By: Injy Tarek and Yomna Walid
With over three decades of dedication to cultural heritage, archaeology, and international diplomacy, Dr. Gihane Zaki stands as one of the Arab world&rsquo;s leading voices in cultural engagement. A distinguished Egyptian academic, cultural diplomat, and parliamentarian, her career has been defined by an unwavering commitment to promoting peace, intercultural dialogue, and elevating the global visibility of Egyptian, Arab, and African heritage.
Bridging academia and international diplomacy, Dr. Zaki has long served as a powerful advocate for her region on the world stage. In recognition of her exceptional contributions to cultural diplomacy and the advancement of knowledge, she was recently awarded the prestigious L&eacute;gion d&rsquo;Honneur, France&rsquo;s highest civilian honor, by President Emmanuel Macron.
In this exclusive interview with Nile FM, Dr. Gihane Zaki reflects on the emotional moment of receiving the award and the values it represents.
1.You have had a long-standing relationship with France, from studying at the University of Lyon to working with UNESCO and later at the CNRS-Sorbonne University, in addition to being previously honoured by President Sarkozy. What does it mean to you, on the professional level, to receive the prestigious Legion of Honour?
Allow me first to explain to your distinguished audience the significance and nature of this prestigious award. The L&eacute;gion d&rsquo;Honneur is the highest distinction bestowed by the French Republic, recognizing exceptional civil or military achievements. It was originally established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1801 and has since become a symbol of France&rsquo;s enduring appreciation for excellence and service to humanity. For me, receiving the L&eacute;gion d&rsquo;Honneur is a deeply meaningful recognition, not only of my personal journey but of the decades-long dedication I have committed to the fields of archaeology, cultural heritage management, public diplomacy, and academic research. As stated in the official presidential decree, this honour acknowledges over 30 years of work and contribution. My connection with France runs deep. Between 1995 and 2000, I pursued my doctoral studies at the University of Lyon, where I earned a PhD in Egyptology, specializing in Ancient Egyptian Civilization.
In 2004, I began facilitating the liaison between the Egyptian government, through the Supreme Council of Antiquities, and UNESCO&rsquo;s World Heritage Centre, strengthening international cooperation in cultural preservation. In 2008, I had the privilege of accompanying President Nicolas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni during their cultural visit to Egypt, an important moment that further reflected the deep cultural ties between Egypt and France. The following year, in 2009, I was honoured with the Ordre National du M&eacute;rite, another significant French distinction. This latest recognition, the L&eacute;gion d&rsquo;Honneur, is therefore not only a personal milestone but also a symbol of the long-standing cultural dialogue and collaboration I have been proud to foster between Egypt and France.
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2.The Legion of Honour is a historic distinction founded by Napoleon. How did you feel when you first learned about your?
It was truly a &ldquo;WOW&rdquo; moment! One of those rare times when emotion takes over completely. I was overwhelmed with a powerful mix of pride, gratitude, and humility. To receive such a historic and prestigious distinction left me deeply honored and reflective. I felt immense appreciation for everyone who believed in me and supported my journey over the years. This recognition came at a particularly meaningful point in my career, a stage where such an honor not only affirms the path I&rsquo;ve taken, but also inspires me to continue moving forward with renewed energy and purpose. It serves as a humbling reminder that the work we do can extend far beyond our immediate environment. It has strengthened my commitment and motivated me to keep striving, giving back, and contributing with even greater intention, not only through official roles, but also through lasting, meaningful impact.
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3-The ceremony will take place at the iconic "Palais de la L&eacute;gion d&rsquo;Honneur" in Paris. How are you preparing for such a significant moment?
The exact date hasn&rsquo;t been set yet, likely toward the end of the year, so I have a bit of time to reflect and prepare. It&rsquo;s not just about writing a speech; it&rsquo;s about finding the right words to express what this honor truly means to me, and to acknowledge all the people and experiences that have shaped my journey. I&rsquo;m also taking this time to mentally and emotionally prepare for what I know will be a very meaningful and moving moment. Standing in such a historic place, receiving such a distinction, is something I want to be fully present for, to honor the legacy it represents, and the values it upholds.
4. How do you view the role of cultural diplomacy as a vital component of Egypt&rsquo;s soft power?
Absolutely, I strongly believe that Cultural diplomacy is a key pillar of Egypt&rsquo;s national and international strategies. Let me tell you that it has been the cornerstone of my professional journey, particularly during my ten years work at the Supreme Council of Antiquities, where I was responsible for liaising with international organizations and following up on the implementation of cultural conventions in Egypt, as well as overseeing efforts to restitute cultural artifacts lost through illicit channels. My second major experience in this field was in Rome, from 2012 to 2019, which became a demonstration of the power of Egypt&rsquo;s soft power during political crisis. Despite the complex political and social challenges of that period, the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome managed to amplify Egypt&rsquo;s cultural voice, deepen dialogue, and reinforce Egypt&rsquo;s presence through cultural engagement.
In 2022, I dedicated an Arabic monography to this topic, published by Dar El Maaref, where I highlighted the concept of cultural diplomacy in the Middle East and reflected on my seven years&rsquo; experience in Rome during a difficult political time in the Arab region. The book also sheds light on Egypt&rsquo;s historical leadership in cultural cooperation, especially the Nubian Campaign, jointly launched by the Egyptian and Sudanese governments under the umbrella of UNESCO. This groundbreaking initiative, the first international appeal to save cultural heritage, laid the foundation for what we now recognize as international cultural cooperation.
Egypt was a pioneer in rallying the global community to preserve iconic sites like Abu Simbel and the Island of Philae, a remarkable example of cultural solidarity. While the Egyptian government has made significant strides in advancing cultural diplomacy, there remains great potential to do more. Culture is not only about heritage; it is a strategic instrument of soft/smart power.
5- What does receiving this honour mean to you personally, especially having it presented by the President of France?
It is truly an incredible honour to receive the L&eacute;gion d&rsquo;honneur, especially from a country like France, long regarded as a global beacon of modernity, culture, art, and literature. As the great Taha Hussein once said, France is the &ldquo;land of light and angels&rdquo; (Balad el Nour wa el Mala&rsquo;eka), and to be recognized by such a nation is deeply meaningful.
I feel proud and grateful for this recognition, which celebrates values I hold dear, particularly the appreciation of human dignity and cultural depth. Moreover, France is also the country where I pursued my education and where I shaped much of my intellectual and professional journey, which makes this honour all the more significant.The official ceremony for receiving this distinction is expected to take place by the end of Autumn 2025. Let me also share that I had the opportunity to meet President Emmanuel Macron during his Visite d&rsquo;&Eacute;tat last April, a moment that added further meaning to this exceptional recognition.&nbsp;
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6- What advice would you offer to young scholars aspiring to make an impact in diplomacy and Cultural heritage preservation?
It is essential to acknowledge that no culture is inherently superior to another. Every nation contributes uniquely to the rich tapestry of human civilization, and each deserves to be treated with equal dignity and respect. By embracing this understanding, we create the foundation for meaningful dialogue and mutual enrichment. Only through such openness can we continue to learn from one another, not in spite of our differences, but because of them. Diversity is not a barrier, it is a bridge that connects us, expands our perspectives, and deepens our shared humanity.
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7- Looking ahead &mdash; what&rsquo;s next on your agenda?
Summertime and spending vacation enjoying new books and lovely music&hellip;
8- If you could describe your journey in one word, what would it be &mdash; and why?
Three key words: Culture &ndash; education and how to make women happy in an oriental society!
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