The Egyptian-French Forum for Higher Education and Scientific Research kicked off on Monday for two days, coinciding with the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Cairo.
The forum is held under patronage of Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ayman Ashour, and his French counterpart Philippe Baptiste.
The event has brought together the elite of university presidents from both countries, along with senior leaders in the fields of higher education and research.
Addressing the Forum on behalf of Minister of Higher Education Ayman Ashour, Deputy Minister for Innovation and Scientific Research Hossam Osman lauded the well-established educational and cultural links between the two nations, and emphasised their shared commitment to internationalisation, a pillar in Egypt’s Vision 2030.
Osman highlighted Egypt’s national strategy for higher education and scientific research, aimed at advancing the educational system to meet both local and global challenges.
He stressed the importance of linking educational outcomes with labour market needs while enhancing the quality of education and research.He stressed the forum’s role for supporting international standards and promoting student and academic exchanges, global research networks, and joint cooperation programmes.
Osman highlighted the need to adopt modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and e-learning and to develop the digital infrastructure of universities. For his part, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities Moustafa Refaat underlined that the forum marks a milestone in Egyptian-French bilateral academic relations.
Refaat stated that the forum reflects Egypt’s strategic vision of internationalizing higher education and aligns with the national agenda of making knowledge and innovation core drivers of development. He announced the signing of several agreements and MoUs during the forum, including those tied to the French University in Egypt and its ambitious project to build a new, eco-friendly campus offering internationally recognized dual degrees.
From the French side, President of CY Cergy Paris University Laurent Gatineau expressed France’s deep pride in its long-standing partnership with Egypt—a historic hub for cultural and scientific excellence. He described the collaboration as a model of cultural fusion and mutual respect, highlighting the longstanding exchange of scholars and the shared academic heritage.
He celebrated the renewal of co-operation through successful projects like the French University in Egypt and announced plans to sign new agreements and launch initiatives that aim to foster scientific and technological advancement for future generations. He also emphasized the role of academic collaboration in cultural diplomacy to promote peaceful relations and a prosperous future.
