The National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation will host the inaugural edition of the World Art Forum (WAF), the largest international contemporary art event to adopt the United Nations' sustainable development goals (SDGs) at the core of its mission. The forum will be running from 15 to 19 January and will be held under the auspices of five ministries: The Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Ministry of Emigration and Expatriate Affairs, and the Ministry of Environment, along with the State's Department of Tourism in Cairo. The event will be held in partnership with the United Nations' Representative Office in Egypt, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation, and the New York International Contemporary Art Society. The WAF — organised by Sheranda World Art and Jupiter Commz — reflects the link between contemporary art and the SDGs, which is in line with Egypt's 2030 Vision. The forum aims to consolidate the relationship of art in general — contemporary art in particular — with the development of a culture that promotes a more sustainable future playing a role in enriching human beliefs and the dimensions of human identity and its role in constructing it. Contemporary artist Randa Fouad, the President of Sheranda World Art and the WAF, said: "The World Art Forum endorses the link between contemporary arts and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, which is compatible with Egypt's 2030 Vision. We are pleased to see five ministries sponsoring such an important event along with our partners the United Nations' Representative Office in Egypt and the New York International Contemporary Art Society." Randa Fouad, the President of Sheranda World Art and the WAF Fouad added that "this event is the first of its kind and will be held in Egypt, the land of civilization and culture. After the event, several artistic and development initiatives are expected to be launched to emphasise the concept of continuity and sustainable development." "Through this forum, we strive to bring together artists from all over the world to spread a message that elevates the importance and value of art by playing a key role in spreading and raising awareness of social issues, exchanging ideas and experiences about a sustainable future of which we are all a part of. The forum features exhibitions, cultural institutions, and artists from 30 countries. Over five days, the attendees will tour the world by learning about the different visual arts presented by galleries and cultural centres from Europe, Asia, Africa, the United States, Australia, and the Middle East," Shereen Badr, the Co-founder and CEO of Sheranda World Art and the CEO of the WAF, said. "Our participation in organising such an important event comes from our belief in the role of public relations in spreading awareness and correct understanding of contemporary art — a universal language — and its close relationship with sustainable development," Salah Al-Din Aloui, the Chairperson and Managing Director of Jupiter Commz, explained. The agenda of the WAF will include a wide range of artistic events and discussion panels that will discuss the role of art in promoting sustainable development goals and building partnerships between artists and development partners. The forum will also hold a special dialogue session on the last day that aims to build a global network consisting of artists and partners in the field of development to ensure the continuity and progress of art in promoting sustainable development. Through its activities, the forum seeks to develop executable technical development strategies and plans aiming to create an educated audience that is familiar with the role of educational and developmental art and capable of producing that through innovative and creative techniques. Furthermore, it will contribute to the promotion of the concept of cultural dialogues and will strengthen the Egyptian and Arabic cultural identity, highlighting their capacity for creativity and innovation. It is worth mentioning that the event is sponsored by Tatweer Misr, Ramsco Trading and Distribution, and Oman Air.
