Dr. Rania Al-Mashat: The World Faces Multiple, Interconnected Challenges Affecting Developing Countries & Emerging Economies.. The Role of Media is Indispensable in Providing Accurate Information to Public Opinions.
H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, participated in the celebration organized by Egypt’s national Al-Ahram Foundation to mark the 30th anniversary of the first issue of Al-Ahram Hebdo, the French-language newspaper launched in 1994. The event, held under the patronage of Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, was attended by several prominent figures, including Eng. Ibrahim Mahlab, former Prime Minister of Egypt; Mr. Ahmed Kojok, Minister of Finance; Counselor Mahmoud Fawzy, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Legal Affairs, and Political Communication; Eng. Khaled Abdel Aziz, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation; Eng. Abdel-Sadek Al-Shorbagy, Chairman of the National Press Authority; Mr. Khaled Belshi, Head of the Journalists Syndicate; Dr. Mohamed Fayed Farhat, Chairman of Al-Ahram Foundation; along with a number of ambassadors and Al-Ahram’s leadership team.
In her speech, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat extended her congratulations to Dr. Mohamed Fayz Farhat, Chairman of Al-Ahram Foundation, Mrs. Nevine Kamel, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Ahram Hebdo, and all the journalists at this prestigious institution, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the publication of Al-Ahram Hebdo’s first issue. She also congratulated Mr. Mohamed Salmawy, the founder and first editor-in-chief of Al-Ahram Hebdo, Eng. Abdel-Sadek Al-Shorbagy on the renewed trust of the political leadership in his role as Chairman of the National Press Authority, and Eng. Khaled Abdel Aziz, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Media Regulation.
Dr. Al-Mashat expressed her pride in being part of Al-Ahram’s rich legacy, which published its first issue in August 1875 and has always been a platform for professional journalism, hosting prominent writers, thinkers, and creatives across all fields. Al-Ahram has also witnessed many of the pivotal moments in Egypt's history.
In this context, the Minister emphasized that Al-Ahram is one of the leading media institutions in Egypt, playing a vital role in helping decision-makers make informed choices through the in-depth analyses it provides on economic and social issues. The publication also addresses matters that concern citizens, delivers messages to audiences abroad in a more objective manner, and contributes to raising awareness on national and international issues. This enhances the ability of officials to understand various contexts. Al-Ahram also serves as a platform for dialogue and debate, allowing different parties to exchange ideas and perspectives, contributing to the development of public policies.
Dr. Al-Mashat added: "My participation today in the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Al-Ahram Hebdo’s first issue highlights the continuity and success of the institution, and this sustainability holds significant meaning. Since its launch, Al-Ahram Hebdo has been committed to conveying the pulse of Egyptian society to French-speaking readers worldwide, while shining a spotlight on Egypt’s pioneering experience in economic and social development."
She further explained that the media plays a key role in conveying these developments to citizens, and that the Ministry is keen to maintain continuous communication with the media in order to present its vision, following the integration of planning, economic development, and international cooperation. This approach aims to chart sustainable growth paths and translate national strategies into impactful development projects across various sectors, combining the development of the planning system with international partnerships that provide funding and technical support for economic development.
The Minister also stressed that the world is facing numerous interconnected challenges affecting developing and least-developed countries, ranging from geopolitical tensions, to pandemics, to the worsening effects of climate change, and rising inflation and sovereign debt burdens. The development gaps in these countries have widened, with the information gap being one of the most prominent. As a result, the role of the media is indispensable in providing accurate information to the public.
At the end of the celebration, the Al-Ahram Foundation honored Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, along with several ministers, current and former officials, Al-Ahram leaders, and the champions of the Paris Olympic Games.