Professor Hossam Badrawi’s speech at the Venice Conference on the Mediterranean Basin

Professor Hossam Badrawi’s speech at the Venice Conference on the Mediterranean Basin
Friday, September 6, 2024 in Arabic:
“My friend Professor Saporito
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished colleagues,
I share with you with passion the objectives of the conference and my readiness to participate in our future work plans.
You all know that Egypt’s location in the Mediterranean is not only geographical; it is deeply rooted in history and culture.
Egypt was a beacon of knowledge and culture. The city of Alexandria became one of the most important centers of learning in the ancient world.
The Library of Alexandria was a symbol of the Mediterranean’s role as a meeting place for science, attracting scholars from all over the region. This tradition of intellectual exchange is something we continue to draw inspiration from today.
Egypt stands out as a symbol of continuity and resilience. Despite many challenges, Egypt has maintained its cultural identity and been a stabilizing force in the Mediterranean.
The Mediterranean has always been more than just a body of water. It is a cradle of civilizations, a crossroads of cultures, and a living witness to the shared heritage of humanity.
From the Phoenicians and Greeks to Egyptians and Ottomans, this region has been a center of exchange – of goods, ideas, and people – for thousands of years.

But today, as we stand at the intersection of past glory and future potential, the Mediterranean is also a mirror of global crises and opportunities.”
**The Mediterranean as a historical center:**
“In this great basin, empires have risen and fallen, religions have intertwined, and cultures have merged.
The Mediterranean is not just a geographical feature; it is a symbol of human connection.

But it has also been a theater of conflict – a place where differences in religion, culture, and politics have led to conflict.

This duality, this constant tension between conflict and cooperation, is what makes the Mediterranean unique, and why its future is so important to the world.”
**The role of institutions:**
“We recognize the importance of institutions like UNESCO that have long sought to exploit the potential of the Mediterranean to promote peace and cooperation.

In 1995, UNESCO launched the Mediterranean Programme, a bold initiative aimed at fostering new institutions, NGOs, and projects across the region.
This programme was built on the belief that through dialogue and cooperation, the Mediterranean can become a model of peaceful coexistence.

Many of these initiatives are still active today, a testament to the enduring power of institutional support in shaping the destiny of the region.”
**Today’s Challenges and Opportunities:**
“But the Mediterranean today faces new challenges – challenges that are global in nature but that have a particularly acute impact on this region.

Political instability, migration crises, and environmental degradation are just some of the pressing issues.

Traditional institutions continue to play a vital role, but they are often overburdened.

At the same time, there is a growing sense that these challenges cannot be solved by institutions alone.

We need the energy, creativity and innovation of young people.”
**New Generation Mediterranean Community:**
“Here lies the opportunity. Today’s generation of young people is more connected than ever before thanks to advances in information and communication technologies.

They are creating a new language – a common cultural and linguistic framework that transcends national borders.

These young people are not just passive recipients of culture; Rather, they are active creators, shaping a new Mediterranean identity that is inclusive, dynamic, and future-oriented.”
**Virtual Forum Proposal:**
As I discussed with Professor Saporito,
“With this in mind, I support the proposal that we take a bold step forward: the creation of a new Virtual Forum – a digital meeting place where people from across the Mediterranean can come together to exchange ideas, engage in dialogue, and build a shared vision of peace and tolerance.
This Forum will not be just a platform; it will be a community, a space where the voices of young people are heard and where they can lead the way in addressing the region’s challenges.”
**Conclusion:**
“In conclusion, the destiny of the Mediterranean is not simply a matter of preserving the past; it is about building the future. It is about empowering the new generation to take responsibility for their shared heritage and use it as the basis for a more peaceful and tolerant Mediterranean society. Let us support them in this endeavor, because in doing so we will ensure that the Mediterranean remains a beacon of civilization – not just in history, but in the years to come.”
“Thank you
Hossam Badrawi”