Diaa Rashwan has been appointed Minister of State for Information in Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly’s new cabinet, transitioning from a career spanning academia, journalism, and state media management.
State Media and Diplomacy
Since June 2017, Rashwan has served as the head of the State Information Service (SIS), acting as the primary spokesperson for the Egyptian state. In this role, he was the lead official for international media engagement, particularly regarding Egypt’s regional policies and its diplomatic position on the conflict in Gaza and Palestinian rights.
Starting in June 2022, he also served as the general coordinator of the National Dialogue. Over a three-year period, Rashwan moderated discussions between diverse political and social factions, a process the government says led to consensus on various national issues and policy recommendations.
Journalism and Governance
A member of the Journalists Syndicate since 1983, Rashwan has held the position of Syndicate Head for three consecutive terms. His involvement in Egypt’s institutional framework includes:
- Constitutional Drafting:Membership in the 50-member committee that authored the 2014 Constitution.
- Media Regulation:Serving on the Supreme Council of the Press (2013–2015) and the National Press Authority (since April 2017).
- Regional Leadership:Charing the board of the Arab Journalism Award in Dubai (2016–2021) and the Arab Media Award (2021–present).
Academic and Research Background
Rashwan’s professional career is rooted in political research, specifically at the Al-Ahram Centre for Political and Strategic Studies. He rose through the ranks from researcher to director, a post he held from September 2011 to October 2017, focusing on Islamic movements and political systems.
Education and Publications:
Rashwan holds a master’s degree in political history from the Sorbonne University in Paris. He has authored or co-authored more than 25 books and dozens of research papers in Arabic, English, and French, focusing on Middle Eastern politics and international relations.
