The official spokesperson for the Presidency stated that during the meeting, the President reviewed the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s vision and action plan for the coming phase. It aims to transform Egypt into a regional and international hub for higher education, scientific research, and innovation, thereby contributing to the development of a knowledge-based economy and attracting students and researchers from around the world. The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research noted that there are 129 universities in Egypt, including public, private, community, and technological universities, as well as universities with a special status and branches of foreign universities. In this context, the President emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to develop the higher education and scientific research system, as it is a fundamental pillar in building the Egyptian people and achieving sustainable development, as well as strengthening the pivotal role of universities in promoting training and skills development programs to meet the needs of the labor market.

Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawi, the official spokesperson, added that the meeting included a review of faculty capacity-building and efforts to improve the quality of academic and administrative performance. The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research noted that an executive committee had been formed to oversee the project to automate the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, to accelerate the comprehensive automation and digital transformation of administrative processes. He noted that work is underway to develop a comprehensive vision for enhancing the performance of faculty development centers, in line with contemporary requirements, and to meet the needs of teaching staff members participating in training programs. In this context, the President directed that attention be given to partnership and cooperation with leading international universities and institutions to benefit from their expertise in enhancing the quality of the higher education and scientific research system.

The spokesperson noted that the meeting also reviewed the status of efforts to link scientific research with industry and the knowledge economy. The minister explained that the main objective of this is to transform academic research into marketable products and services, and to support innovation and entrepreneurship by localizing the concept of technology valleys, developing an incentive system for researchers and faculty members, and linking scientific research with industry.

The spokesperson noted that during the meeting, the President also reviewed the implementation status of health projects under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, with Dr. Abdelaziz Qanswa presenting several inaugurated projects. On top of this, the opening of development projects at the main hospital of Alexandria University, the commencement of development work on units at Al-Mawasa Hospital, the modernization of operating rooms and endoscopy suites at Al-Shatby University Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the establishment of a branch of Cairo University in Eritrea.

The spokesperson explained that the President also followed up on efforts to promote Egyptian education abroad by establishing a system to select leading universities, targeting countries and regions with the greatest strategic and political impact, expanding joint programs with highly ranked international universities, and hosting certain programs through academic partnerships. In this context, Dr. Abdel Aziz Qansouh explained that a committee of university experts has been formed to oversee the implementation of these initiatives. Work is also underway to finalize an agreement to establish a financing institution, in cooperation with the Central Bank of Egypt, dedicated to funding scholarships for students, enabling them to earn dual degrees in collaboration with prestigious international universities.

The President emphasized the importance of strengthening higher education partnerships and establishing overseas branches by developing a modern model for cross-border partnerships and fostering institutional partnerships aimed at building national capacity, maximizing economic returns, and improving international rankings. He directed that efforts be made to enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian universities at the regional and international levels and to support scientific research and innovation.