Algerian Radio
The Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, emphasized that the Pope's visit to Algeria was not merely a passing protocol event but a significant political and cultural milestone. She stated that Algeria successfully won a major bet by intelligently deploying its soft power and cultural heritage. This success, she noted, was embodied in the "calm and controlled political management" led by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, transforming the visit into a platform to establish Algeria as a balanced regional actor that reconciles authentic national roots with civilizational openness, while supporting global peace and just causes.
Speaking this Monday as a guest on Algerian Radio’s Channel 1 "Forum" program, the Minister revealed that the Ministry’s development program for the 2026–2028 period, currently before the Government, marks a shift from a philosophy of mere heritage protection to one of valuation, aiming to make heritage a vital economic resource for the country.
She pointed out that Algeria achieved a qualitative leap in the inventory and classification of national heritage between 2020 and 2025, with the number of classified cultural properties exceeding 1,126 real estate assets. For the next phase, plans have been set to launch major restoration workshops at significant sites, including the Palace of the Bey in the wilaya of Oran and ancient mosques across the country. Additionally, ten new museums were launched for Heritage Month, and more than 210 archaeological research and excavation licenses have been granted.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the consolidation of international symposiums, such as the forum on rock carvings and the symposium on Augustinian thought and its pathways. Efforts are underway to register these with UNESCO, including the Augustinian olive tree and various sites and cities associated with him, such as Souk Ahras, Guelma, and Annaba. The Minister added that the President of the Republic places great importance on raising artistic sensibility in Algeria, particularly through the Philharmonic Orchestra project. This initiative is inspired by the President’s vision to establish Algeria as a global cultural lighthouse in its regional and international sphere—a bridge between authenticity and modernity that serves as a face for cultural diplomacy during international forums and national occasions.
Regarding the film industry, she considered it the most significant challenge within the sector’s roadmap for this year. The strategy will transition from merely supporting individual films to supporting the cinema industry itself, with a focus on distribution. The goal is to increase the number of cinema screens from the current 14 to at least 50 before the end of this year.
Regarding this year’s Heritage Month, the Minister noted it will be exceptional, featuring three international festivals. These include a manuscript festival titled "Ink Paths in Algeria," the first edition of the African-Mediterranean Thought Forum focusing on the philosophy of Saint Augustine, and an international symposium on rock carvings to be held in the wilaya of Djanet next September.
On another note, the guest of the "Forum" revealed that major national and international festivals will be organized this year, including the return of the Timgad International Festival and the Children’s Book and Industry Festival. This falls under the sector's strategy to support cultural projects dedicated to children, particularly those proposed by project holders, creators, and associations.
