Egyptian celebrities Sherine Abdel-Wahab (actress and singer), Amr Diab (singer and songwriter), Donia Samir Ghanem (actress and singer), and Ahmed Helmy (actor and television host).
Egyptian Member of Parliament Dalia Youssef, Chairwoman of the Committee on Foreign Relations, discusses the vital importance of cultural influences, or “soft power,” in defeating extremism around the world in the Washington Examiner.
“Soft power is the ability to win over the hearts and minds of people, to influence their thinking and change behavior through the spread of ideas, dialogue and cultural exchanges.”
Youssef urges the United States and Egypt to work together to use their soft power “to advance a more prosperous and secure Middle East.”
Youssef writes, “Egypt’s soft power can support a culture that discourages hate speech and promotes the co-existence of all peoples.”
Youssef cites Egypt’s long history of culture leadership in art, education, music, television and film. “For the past century, Egypt has been the most important center for scholars, artists, authors and intellectuals, who have played an essential role in shaping Egyptian society and influencing Arab populations around the world.”
Read Youssef’s piece here:
Fri, Apr. 21, 2017
