Cairo: The Culture and Media Committee of the House of Representatives, led by Dr. Thoraia Al-Badawi, recently convened to assess the draft budget of the State Information Service (SIS) for the fiscal year 2026/2027.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the session was attended by Ambassador Alaa Youssef, Chairman of SIS, who elaborated on SIS's national and international initiatives aimed at bolstering Egypt's image and improving communication with global media and public opinion. Ambassador Youssef underscored SIS's pivotal role as the state's official media entity, tasked with engaging foreign media outlets, rectifying misinformation, and swiftly countering any adverse media coverage that misrepresents Egypt's accomplishments.
During the meeting, Ambassador Alaa Youssef highlighted SIS's recent efforts to scrutinize international media narratives and rectify misleading reports, including a notable instance involving The Economist. SIS facilitated a discussion between the magazine and the New Administrative Capital Company's management to address inaccuracies with factual data, though a response from the publication remains pending.
Further, Ambassador Youssef outlined SIS's commitment to expanding its digital footprint and enhancing its online media presence. The agency's website, which offers content in five languages-English, French, German, Spanish, and Chinese-serves as a conduit for accurate information dissemination regarding Egyptian affairs to international audiences.
He also detailed the extensive range of SIS's multilingual publications and bulletins, covering key political, economic, developmental, and cultural topics in Egypt, thereby serving as crucial resources for foreign media and researchers. These publications aim to provide a factual representation of Egypt's reality through documented and precise data.
Ambassador Youssef emphasized the Internal Media Sector's role as a crucial component of SIS, facilitating direct communication with citizens through a network of media centers across the governorates. These centers conduct seminars and awareness campaigns on national and societal issues, reinforcing public awareness and national cohesion, while addressing misinformation and supporting state-driven initiatives in development, population issues, and the empowerment of women and youth.
The committee also examined various facets of SIS's operations and its strategic objectives for the future. Members expressed appreciation for Ambassador Youssef's presentation and lauded SIS's efforts in defending Egypt's image internationally and countering negative media narratives. They also recognized SIS's contributions to enhancing the professional skills of its media personnel amidst existing challenges and limited resources.
Committee members reaffirmed the significance of SIS's national role as a key element of Egypt's soft power strategy, emphasizing the need for continued support in engaging international media and providing a balanced portrayal of the nation's progress and achievements across various sectors.