President El-Sisi's Speech During the 2nd Edition of the Scientific Francophonie Week

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

Your Excellencies, the Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research,

Mr. Slim Khalbous, Director of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF),

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to warmly welcome the ministers of higher education and scientific research in countries member of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), who are participating in the 6^th conference, organized by the Agence this year in Cairo.

This esteemed conference is being held as Egypt prepares to host the global climate summit (COP 27) in the green city of Sharm El-Sheikh. Egypt is exerting its utmost effort, along with world leaders, in order for the summit to result in the implementation of international pledges to combat climate change.   

Egypt believes in the noble value of science, which tops the priorities of its sustainable development strategy, coupled with activities related to scientific research across various fields. Therefore, I would like to praise the role of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie for its keenness to launch a distinct initiative for an annual international scientific Francophonie Week, which Cairo welcomes to host its second edition this year.

This unique example of scientific diplomacy certainly offers the opportunity for the exchange of achievements and interaction among scientific research experts. Within a distinct framework of dialogue, cooperation and solidarity, this sets a practical model for the vast potential to capitalize on intercultural dialogue so as to attain higher humanitarian goals in the interest of all, pursuant to the principle of equality, fraternity and freedom.

Undoubtedly, the growing rapprochement between Egypt and the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie deserves all support. Considering Egypt as a strategic partner for the Agence and signing a series of cooperation agreements between the two sides, particularly the last agreement that states that Cairo University hosts the headquarters of its national office and its employment center for the graduates of Egyptian universities, reflect a sincere will to develop and expand the scope of university cooperation projects implemented by the Agence in Egypt, in cooperation with the 19 Egyptian universities that are Agence members.

I am hopeful that this will be done in a manner that considers this age’s pace and prerequisites for our development paths and the associated requirements of the job market, also in light of Egypt’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development. This is in order to achieve tangible progress in the efficiency of Egyptian universities by raising the level of the quality of education, scientific research, training and innovation, enhancing Egypt’s vision to launch a renewed and open knowledge awakening that is based, in the first place, on a modern educational policy accessible to all, hence raising open-minded and enlightened new generations that appreciate the value of respect for the other and openness to diverse cultures, enjoy the spirit of initiative and the ability to unleash talents across various aspects of creativity and innovation. This opens wide horizons for the advancement of the educational foundation of undergraduates and graduates, and their scientific and cultural awareness, and thus enable our youth to interact with new views and enlightened thinking, far from the narrow-minded, extremist tendencies and deviant movements.

Your Excellencies the ministers,

Egypt is proud to host Senghor University in Alexandria, as a model for outstanding university education that produces highly-qualified and trained African cadres capable of efficiently managing sustainable development strategies in their countries.  

Upon Senghor University’s request, I have given directives for Egypt to build a new bigger campus to accommodate the growing numbers of African students enrolling in the university. Construction already started and the new campus is to be inaugurated soon.   

Investing in knowledge for the progress of nations, across a myriad of cultures and affiliations, is a noble mission borne by the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie since its establishment, earning it appreciation and praise.

I hope that the fruitful and steadfast cooperation between Egypt and the Agence shall contribute to supporting and enriching the Egyptian efforts that are keen to raise generations that integrate sound scientific formation, knowledge advancement, distinguished research capabilities and humanitarian scientific values. Generations filled with confidence and serenity granted by the advanced university education process that links modern university education system and advanced capabilities required for scientific research, along with the requirements of sustainable development and job market.

I wish you success in your endeavors.

Thank you for listening.

May the peace and mercy of Allah be upon you.