🇪🇬 Johar Nabil Discusses Building National Identity
Youth and Sports Minister Johar Nabil said national identity is an important element in shaping Egyptian society and strengthening young people’s connection to their country.
He stressed that strengthening national identity should not remain limited to theoretical concepts or public speeches, but should instead become part of daily behavior and practical life.
The minister made the remarks while taking part in the first discussion session, titled “Identity Between the Past, Present and Future,” as part of the National Conference “National Identity: Deep-Rooted Foundations and a Renewed Vision.” The conference is being held at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina from September 21 to 23 under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
🌱 Identity Begins Within the Family
Johar Nabil compared national identity to a seed that requires continuous care before it can grow into a productive tree.
He emphasized that families, particularly parents, represent the starting point for instilling values and principles in children, noting that belonging and loyalty develop first within the family before expanding through schools, universities, society and different institutions.
⚽ Sports and the Development of Belonging
The Youth and Sports Minister highlighted the potential role of sports in strengthening national identity, particularly because sporting participation often begins at an early age.
He explained that a young person may first develop a sense of belonging to a school and its team, before that feeling expands through university competition and eventually reaches the national team, where athletes represent Egypt in international events.
Nabil also stressed that sports go beyond physical activity, contributing to teamwork, discipline, character development and a sense of collective responsibility.
🏟️ Focus on Youth in Border Governorates
The minister also emphasized the importance of making youth and sports activities available across all parts of Egypt, with particular attention to border governorates and areas requiring greater access to services and activities.
He said that providing young people with sports facilities, programs and opportunities in these areas can serve as a practical means of encouraging participation, developing talent and strengthening their connection to society.
🌍 Nabil Highlights His Visit to Halayeb and Shalateen
Johar Nabil referred to his visit to Halayeb and Shalateen, saying that he witnessed a strong attachment to national identity among local residents despite service-related needs in some areas.
He added that services have seen development over the past decade, while efforts continue to improve services and respond to citizens’ needs in the border governorates.
🏆 Youth and Border Governorates Olympics
Nabil said the Ministry of Youth and Sports supports a number of programs and events designed to give young people opportunities to participate, compete and interact, including the Youth Olympics and Border Governorates Olympics.
According to the minister, such activities provide spaces for teamwork, competition and interaction while allowing young people from different governorates to gain experience and build connections.
🧑🎓 National Identity Conference Brings Together Youth From 27 Governorates
The National Conference “National Identity: Deep-Rooted Foundations and a Renewed Vision” is bringing together around 450 young men and women representing Egypt’s 27 governorates, alongside scientific and discussion sessions, interactive workshops, cultural presentations, and exhibitions of arts and handicrafts.
The three-day conference addresses several issues related to Egyptian identity, including identity between the past, present and future, identity in the digital age, economic and social challenges, the role of the family, school and civil society, as well as art, heritage, innovation and education.
🇪🇬 Sports as a Practical Tool for Identity Building
Johar Nabil concluded by emphasizing the role sports can play in turning values such as belonging, teamwork and discipline into practical experiences in the daily lives of young people.
His participation comes within a wider conference discussion on the role of different institutions in shaping the awareness of younger generations. The event runs for three days and addresses national identity and contemporary challenges surrounding it.
