, with plans to develop sustainable cultural programmes tailored to the region’s needs, while reinforcing culture’s role as a form of soft power in strengthening national belonging.
Highlighting the culture’s role in economic empowerment, particularly for women, the minister pointed to traditional crafts, garments, and heritage products displayed at the book fair.
She said such initiatives both preserve cultural heritage and create income-generating opportunities, adding that the meeting forms part of efforts to develop optimal models for delivering cultural services based on the specific needs of each region, and that the ministry will work to expand support for these activities.
In a step to bring Shalateen’s heritage to international audiences, Zaki announced that selected local artistic troupes will participate in international cultural events, including performances hosted by the Egyptian Academy of Arts in Rome, as part of efforts to promote Egyptian heritage abroad and strengthen cultural diplomacy.
She also emphasized the importance of integrating Shalateen’s artistic traditions into cultural venues in Cairo and other governorates, ensuring that southern heritage becomes part of the national cultural landscape.
As part of outreach efforts, the minister revealed plans to allocate a mobile theatre and the “Beautiful Art Bus,” a ministry initiative offering mobile cultural activities, to serve Shalateen and surrounding villages.
These programmes will offer workshops in drawing, including sand art, as well as film screenings.
A semi-annual programme of activities will also be introduced, with the General Authority for Cultural Palaces and the Theatre Sector working to identify and support local talents in theatre, music, and folk arts.
At the end of the visit, tribal representatives expressed appreciation for the minister’s engagement and willingness to listen to their concerns, describing the visit as a reflection of the state’s commitment to integrating border communities into Egypt’s cultural landscape.
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