esterday, Saturday, October 25, 2025, the opening ceremony of the 7th edition of the Cairo International University Theater Forum (The Umm Kulthum Edition) was held at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. The event was attended by Dr. Hossam Badrawi, Chairman of the Higher Committee and patron of the Forum, Mr. Amr Qabeel, President of the Forum, Dr. Samar Saeed, Vice President, along with many artists and prominent figures from Egypt and various other countries.
The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by a musical performance dedicated to Umm Kulthum, and then a documentary presentation showcasing highlights from previous editions of the Forum. Mr. Amr Qabeel delivered the opening speech, followed by Dr. Hossam Badrawi, whose address was as follows:
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests of Egypt,
Good evening to you all.
I welcome you to the opening of the 7th edition of this noble dream — a dream that insists on moving forward, achieving great cultural, artistic, touristic, and social successes that enrich Egypt’s eternal leadership in art and culture.
This is the Cairo International University Theater Forum, which proves day after day that Egypt’s youth truly deserve to carry the torch of enlightenment and creativity, capable of steering the ship of innovation in this nation.
The importance of university theater lies in its astonishing influence on shaping a student’s well-rounded personality — making him or her a balanced citizen, proud of their identity, enlightened, creative, proud of their homeland and history, passionate about building its future, capable of accepting differences and embracing diversity.
This cultural and youthful initiative began as a mere idea in the minds of its founders, yet through determination and perseverance, it has reached its seventh edition.
Imagination is indeed the wondrous gift that has made humanity distinct from all other creatures.
Without that genetic change in the human brain that allowed for imagination, mankind would not have built civilizations or pursued curiosity and discovery.
This edition carries the name of one of Egypt’s immortal icons — the Star of the East, Umm Kulthum. What can be said about Umm Kulthum? That authentic Egyptian woman from the countryside proved that we are still living in the age of miracles. She was not only a musical miracle, blessed with a golden voice, but also a national symbol who played a major patriotic role and left a luminous mark in Egypt’s history.
Our presence here, in this grand place that embraces the glorious history of a great civilization, is a wonderful symbol — a marvelous indication of the harmony between past and present. The most distinctive feature of ancient Egyptian civilization was its reliance on art to record and immortalize its existence. Art was — and remains — the means through which civilizations survive. And the beauty of art lies in its ability to bring together peoples of different cultures.
From here comes the importance of the Cairo International University Theater Forum — a permanent gathering on Egyptian soil where university students from all over the world meet, united by their love and passion for theater, exchanging creative experiences filled with the wonder and excitement of the beginnings of the “Father of the Arts”.
I hope that this important Forum continues — it means a great deal to me — and that it becomes a destination for young people everywhere.
I salute all the supporters, whether from the sponsoring ministries or civil society, and I deeply appreciate all members of the Higher Committee who believe in youth and their endless ability to achieve the impossible.
I also value the efforts of all organizing and executive committees and congratulate the wonderful and passionate young team for their creative achievement and ability to persevere despite all challenges.
Dr. Hossam Badrawi concluded his speech to great applause and admiration from the audience. The Higher Committee then joined him on stage to honor a distinguished group of artists and intellectuals for this year.
The ceremony continued with a lively musical performance by a group of young men and women, which was warmly received by the attendees.
The Forum has created a wide resonance both in Egypt and abroad, becoming a major cultural event that brings together artists from different countries and cultures, along with university students and theater lovers.
It is worth noting that all members of the organizing team, led by Mr. Amr Qabeel, felt from the very beginning the great responsibility placed upon them to ensure the success of the event. Mr. Qabeel personally oversaw the performances, coordination, and organization to ensure the Forum appeared in a manner befitting its prestige.
We must therefore express our deep gratitude and appreciation to everyone who contributed to this event, for their sincere efforts in making it a success year after year. We call on everyone to continue supporting this beautiful event, which restores to Egyptian theater its refined charm and timeless brilliance.
