Culture Minister Ahmed Fouad Hanno affirmed Egypt’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and protecting it from distortion, as well as promoting cultural justice through the integration of modern technologies.
Speaking at the opening of the Global Media Dialogue during the 2025 World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), which kicked off in Mumbai, India, on May 1, he emphasized that culture and arts are essential tools for realizing development and social justice.
The minister called for international cooperation to establish ethical standards for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in culture and arts, ensuring content authenticity and respect for cultural contexts, according to a press release by the Culture Ministry on Friday 2/5/2025.
He highlighted the summit’s importance in fostering creative partnerships amid rapid technological changes, noting that India’s rich cultural heritage makes it an ideal host.
He stressed that Egypt’s cultural policies prioritize youth empowerment, infrastructure development and the safeguarding of tangible and intangible heritage. Digital transformation, he noted, has democratized content creation, enabling marginalized groups—especially women, youth in remote areas, and cultural minorities—to share their stories globally and enhance cultural diversity.
Hanno warned of AI’s potential to falsify cultural content and alter collective memory, urging global vigilance and regulatory frameworks. He concluded by praising India’s hospitality and the summit’s professional organization, calling it a true platform for cultural and technological collaboration.
WAVES 2025 is a four-day summit with tagline “Connecting Creators, Connecting Countries”. It brings together creators, startups, industry leaders, and policymakers from across the world.
At WAVES 2025, India is also hosting the Global Media Dialogue (GMD) for the first time, with ministerial participation from 25 countries, marking a milestone in the country’s engagement with the global media and entertainment landscape.
WAVES 2025 witnesses the participation from over 90 countries, with more than 10,000 delegates, 1,000 creators, 300+ companies, and 350+ startups. The summit will feature 42 plenary sessions, 39 breakout sessions, and 32 master classes spanning diverse sectors including broadcasting, infotainment, films, and digital media.
