The inaugural edition of the Mediterranean Technical and Vocational Education Forum (TechSkills Forum) has launched in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, under the patronage of Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education, and Giuseppe Valditara, Italy’s Minister of Education and Merit.
The event brought together Abdel AzizKonsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, alongside education ministers and delegations from 12 Mediterranean countries, private sector representatives, international organisations, and students.
Speaking at the opening session, Abdel Latif stated that the forum serves as a vital platform for dialogue on the future of education, employment, and skills development across the Mediterranean. He stressed that education has become a shared regional responsibility and a crucial investment in stability and economic growth.
The minister highlighted the profound impact of technological advancements, artificial intelligence, and rapid labour-market changes, noting that developing skills and human capital is essential for maintaining competitiveness. He added that technical and vocational education has become a key driver of employment, innovation, and productivity.
Abdel Latif emphasised that Egypt is continuing its efforts to modernise technical education. This is being achieved through curriculum development, stronger partnerships with industry, the expansion of applied technology schools, and closer alignment between educational outcomes and labour-market needs.
He noted that the forum brings together governments, educational institutions, and private sector representatives to address shared challenges in fields such as artificial intelligence, green skills, smart manufacturing, and mechatronics, as well as the food, pharmaceutical, and tourism sectors.
The minister also praised Egyptian-Italian co-operation in technical education, underscoring the importance of private sector participation in identifying future workforce needs and preparing students for emerging career opportunities.
For his part, Valditara said the forum reflects a shared Egyptian-Italian vision built on dialogue, trust, and co-operation across the Mediterranean. He noted that digital, technological, and environmental transformations demand joint action and greater investment in the skills of future generations.
Valditara also reviewed Italy’s experience in technical and vocational education, including its “4+2” system and Higher Technical Institute academies, which both aim to strengthen links between education and the employment market.
The opening ceremony featured artistic performances, documentaries highlighting the evolution of technical education and Egyptian-Italian co-operation, and student presentations on regional skills development and manufacturing.
Abdel Latif and Valditara inaugurated the accompanying exhibition, which showcases student projects, innovative solutions, and best practices in technical education and vocational training.
