President El-Sisi’s Speech at Inauguration of new HQ of Senghor University

“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful”

Your Excellency, President Emmanuel Macron,

President of the French Republic,

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Senior Officials of Africa,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to Egypt, the cradle of human civilization and enduring beacon of knowledge, which has historically been instrumental in shaping the human consciousness and enriching its scientific advancement.

Indeed, Egypt has always been more than a sanctuary for knowledge, and it remains an authentic partner in its creation and dissemination, serving as a bridge for cultural dialogue among nations.

Our gathering today assumes profound significance as we witness the inauguration of the new Headquarters of Senghor University in New Borg El Arab City. We meet at a critical juncture, where developmental challenges are increasingly compounded, and the necessity for robust international partnerships, founded on solidarity and integration, particularly among the nations of the Global South, has never been more urgent.

In this spirit, Egypt highly values the vital role of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) as a multilateral forum that champions the values of dialogue and cultural diversity. The Organization remains a staunch advocate for the principles of peace, democracy, and human rights, while elevating education as a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development.

Since its accession to the Agency for Cultural and Technical Cooperation in 1983, which subsequently evolved into the OIF, Egypt has been steadfast in its commitment to advancing the collective objectives of the Francophone community. This dedication is grounded in an abiding conviction in the power of such cooperation, complemented by strategic partnerships with the nations of the North.

This commitment is further evidenced by Egypt’s standing as a strategic nexus connecting Africa, the Arab world, the Mediterranean region, and the Francophone sphere.

I seize this opportunity to acknowledge the central role of the French Republic in bolstering the Francophone community and its sustained contributions to its institutions, most notably, Senghor University.

I would also like to convey to His Excellency President Macron Egypt’s deep appreciation for France’s commendable dedication to fostering African human capital through financial contributions, scholarship initiatives, and the seamless transfer of expertise. Such efforts demonstrate a commitment to reinforcing stability and development across the African continent.

Ladies and gentlemen,

For over three decades, Senghor University has successfully solidified its standing as a premier academic institution dedicated to empowering young African talent. By adhering to the most advanced educational standards, the University cultivates the expertise necessary to address the continent’s developmental challenges, transforming them into viable opportunities for achieving the envisioned sustainable growth.

The mandate of Senghor University transcends traditional academic instruction; it extends to institutional capacity building and enhancing the proficiency of decision-makers across the continent. Focusing on vital sectors such as governance, resource management, and sustainable development, including critical issues of water and food security and climate change adaptation, the University serves as a fundamental cornerstone, empowering African nations to formulate national policies that are more robust and responsive to evolving challenges.

Esteemed guests,

The advancement of relations between Egypt and its African brethren constitutes a pivotal pillar of Egypt’s foreign policy, rooted in profound historical heritage, mutual respect, and a shared destiny.

Over the past decades, Egypt has maintained a persistent commitment to supporting developmental endeavors across the continent through the transfer of expertise, capacity building, and the implementation of development projects. This commitment is driven by its firm belief that the prosperity and stability of all African nations are inextricably intertwined with its own national prosperity and stability.

The decision to establish the University's new Headquarters in New Borg El-Arab City in 2019 is a testament to Egypt’s unwavering support for the mission of this academic institution. It reaffirms Egypt’s conviction that investing in human capital represents the paramount path toward securing enduring and sustainable growth.

The Egyptian State has allocated the land for this landmark project, while providing significant funding for its implementation. Completed in record time, this endeavor has successfully doubled the university’s enrollment capacity and fostered an integrated academic environment.

The growing number of applicants serves as a demonstrable indicator of the immense trust it commands, underscoring its pivotal role. Egypt remains committed to providing all forms of support to the University, including the allocation of annual scholarships for students from across our African continent.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Senghor University stands as the shining epitome of international cooperation founded on partnership. It offers a practical illustration of what could be achieved when political will aligns with integrated global efforts.

In Egypt, we firmly believe that the future of our African continent rests upon the empowerment of its youth, the cultivation of its human resources, and the consolidation of its institutional capacities, thereby positioning the continent to effectively confront its challenges and recast them as tangible opportunities for prosperity and progress.

Esteemed guests,

I extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation to the donor states, partner organizations, and all stakeholders of this success. We recognize the sincere and dedicated efforts that have culminated in the achievement we celebrate today.

I also address a special message to our students: ‘You represent the genuine beacon of hope for the future of Africa. The knowledge and expertise you cultivate here constitute the essential instrument for shaping your societies and crafting a more prosperous future for our entire continent.’

Finally, I once again welcome you to this illustrious seat of learning, and offer my heartfelt wishes for your enduring success. I would also like to, once again, thank President Macron for being with us.

May Allah the Almighty guide our collective efforts toward the greater good of our peoples.

May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon you.