Column: Exploring cultural, heritage and future commonalities between Zhengzhou and Alexandria
The ongoing SCO Media and Think Tank Summit held in Zhengzhou, China, presents a remarkable opportunity to explore cultural and historical ties among ancient civilizations.
by Ahmed Moustafa
Under China's rotating presidency for 2024-2025, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is becoming a key platform for promoting multipolarity, opposing unilateralism and improving regional stability.
The ongoing SCO Media and Think Tank Summit held in Zhengzhou, China, presents a remarkable opportunity to explore cultural and historical ties among ancient civilizations.
Zhengzhou, a cradle of Chinese civilization and a modern economic hub, shares striking parallels with Egypt's coastal city of Alexandria, another beacon of knowledge, trade and multiculturalism.
Both cities flourished as centers of culture and commerce, with Zhengzhou once being a capital of the Shang Dynasty and Alexandria hosting the famous yet destroyed Library of Alexandria.
By leveraging the SCO's platform, Alexandria can harness opportunities in research, cultural exchanges and economic partnerships, ensuring mutual progress in an interconnected world.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
The cultural heritage of Zhengzhou and Alexandria underscores their historical significance in shaping human civilization.
Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province, was pivotal in China's early dynastic history, serving as a political and economic hub along the Yellow River.
Similarly, Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 B.C., became a melting pot of Greek, Egyptian, and later Roman and Arab influences.
The Library of Alexandria was the ancient world's foremost repository of knowledge, much like the scholarly traditions emerging from China's historical academies.
By recognizing these shared legacies, both cities can forge deeper academic collaboration under the SCO framework, promoting research in archaeology, history and digital humanities.
ECONOMIC SYNERGIES
Zhengzhou is a modern economic city with high-tech manufacturing and logistics dominance, particularly in electronics and aviation.
Similarly, Alexandria is Egypt's second-largest economic hub, with strengths in shipping and petrochemicals, handling 60 percent of the country's maritime trade.
The SCO's initiatives on connectivity and trade can help Alexandria attract Chinese investments in port infrastructure and smart city technologies.
Zhengzhou's success in integrating the Belt and Road Initiative demonstrates how Alexandria can modernize its Suez Canal-linked trade routes.
By aligning itself with SCO economic initiatives, Alexandria can position itself as a Mediterranean gateway for Eurasian commerce.
MEDIA AND THINK TANK COOPERATION
As a top event for think tanks and media, the gathering in Zhengzhou emphasizes knowledge diplomacy, an area where Alexandria can excel.
Historically, Alexandria's scholars shaped philosophy, science, and linguistics; today, reviving this legacy means enhancing academic partnerships.
Within the SCO framework, think tanks could support joint research programs between Alexandria University and Chinese institutions on topics like sustainable development and AI ethics.
Meanwhile, media collaboration between Egyptian and Chinese outlets could counter Western-dominated narratives, fostering a more balanced global discourse.
Alexandria's media industry stands to gain from SCO-backed training initiatives and content-sharing platforms.
PROMOTING FUTURE SCHOLARS
Education is a cornerstone of both cities' identities.
Zhengzhou hosts institutions like Zhengzhou University, with strong programs in engineering and medical research, while Alexandria University remains a comprehensive center for Middle Eastern studies.
The SCO media and think tank event could facilitate student exchange programs, joint degrees, and research grants, particularly in fields like renewable energy and marine biology critical for Alexandria's coastal sustainability.
By embedding itself in SCO educational networks, Alexandria can cultivate a new generation of experts capable of addressing regional challenges.
TOURISM AND CULTURAL DIPLOMACY
Tourism remains a vital sector for Alexandria, yet it lags behind global competitors in visitor numbers.
Zhengzhou's success in cultural tourism offers lessons in branding and infrastructure.
The SCO event could promote joint heritage trails, highlighting parallels between the Silk Road and Mediterranean trade routes.
Virtual reality exhibits on Alexandria's ancient wonders, developed with the help of tech firms, could attract digital tourists.
Additionally, some SCO members are key tourism markets which could be tapped through targeted campaigns, potentially boosting Alexandria's annual tourist arrivals.
SMART CITIES AND SUSTAINABILITY
Zhengzhou's transformation into a smart city, with AI-driven public services and green urban planning, mirrors Alexandria's aspirations under Egypt's Vision 2030.
The SCO promotes sustainable urbanization, and Alexandria could adopt Zhengzhou's eco-friendly transit systems, such as its extensive metro network powered by renewable energy.
Chinese-funded projects, like the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, provide blueprints for Alexandria's port modernization.
By participating in the SCO urban forums, Alexandria's policymakers can access cutting-edge strategies to combat overcrowding and pollution, ensuring the city remains livable for its residents.
SECURITY AND STABILITY
The SCO prioritizes regional security, combating terrorism and cybercrime, a relevant agenda for Alexandria, given its strategic location in a volatile region.
China's advancements in relevant technology and counter-extremism programs could aid Alexandria in safeguarding cultural sites from vandalism and enhancing port security.
SCO-led anti-drug trafficking initiatives would also benefit Egypt, which faces challenges with transnational crime.
By aligning with the SCO's security frameworks, Alexandria can strengthen its stability, attracting foreign investors wary of regional risks.
To conclude, the gathering in Zhengzhou is more than an international event, it is a bridge among civilizations.
By actively engaging with SCO platforms for collaborative growth, both cities will thrive in an era of geopolitical shifts.
Zhengzhou and Alexandria, both embracing modernity, stand poised to write a new chapter of mutual prosperity, guided by the Shanghai Spirit.
Editor's note: Ahmed Moustafa is the director of the Asia Center for Studies and Translation, a think tank based in Egypt.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency.■