Minister of Higher Education:
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Investing in minds is a cornerstone of state-building and transforming universities into smart and sustainable institutions.
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Egyptian universities are platforms for creativity and innovation and a true engine for national development.
Ain Shams University President:
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The conference is a strategic platform for developing innovative solutions, strengthening partnerships, and linking scientific research to societal needs.
Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Dr. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen inaugurated the 14th International Conference of Ain Shams University, held under the theme: “Universities as Engines of National Development: Towards Innovation and Sustainable Economic Growth”, with wide participation from academic and research leaders, international experts, policymakers, and representatives of industrial sectors.
The opening session witnessed high-level official attendance, including senior state figures such as presidential advisors, current and former ministers, legislative and executive leaders, as well as presidents of Egyptian universities and senior officials from the Ministry of Higher Education, reflecting the conference’s significance as a national platform for shaping the future of education and development in Egypt.
The opening ceremony also included the awarding of an honorary doctorate to one of the university’s distinguished alumni, Counselor Omar Marwan, in recognition of his contributions to strengthening state institutions and promoting institutional governance.
In his speech, Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa expressed his pleasure in participating in this distinguished scientific gathering, emphasizing the growing role of Egyptian universities as a driving force for comprehensive national development and a key pillar in building the New Republic.
He affirmed that the conference theme reflects a profound and forward-looking vision of the current era, noting that universities are no longer limited to traditional education but have become key partners in shaping the future by supporting innovation, promoting a knowledge-based economy, and linking scientific research to societal and labor market needs.
He added that Egypt, under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, places unprecedented emphasis on developing the higher education and scientific research system, based on the belief that the true investment is in human minds, and that universities represent the real engine of development.
The Minister further explained that the Ministry is implementing an integrated strategy aimed at transforming universities into smart and sustainable institutions, strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship, building effective partnerships with industry and production sectors, and promoting applied research that offers practical solutions to societal challenges.
He praised Ain Shams University as a distinguished model among Egypt’s historic universities, highlighting its success in balancing heritage and modernization while contributing effectively to national development plans through high-quality academic and research outputs.
He also stressed that current global challenges require stronger integration between academic institutions and state sectors to achieve sustainable development and build a better future for coming generations, expressing his hope that the conference will produce actionable recommendations that enhance the role of universities as engines of economic growth and knowledge production.
For his part, Dr. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen welcomed the attendees, emphasizing that the conference represents an international scientific platform that reflects the evolving role of universities in shaping the future.
He noted that universities are now strategic partners in addressing national and regional challenges, contributing to food, water, and energy security, driving innovation in healthcare and pharmaceuticals, leading digital transformation and artificial intelligence applications, and fostering entrepreneurship and industrial development.
He added that Ain Shams University places human capital development at the top of its priorities, stressing the importance of investing in knowledge, linking research to societal needs, and strengthening cooperation with industry to transform research outputs into added economic value.
He also highlighted the importance of cultural tourism as a key contributor to the national economy, affirming the university’s integrated vision based on innovation, sustainability, and alignment with state development plans.
The conference, held over two days (19–20 April), includes specialized scientific sessions addressing strategic issues such as automotive localization, electric vehicle transformation, artificial intelligence applications, the role of universities in urban development, medical tourism, women empowerment, community awareness, and strengthening partnerships between universities and state institutions.
The conference will conclude with a closing session issuing actionable recommendations to support decision-makers and enhance the role of universities as key drivers of economic growth.
The event underscores that Egyptian universities are now at the heart of national development projects as knowledge producers, innovation hubs, and active partners in building a more sustainable and prosperous future.
