The forum examined the influence of widely spoken languages, those with more than 100 million native speakers, on thought, culture, and communication in today’s world. It focused on how language continues to shape identity and human interaction in an increasingly connected era.
The programme featured roundtable discussions addressing key themes, such as the relationship between language and identity, the role of multilingualism in enhancing understanding and communication, and the impact of language in the digital age, particularly in relation to artificial intelligence and social media.
It also encouraged contributions from participants across different countries through short talks and research presentations.
The forum opened with a panel discussion led by Mohamed El-Sawy, bringing together participants representing a wide range of languages, including Arabic, English, German, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Malay, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
Mennatullah El-Sawy, general manager of El-Sawy Culturewheel, described the institution’s long-standing mission as serving as “a meeting point for different cultures and perspectives.”
As the venue approaches its 25th anniversary, she highlighted its continued commitment to collaboration across cultural fields, stressing that working with knowledgeable and open-minded partners always enriches discussion.
She added that the forum reflects this vision by bringing together participants from different countries under the shared belief that culture unites people and strengthens societies.
“We are always convinced that culture brings people together and strengthens nations, and the more we learn about each other, the more exciting and colourful life becomes,” she said.
Iman Diaa, Teaching Excellence Lead for the Middle East and Africa at the British Council, described language as more than a means of communication, calling it a powerful tool for cultural expression, identity, and connection.
She noted that learning another language allows individuals to share their own culture while engaging with new communities. She added that expressions and word choices are often shaped by a speaker’s first language and cultural background, which is why multilingual communication can carry meanings beyond standard usage.
“Language is very flexible. It is not restricted,” she said, explaining that people can use languages such as English not only in their traditional forms, but also to express their own identities and experiences.
Tamer Ibrahim, an administrative assistant at the embassy of Brazil in Cairo and a former personal assistant to the ambassador of Brazil, described his country as a strong example of cultural and linguistic diversity shaped by centuries of migration and exchange.
Reflecting on the forum, he said it felt more developed and inclusive than previous editions, with wider international participation and stronger cultural representation. He also praised the event’s atmosphere, highlighting its role in bringing together languages, countries, and shared interests in a meaningful exchange.
Mohamed Al-Hadidy, an educational researcher and journalist, spoke about the deeper relationship between language, culture, and identity, with a particular emphasis on the Arabic language. He reflected on how language is not only a practical tool for employment or communication, but a gateway to understanding cultures and engaging with them more meaningfully.
Al-Hadidy also highlighted the idea that language shapes thought and perception, stressing that weakening or losing a language can, in a sense, be a loss of self and cultural identity.
Olga, representing the Russian Cultural Centre, discussed the role of artificial intelligence in education, noting that it can help teachers simplify complex material for students.
She also spoke about the Russian language and the interest it receives from learners through cultural exchange.
Reflecting more broadly on language, she emphasized that each one carries its own philosophy and way of understanding the world. Through comparisons between different linguistic structures, she highlighted how language shapes perception, thought, and cultural meaning, offering each speaker a distinct lens through which to interpret reality.
Luz Elena Martínez Cossab, the Colombian ambassador in Egypt, speaking on behalf of the Spanish language, reflected on how written and spoken language shape human imagination and continue to evolve across generations.
Being the granddaughter of the Colombian writer Matilde Espinosa, she emphasized the importance of reading and attentive listening in building understanding, noting that strong writing deepens awareness and comprehension. She also highlighted the close connection between language, cultural heritage, and identity.
Mohamed El-Sawy reflected on the aim of bringing together a wide range of languages with large numbers of native speakers under one platform, describing the forum as a shared space for dialogue and cultural exchange.
Speaking after the discussions, he expressed his satisfaction with the atmosphere, noting that “the room was filled with intellectual energy, cultural depth, and mutual interaction among all participants.” He added that the sessions explored language from multiple perspectives, including its impact on societies and human development.
El-Sawy further emphasized the richness of the exchange, stating that the forum “opened up wide horizons of thought” and left participants with “positive energy that encourages us to continue in this direction and further develop the representation of languages across the world.”
Abdel-Hamid Madkour, secretary-general of the Arabic Language Academy in Cairo, highlighted the historical importance of translation in the development of Arabic knowledge.
He stressed that learning should progress from receiving knowledge to producing it through research and writing, stating that “a believer searches, investigates, learns, and translates, and after all of this learning must move from reception to writing.”
He also referred to major translation movements that introduced sciences from various civilizations into Arabic, spanning fields such as medicine, astronomy, engineering, and chemistry. Emphasizing the value once placed on scholarship, he added that “a translated book could be weighed in gold.”
Mona Hassanein, education support manager for exams, business development, and partnerships at the British Council, spoke about the development of emotional intelligence and its close connection to language and self-expression.
She explained that the process begins with self-awareness, followed by learning to name emotions, regulate them, and communicate effectively with others. She noted that language is central to this development, especially in childhood, when identity and expression begin to form.
Emphasizing its emotional and social importance, she described language as “a vessel for thoughts and feelings,” which helps individuals understand and express what is within them.
Alla Ahmed Shoaib, director of Japanese Language Courses at the Japan Foundation, spoke about the institution’s mission in promoting Japanese language and culture worldwide. She highlighted its focus on cultural exchange, language education, and international dialogue, noting the growing global interest in Japanese.
Citing recent figures, she said around four million learners were studying Japanese by 2024, reflecting the country’s cultural influence through media such as anime and manga. She also expressed her enthusiasm for the forum and her passion for teaching the language.
Ashraf Saadoun, an Arabic calligraphy teacher and educational supervisor, participated in the forum’s cultural booths, where visitors were invited to explore different languages and traditions. He spoke warmly about his profession and the event’s atmosphere, noting that participants were driven by genuine curiosity and a desire to learn.
Emphasizing the link between language and culture, he also highlighted the importance of Arabic calligraphy in education, describing it as an art form that requires talent encouragement and support to flourish.
The forum concluded in a warm and cheerful atmosphere, with participants expressing their satisfaction at being part of the third edition of the El-Sakia Languages Forum 2026.
Throughout the day, attendees engaged in discussions on languages and cultures while also connecting on a personal level, exchanging contacts and forming new friendships.
More than a series of discussions, the event became a space for genuine human connection and cultural exchange. As it ended, participants left inspired, carrying both new knowledge and meaningful relationships formed through language.
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