Replay: Watch Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's address • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM): The largest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization (Ancient Egypt).
• Ancient Egypt: The civilization that inscribed its initial letters of civilization, art, intellect, writing, cult, and faith, inspiring people globally.
• Civilization Building: Emphasized as occurring during times of peace and disseminated through collaboration.
• Global Collaboration: The GEM's achievement is a result of extensive international cooperation, with significant support from Japan.
• Egyptian Man: Characterized as diligent, patient, generous, honorable, a builder of civilizations, a keeper of knowledge, and an apostle of peace.
• Egypt's Role: Historically a haven of stability, a melting point of cultures, and a keeper of human legacy.
• GEM as a Platform: Intended to be a place for dialogue, knowledge, humanity, and a beacon for those who value mankind.

Inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum

This address marks the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), described as a new chapter in the history of the present and future, building upon the legacy of Ancient Egypt. The speaker emphasizes Egypt's historical significance as the cradle of civilization, where art, intellect, writing, cult, and faith were born and radiated wisdom, guiding human civilization and progress. The core message is that civilization is built during times of peace and fostered through collaboration.

The Grand Egyptian Museum: A Monument to Civilization

The GEM is highlighted as the largest museum globally dedicated to a single civilization – Ancient Egypt. It is presented not merely as a repository for relics but as a "live testimony" to the ingenuity of the Egyptian people, who erected pyramids and chronicled their history for posterity. The museum symbolizes a nation deeply rooted in human history, whose influence continues to benefit humanity.

Global Collaboration and Support

The realization of the GEM is attributed to extensive global collaboration involving various international enterprises and firms. Special acknowledgment is given to the "major support provided by the friendly state of Japan" for this "mega product of civilization." The speaker also expresses deep appreciation for the dedicated efforts of Egyptian officials, engineers, researchers, archaeologists, artisans, and workers who contributed to this historic mission.

The Enduring Spirit of the Egyptian People

The GEM is presented as a prototype reflecting the "march of people who inhabited the land of the Nile since the dawn of history." The "Egyptian man" is consistently portrayed as diligent, patient, generous, and honorable, responsible for building civilizations, achieving glories, taking pride in their nation, advancing knowledge ("epistemology"), and acting as an "apostle of peace."

Egypt's Historical Significance and Future Vision

Egypt is characterized as a historical "haven of stability," a "melting point of diversified cultures," and a "keeper of the human legacy." The GEM is envisioned as more than just a museum; it is intended to be a "platform for dialogue," a "destination for knowledge," a "hub for humanity," and a "lantern and a lighthouse for all life lovers who believe in the value of mankind."

Conclusion

The address concludes with a renewed welcome to Egypt, referred to as the "second home," the "country of civilization, history, peace, and love." The attendees are invited to enjoy the celebration and to utilize the GEM as a space for fostering understanding and appreciating humanity. The speech ends with pronouncements of "Long live Egypt. Long live humankind."