Egyptian MP Gihane Zaki Awarded France’s Highest Civilian Honour

France has awarded Egyptian MP and cultural diplomat Dr. Gihane Zaki with the Légion d’Honneur, the country’s highest civilian distinction, by presidential decree. The honour, granted without application and based solely on nomination, acknowledges her longstanding contributions to cultural diplomacy and academic thought.

Dr. Zaki was named Chevalier (Knight) in the decree published in France’s Journal Officiel, joining an exclusive group of foreign recipients cited for upholding values such as peace and human dignity. The award ceremony traditionally takes place at the Palais de la Légion d’Honneur in Paris, reflecting the symbolic weight of the honour in French national life.

As an archaeologist, academic, and former director of the Egyptian Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, Zaki has worked extensively on cultural heritage policies and intercultural exchange, both in government and global institutions. Her collaborations span organisations like UNESCO and ICCROM, with affiliations to the Sorbonne and Senghor University. The Légion d’Honneur was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. Past Egyptian recipients include Mahmoud Fakhry Pasha and Mona Zulficar. The award continues to underline France’s cultural engagement with the Arab world, with recent honours also extending to figures from the UAE.