Under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Benha National University participated in the National Conference “National Identity: Deep-Rooted Foundations and a Renewed Vision”, hosted by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina from 21 to 23 September, with the participation of a number of ministers and government officials, university presidents, academics, intellectuals, researchers and young people.
The University was represented by a student delegation that took part in the conference programme, particularly the third academic session, “Institutions and Policies Shaping National Identity”, which examined the role of different institutions and policies in shaping awareness of national identity and strengthening the values of belonging and citizenship.
The Benha National University delegation comprised Ahmed Hassan Saleh Mamoun, Soheil Atef Makhlouf Ali, John Isaac Nagah, Ahmed Mohamed Fathy Hassan and Mariam Adel Mohamed. Their participation reflects the University’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to engage with national and societal issues and benefit from events and discussions that bring together academic, intellectual and youth perspectives.
Prof. Tamer Samir, President of Benha National University, said that the participation of the University’s students in the “National Identity: Deep-Rooted Foundations and a Renewed Vision” conference reflects the University’s commitment to developing students as well-rounded individuals, extending beyond academic education alone. He emphasised the importance of giving students opportunities to engage with national, intellectual and societal issues and to take part in discussions that broaden their perspectives, strengthen their awareness, and develop their capacity for constructive discussion, responsibility and positive participation.
The President added that the University is committed to supporting students’ participation in national, cultural and academic events as an essential part of the broader process of developing young people and preparing graduates who, alongside their academic knowledge and professional expertise, have an informed understanding of the issues facing their country and are able to engage with them positively and responsibly.
Prof. Hussein El-Maghraby, Vice President for Academic Affairs, noted that the third academic session was attended by a number of prominent public and academic figures, including Prof. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, as well as representatives of religious and national institutions, government officials and specialists. Over the three-day conference, discussions addressed a range of themes related to national identity, including art, heritage and identity and future prospects; strategies for strengthening identity across the family, school and civil society; innovation and national identity; education and identity in relation to curricula and teaching methods; and the impact of digital transformation, artificial intelligence and social media on the formation of young people’s awareness.
The conference concluded with the launch of the “Alexandria Document on National Identity”, setting out a number of perspectives and recommendations aimed at strengthening awareness of national identity, while emphasising the importance of continued public dialogue and greater engagement by educational institutions and young people in this area.