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Media Statement Details

29/12/2023

The Minister of Higher Education discusses mechanisms to support scientific cooperation with the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office

 Dr..  Ayman Ashour : Egypt attaches great importance to cooperation with UNESCO in all fields.

 The Director of the UNESCO Regional Office praises Egypt's future vision for developing higher education.

 The meeting discussed :
 -  Cooperation in designing interdisciplinary programs and enhancing cultural exchange opportunities for students.
 -  Ways of cooperation with UNESCO in projects to develop archaeological sites.
 -  Implementing research projects in areas of common interest.

 Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, met with Dr. Noria Sanz, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Sciences to discuss cooperation mechanisms in the fields of higher education and scientific research, in the presence of Dr. Sherif Saleh, Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector and Supervisor of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO - ALECSO - ISESCO), and Dr. Ayman Farid,  Minister Assistant for Strategic Planning, Training and Qualification for the Labor Market, at the Ministry’s headquarters in the administrative capital.

 At the beginning of the meeting, the Minister stressed the important role of UNESCO in promoting international cooperation in the field of higher education, through developing policies, setting international standards, exchanging experiences and knowledge, and supporting scientific research and innovation.

 During the meeting, the two sides discussed cooperation in designing “interdisciplinary” educational programs and enhancing cultural exchange opportunities for students to enrich their knowledge and to form joint research projects with their student counterparts in different countries.

 The meeting also discussed ways of cooperation in implementing research projects in areas of common interest, supporting the participation of Egyptian researchers in international conferences and seminars, and enhancing cooperation between Egyptian universities and international research centers.

 The meeting pointed to the International Urban Planning Forum, which was held in Cairo, from 21 to 24 November, which addressed a range of issues, including climate change, migration, poverty, and inequality. The forum provided an opportunity for researchers, practitioners, and government officials to meet and exchange ideas & solutions helping to promote sustainable urban development around the world.
The two sides also discussed UNESCO’s regional programs 2024/2025, which aim to contribute to achieving sustainable development goals in Egypt, and to promote education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in the Middle East and North Africa region. In addition to  providing a variety of programs and activities, including  Professional training for teachers, curriculum development, and establishment of centers of excellence in science &technology.

 The meeting touched on the UNESCO platform for women in science, which was launched by UNESCO in partnership with the L’Oréal Foundation to promote women’s participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), by organizing a group of events and activities; to increase awareness of the importance of women’s participation in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

 The meeting also discussed ways of cooperation with UNESCO in projects to develop archaeological sites.

 At the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed to form a joint working team from both sides to study the executive mechanisms for cooperation in the aforementioned areas.

 The Minister stressed that Egypt attaches great importance to cooperation with UNESCO, and seeks to strengthen this cooperation in all fields, in a way that contributes to achieving sustainable development and building knowledge societies, noting the Ministry’s interest in supporting young people in the field of scientific research through many concerned authorities that work under the umbrella of the Ministry, it provides all forms of technical support and necessary funding  for young researchers, adopts innovators, inventors, and distinguished students, and encourages talented students .

 For her part, Dr.   Noria Sanz praised Egypt's future vision in developing higher education and scientific research, stressing UNESCO's keenness to support cooperation with Egypt in these areas.

 The Director of the UNESCO Regional Office appreciated the role of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in cooperation with UNESCO, noting the organization’s interest in strengthening cooperation with Egypt, as well as activating its role in the updated regional agreement for Arab countries that aims to enhance recognition, mobility and cooperation within the region, expressing her appreciation for Egypt’s  pioneer historical role  in serving the fields of education, culture and science in the region.