Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy held a broad meeting with senior officials of the ministry and the Supreme Council of Antiquities to directly review the key challenges facing the Council’s various sectors and to identify opportunities for improving performance and enhancing efficiency. The meeting, held at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat, included presentations from sector heads and central directors, each outlining their main files, current challenges, and proposals for improvement.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Hesham El-Leithy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities; Ahmed Obeid, Permanent Undersecretary of the Ministry and Assistant Minister for Administrative Affairs; Mostafa Ali El-Din, Assistant Minister for the Minister’s Office; along with heads of the Council’s different sectors and central administrations covering Egyptian, Islamic, Coptic, and Jewish antiquities; museums; restoration projects across Egypt; financial and administrative affairs; and human resources.
The minister began the meeting by welcoming participants and stressing the importance of such gatherings as platforms for dialogue and exchange of ideas, which contribute to developing work mechanisms, addressing challenges, and finding appropriate solutions. He emphasized investing in human capital, preparing second- and third-line cadres capable of assuming leadership roles in the future, and establishing clear mechanisms for performance evaluation and rewarding outstanding employees to encourage excellence and strengthen institutional efficiency.
During the meeting, each sector head presented the nature of their work, the files under their responsibility, the challenges they face, and opportunities for improvement, along with practical proposals to address these issues.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Obeid reviewed the progress of joint committees between the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Central Agency for Organization and Administration, which are tasked with updating organizational structures and finalizing human resources regulations for affiliated bodies. He noted that the committees are expected to complete their work early next week, after which results will be submitted to the Central Agency and the Ministry of Finance for further action in line with laws and regulations.
One of the main issues addressed was the plan to modernize infrastructure at archaeological sites, including upgrading restoration laboratories and creating sustainable systems to supply essential materials and resources, ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of restoration work.”
The council’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with other government bodies were also highlighted, including collaboration with the Egyptian General Authority for Surveying, in preparation for a protocol to conduct surveying of archaeological areas, correct coordinates, and carry out mapping for lands to be designated as antiquities or subject to Article (20) of Antiquities Protection Law No. 117 of 1983 and its amendments.
In relation to museums, the meeting reviewed activities organized between August 2025 and August 2026, which included approximately 1,095 cultural, artistic, and educational events, as well as 105 temporary exhibitions. These reflect the diversity of programs offered to the public and the role of museums in fostering community engagement and raising archaeological awareness.
Concluding the meeting, Minister Sherif Fathy emphasized his commitment to holding such meetings regularly, expressing hope they will serve as a foundation for further achievements. He stressed the importance of strengthening communication channels between officials and staff and across the council’s sectors and departments to ensure integration of efforts, exchange of expertise and information, swift handling of challenges, and achievement of objectives with a spirit of teamwork.
Source: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Online Portal
