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Prof. Dr. Ashraf Heneigal, President of Suez University, inaugurated the International Conference on Blue Economy and Sustainability, organised by Suez University under the patronage of H.E. Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture. The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Mohamed Allam, Deputy Governor of Suez, representing Major General (Staff) Hany Rashad Ali, Governor of Suez; Major General (Staff) Abdelaziz Mamoun, representing the Commander of the Third Field Army; the university's vice presidents; faculty deans; academic staff; and participating researchers from Egypt and various countries around the world.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Ashraf Heneigal welcomed the conference guests, including distinguished scholars, researchers, experts, and representatives of national and international institutions. He emphasised that Suez University was organising this event out of its firm belief that knowledge and scientific research are the principal drivers of sustainable development, and that scientific dialogue and effective partnerships constitute essential foundations for addressing shared challenges and shaping the future.
The University President stressed that the conference aligns with the Egyptian state's vision, under the leadership of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, to maximise the utilisation of natural resources and achieve sustainable development. It also supports the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research's strategy to strengthen the role of universities as centres of thought and innovation and as knowledge hubs capable of providing scientific solutions to national challenges.
He referred to the emphasis placed by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during the Kayan University Conference on the importance of universities playing a pivotal role in building an "Innovation Nation", similar to the concept of a "Nation of Recitation". He explained that universities are no longer merely educational institutions; they have become essential partners in generating knowledge and transforming it into added value that supports the national economy.
Prof. Heneigal explained that Suez University's selection as the host of this conference reflects the governorate's strategic location overlooking the Gulf of Suez and the Red Sea, as well as its connection to the Suez Canal. These geographical and economic advantages qualify the governorate to become a genuine model for implementing blue economy initiatives. He emphasised that the blue economy is no longer simply a framework for exploiting marine resources; rather, it has evolved into an integrated development model that balances economic growth with environmental protection.
The University President also announced that the conference had attracted considerable academic interest, receiving 161 research papers involving 516 researchers and authors representing 84 universities and scientific institutions from 12 countries. He further announced that awards would be presented to the three best research papers at the conference in recognition of research excellence and scientific creativity.
For his part, Dr. Mohamed Allam, Deputy Governor of Suez, conveyed the greetings of Major General (Staff) Hany Rashad Ali, Governor of Suez, to the conference participants. He expressed his appreciation to Suez University and its partners for organising this important international scientific event, commending the considerable efforts made to ensure its outstanding organisation.
The Deputy Governor affirmed that the blue economy has become one of the principal pathways towards achieving sustainable development, as it offers opportunities to maximise the use of marine resources, strengthen food security, and create employment while protecting the environment. He noted that Suez Governorate possesses unique strategic advantages that qualify it to play a pivotal role in this field, particularly owing to its location along the Suez Canal and the Gulf of Suez and the associated maritime, industrial, and logistical activities.
He emphasised the importance of integration among state institutions, universities, research centres, and the industrial sector to transform research findings and innovations into tangible development projects and economic initiatives. He also praised the Egyptian, African, and Chinese cooperation reflected in the conference, describing it as an important opportunity to establish effective partnerships that promote the sustainable use of resources and open new horizons for researchers and innovators.
In his address, Prof. Dr. Mohamed Saber El-Sabbagh, Conference President and Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and the growing global challenges associated with food security, climate change, marine pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. These challenges, he explained, make the blue economy an integrated development model capable of balancing the utilisation of marine resources with the protection of ecosystems and the rights of future generations.
He explained that the real challenge lies in transforming scientific knowledge and technological innovations into investment opportunities, productive projects, and sustainable employment. He further noted that Egypt's unique geographical position, with coastlines along both the Red Sea and the Mediterranean and its strategic location on both banks of the Suez Canal, offers promising opportunities to expand various blue economy activities.
Prof. El-Sabbagh added that Egyptian universities are now expected to move beyond their traditional role of generating knowledge and take the lead in driving development, building partnerships, and connecting scientific research with the needs of industry and investment. He pointed out that the conference's academic indicators reflect its considerable success, as demonstrated by the scale of local and international participation and the wide diversity of expertise and institutions represented.
Dr. Obinna Anozie, representing the African Union's Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), also emphasised that the blue economy is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development and food security across the African continent. He stressed the importance of sound water-resource management and strengthening scientific research and innovation to address growing environmental challenges.
He highlighted the importance of cooperation among universities, research institutions, and policymakers in exchanging expertise, building capacities, and maximising the sustainable use of marine and aquatic resources. He also commended Suez University's role in promoting scientific dialogue and international cooperation through this conference.
In the same context, Prof. Dr. Salah El-Din Meselhy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority for Fish Resources Development, expressed his gratitude to Suez University, under the presidency of Prof. Dr. Ashraf Heneigal, and to all participating entities and institutions from Egypt and abroad. He commended the efforts made to organise the conference and provide a scientific platform for exchanging expertise and strengthening international cooperation.
He emphasised that the considerable diversity of participants and experts reflects the growing importance of blue economy and sustainability issues. He added that the conference provides a valuable opportunity to exchange perspectives and successful experiences and develop practical solutions that support a more sustainable future for marine and aquatic resources.
The opening session witnessed widespread appreciation of the conference's importance as an international platform for scientific dialogue, the exchange of expertise, and the development of forward-looking visions. These efforts are expected to support Egypt's pursuit of sustainable development and maximise the utilisation of marine and aquatic resources in accordance with balanced scientific, environmental, and economic principles.
At the conclusion of the opening session, a commemorative shield exchange ceremony was held. Prof. Dr. Ashraf Heneigal, President of Suez University, presented the conference shield to Dr. Mohamed Allam, Deputy Governor of Suez, in recognition of the governorate's participation and its continued support for the university's activities.
He also presented a conference shield to Dr. Obinna Anozie, representative of the African Union's Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources, in recognition of his participation and contributions to strengthening African scientific cooperation in the fields of the blue economy and sustainability.
The University President also presented a conference shield to ON Egypt, the company responsible for organising the event, in appreciation of its efforts in planning, preparation, and delivering a conference that reflects the distinguished standing of Suez University and its guests from Egypt and abroad.
For his part, Prof. Dr. Osama Kaddour, Acting Vice President of Suez University for Community Service and Environmental Development and Honorary President of the Conference, presented the conference patron's shield to Prof. Dr. Ashraf Heneigal, President of Suez University, in recognition of his continued support for the conference, his commitment to its success, and his efforts to consolidate the university's role as a centre of knowledge and innovation and a hub for international scientific partnerships serving the goals of sustainable development.
Following the opening session, Prof. Dr. Ashraf Heneigal, accompanied by Dr. Mohamed Allam, Deputy Governor of Suez; Major General (Staff) Abdelaziz Mamoun, representing the Commander of the Third Field Army; and a number of distinguished guests and participants, toured the exhibition held alongside the conference.
During the tour, they visited the pavilions of participating companies, authorities, and institutions and listened to presentations on the latest projects, innovations, and applications related to the blue economy and sustainability.
The tour included several pavilions showcasing modern models and technologies in fish farming, aquatic resources, marine technology, and sustainable environmental solutions. The visitors praised the high standard of the exhibits and their demonstration of the integration between scientific research and practical applications. They also emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation between universities and the public and private sectors to support sustainable development and maximise the use of marine and aquatic resources.
At the conclusion of the conference sessions, the winners of the awards for outstanding research contributions were announced. The following researchers were recognised:
- Mahmoud Rabah, Assistant Lecturer, Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology.
- Dr. Haitham Gamal Aboul-Ela, Faculty of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Suez University.
- Dr. Bassam Abdel Salam, Faculty of Education and Technology, Suez University.
- Yuan Xiang, College of Engineering Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University.
- Dalia Farhat Gomaa, Faculty of Science, Suez University.