Benha University Hosts Opening of the Second National Folk Arts Forum 2026 for Greater Cairo Region

Under the auspices of prof. Nasser El‑Gizawy, President of Benha University, prof. Gehan Abdel Hadi, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Research, and prof. Taha Ashour, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, inaugurated the Second National Folk Arts Forum 2026 for the Greater Cairo Region, organized by Benha University with delegations from Cairo University, Capital University, and the Academy of Arts.
The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Samar Said, Dean of the Higher Institute of Folk Arts; Dr. Mohamed Hassanein, Dean of the Higher Institute of Ballet; Dr. Atef Awad, former Dean of the Higher Institute of Ballet; faculty deans and vice‑deans; the University's General Coordinator of Student Activities; the Secretary‑General and assistant secretaries; the Director General of Youth Welfare; and a large number of students.
In her remarks, prof. Abdel Hadi affirmed that Benha University remains committed to supporting student, artistic, and cultural activities, believing that human development is not complete through academic knowledge alone, but is enriched by culture, art, sports, values, awareness, and belonging.
She praised the participating students for presenting inspiring models of creativity, discipline, and teamwork, demonstrating that Egypt's youth possess the energy and talent to shape a brighter future. She noted that folk art is not merely heritage to be preserved, but the memory of a nation, the identity of a community, and a bridge connecting past, present, and future.
Prof. Abdel Hadi extended her gratitude to all participating universities and delegations, members of the judging panels, faculty, staff, and everyone who contributed to the success of the forum, ensuring it reflected the prestige of Egyptian universities and the standing of Benha University. She expressed her hope that this forum will continue annually as a gathering point for Egyptian university youth around art, culture, and heritage, always reflecting Egypt's richness in civilizational and artistic diversity.