Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, attended on Tuesday the closing ceremony of the “Forum of Civilizations on the Land of Civilizations… Bride of Upper Egypt,” organized by Minya University from April 5 to 7. The event was held in the presence of Major General Emad Kadwani, Governor of Minya; Dr. Essam Farahat, President of Minya University; a number of presidents of public, private, national, and technological universities; accredited foreign cultural advisors; senior officials from the Ministry; executive and public leaders from the governorate and the university; as well as delegations of international students studying at Egyptian universities from 26 countries.
Dr. Konsowa emphasized the importance of student participation in various university activities and events, within the framework of a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing the position of Egyptian universities as an attractive destination for international students. This is achieved by linking the educational process with cultural and tourism experiences, thereby contributing to increasing the number of international students and supporting the state’s foreign currency resources.
The Minister added that organizing such a forum reaffirms that Egypt—with its rich history and unique civilizational position—has always been and will continue to be a meeting point of civilizations and a bridge connecting East and West. He noted that the Egyptian state, under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, places great importance on promoting cultural diversity and spreading the values of tolerance and acceptance of others. This is clearly reflected in the policies of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, which seeks to internationalize education and expand cooperation with countries worldwide, thereby strengthening the global standing of Egyptian universities.
Dr. Konsowa further explained that the participation of international students in such events provides a valuable opportunity to explore diverse cultures and build bridges of mutual understanding. He highlighted the role of scientific research in fostering closer ties between nations through joint projects and knowledge exchange, contributing to innovative solutions for global challenges in areas such as energy, climate, and sustainable development.
For his part, Major General Emad Kadwani affirmed that the governorate provided the necessary support to ensure the success of this cultural forum, which coincides with the governorate’s national day celebrations. He noted that the primary objective of the event is to promote cultural tourism and deliver a message of peace and goodwill from the heart of Upper Egypt to the world. He also praised the forum’s program, which included field visits to archaeological sites in Minya, supporting the state’s efforts to boost tourism.
Dr. Essam Farahat stated that the forum is being held in conjunction with the celebrations of Minya University’s Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years since its establishment, as well as the governorate’s national day. He affirmed that this event reflects the state’s vision of transforming Egyptian universities into international hubs that attract foreign students, strengthening Egypt’s position as a regional center for higher education, and supporting the tourism sector by introducing foreign delegations to the unique cultural assets of Minya. This contributes to enhancing the global competitiveness of Egyptian universities and achieving sustainable economic returns.
Dr. Adel Abdel Ghaffar, Media Advisor and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry, stated that the forum represents an important opportunity to introduce participating delegations to Egypt’s rich civilization and to provide university students with exposure to cultural diversity across nations. He noted that such events support the state’s efforts to strengthen its position as a distinguished educational and tourism destination at both regional and international levels.
Participating students expressed their great appreciation for the warm استقبال and excellent organization, reflecting the true image of the Arab Republic of Egypt and encouraging them to share this positive experience in their home countries, thereby promoting Egypt as a distinguished educational and tourism destination.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Minister toured the “International Countries Exhibition,” an interactive space held at the university stadium, where each country showcased its unique cultural identity—from traditional attire and handicrafts to popular cuisine and social customs. This provided visitors and students with a unique opportunity to experience global cultural diversity in one place, alongside a variety of artistic, folkloric, and sports performances.
 |
 |
 |
