Egypt has lately found itself the target of intensifying misinformation and anti-Egyptian narratives on the international stage.
Detractors have distorted Egypt’s positions and actions. During the recent Gaza crisis, for instance, some voices falsely accused Cairo of complicity, prompting Egypt’s Foreign Ministry to publicly debunk ten false claims regarding aid at the Rafah Crossing.
Such smear campaigns tarnish Egypt’s image and undermine its principled stances. However, the fervour of these attacks only highlights Egypt’s importance: if Egypt were inconsequential, critics would not bother with such falsehoods.
All this makes it clear that Egypt can no longer let others define its story. The nation possesses extraordinary cultural, historical, and spiritual assets that remain under-utilised in projecting its true voice abroad. It is urgent to take charge of Egypt’s narrative through a coordinated strategy that proactively presents Egypt’s facts, context, and values to a global audience.
One pillar of this strategy is to communicate directly with global audiences in their own languages. Egyptian institutions – especially those with international influence like Al-Azhar and Dar Al-Iftaa — should establish active official platforms in major foreign languages to convey Egypt’s message first-hand.
Important statements and religious edicts must be directly accessible to foreign audiences rather than filtered through second-hand translation. Launching official foreign-language websites and social media accounts would allow Egypt to present its perspective without distortions. Consistent multilingual outreach would make the Egyptian narrative readily available worldwide, ensuring Egypt’s viewpoint is understood as intended.
Another essential step is to put forward authoritative and multilingual spokespersons who can engage the international press directly. Major Egyptian institutions should appoint credible representatives fluent in English (and other key languages) to be global voices for Egypt. These spokespersons should regularly brief foreign correspondents, hold international press conferences, and provide timely commentary or rebuttals in the global media.
The US State Department, for example, has an office dedicated to liaising with the international media to ensure accurate coverage of its policies. Similarly, Egypt’s trained English-speaking officials could proactively shape the narrative by explaining policies and swiftly correcting falsehoods. Building relationships with influential journalists would help ensure Egypt’s views are included rather than sidelined. With confident spokespeople on the world stage, misinformation would have far less space to spread.
In the digital age, facts alone are also not enough – storytelling is critical. Egypt should invest in creating compelling multimedia content such as documentaries and short videos that highlight its contributions and perspective. Short, professionally produced videos with multilingual subtitles could showcase Egypt’s humanitarian efforts, peacemaking initiatives, development successes, and rich cultural heritage.
Shared widely online and with international outlets, such content would help humanise Egypt’s image. Positive stories of Egypt’s resilience and leadership could strategically counteract negative stereotypes about the country. By regularly pushing out factual yet engaging narratives, Egypt could capture global attention in a constructive way. The country has many powerful stories waiting to be told — and whoever tells the better story will win the perception battle.
Egyptian embassies worldwide should be on the frontlines of this narrative effort. It is crucial to reinvigorate the media offices in these embassies so that they can actively engage with the local press. These offices should hold briefings to clarify policies, swiftly address false reports, and promote positive news about Egypt.
Egypt once maintained an extensive network of information offices abroad, and this should be revived and modernised. Media attachés should be trained and resourced to serve as extensions of the Cairo press. Analysts likewise urge empowering Egypt’s media offices abroad to directly influence global public opinion. Every embassy ought to be a hub for Egypt’s narrative — organising cultural events, facilitating media interviews, and maintaining a strong local-language presence.
By leveraging its diplomatic footprint, Egypt will ensure that its voice is heard in every corner of the world and misconceptions are corrected at their source.
In the information age, Egypt cannot leave its story to others. Misinformation can only be countered by a conscious, sustained effort to market the Egyptian narrative globally. By implementing the steps above — multilingual outreach, credible spokespersons, engaging storytelling, and active embassy media diplomacy — Egypt can reclaim control of its narrative.
This is not propaganda but clarity and truth, reminding the world that Egypt, a cradle of civilisation, still champions stability and moderation in a turbulent region. When Egypt’s voice is assertive and present, falsehoods find little room to spread.
In an era when perception shapes reality, Egypt must project its truth confidently. Through strategic, sincere communication, the country can foster greater international understanding, counter smear campaigns, and highlight its authentic story of resilience and leadership.
The writer is a senior adviser to the Grand Mufti of Egypt.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 7 August, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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