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  1. GAPP News
  2. The Role of Civil Society in the Face of Rapid Urban Transformation

The Role of Civil Society in the Face of Rapid Urban Transformation

May 22, 2025

On Sunday, May 11, the Middle East Studies Program hosted a talk titled "Cairo’s Disappearing Heritage: The Role of Civil Society in the Face of Rapid Urban Transformation." The panel featured Pascale Ghazaleh, associate professor of history, Sultan Al-Qasimi Department of History and Ingy Higazy, research manager, Pathways Beyond Neoliberalism Voices from MENA. The panel was moderated by Omnia Khalil, a master's student in the MESP program.

The discussion addressed that Cairo’s historic neighborhoods, ancient architecture and rich cultural identity are under a growing threat from rapid urban change. The question is whether grassroots efforts, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society will save what remains before it’s too late?.