President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stressed the importance of communicating government activities to the public, emphasising that raising awareness shapes the collective conscience but must complement the legal framework underpinning a state governed by the rule of law.
During a panel discussion entitled “Religious Discourse and Its Impact on Societal Values”, held on the fourth day of the Egypt Forum 2026, he highlighted the importance of establishing balanced religious foundations, particularly among children, to counter extremism, whether manifested in terrorism or an extreme shift towards atheism.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Endowments Osama Al-Azhari, Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy Mohamed Abdel-Dayem, and Bishop of Helwan, Al-Masara and 15th of May Diocese Anba Mikhail were present at the session.
He reaffirmed that freedom of belief is guaranteed, noting that preachers should offer a kind and respectful invitation to faith without imposing it.
According to Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, Abdel-Dayem outlined Al-Azhar’s efforts to enhance education and training, expand community outreach, combat extremism through awareness campaigns, disseminate religious heritage and strengthen international educational partnerships.
Anba Mikhail highlighted the Church’s contribution to character development and social peace through spiritual and psychological support for young people, ecclesiastical education and youth activities, development partnerships, and the promotion of citizenship, national stability and social cohesion.
Al-Azhari, for his part, outlined the Ministry’s initiatives to promote ethical values and positive behaviour through competent religious discourse.
Following co-operation with government bodies, the Ministry identified 41 behavioural issues, prompting the launch of the “Correct Your Concepts” (Sahih Mafahimak) initiative.
Al-Azhari also announced that the Ministry’s Artificial Intelligence Centre, scheduled to open the following week, had produced films showcasing God’s creation through five approaches tailored to different audiences.
The second season of the “State of Recitation” (Dawlat al-Tilawah) programme is scheduled for November 2026.
