Prof. Tamer Samir, President of Benha National University, participated in the launch of the Egyptian-French Forum for Higher Education and Scientific Research, held on April 7-8, with the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron at Cairo University. The event was sponsored by Prof. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Mr. Philippe Baptiste, French Minister of Higher Education, alongside a wide array of Egyptian and French university presidents and leaders in higher education and scientific research from both countries. The forum saw high-level attendance from both Egyptian and French delegations, with around 400 participants from more than 100 Egyptian and French institutions.
Prof. Tamer Samir emphasized that the conference marks the beginning of a new phase in scientific cooperation between the two countries, launching a new strategic collaboration in higher education and scientific research. He mentioned that Benha National University, as a national project, aims to open new horizons for cooperation and is earnestly seeking to establish strategic partnerships with French higher education institutions, contributing to the provision of joint degrees that reflect global standards.
He noted that these partnerships will provide students with the opportunity to receive distinguished education that aligns with labor market needs, enhancing their academic capabilities. He stressed the importance of exchanging experiences and knowledge between the Egyptian and French sides, which contributes to the development of academic programs and enhances the quality of academic outcomes. He praised the educational and cultural relations that bind the two countries, reflecting a mutual interest in internationalization, affirming that internationalization is a fundamental axis in the Egyptian strategy and Egypt's Vision 2030.
Prof. Tamer Samir expressed his happiness in participating in this important international event and pointed out that innovation and the internationalization of higher education were key focuses of the Egyptian-French forum. Several discussion sessions were held to explore avenues for cooperation and the prospects of internationalizing the Egyptian higher education system, aiming to build strong bridges of trust and excellence. He thanked everyone who contributed to organizing the event, wishing it would be a starting point for new partnerships contributing to a bright future for youth and the academic and scientific community in both countries, a result of a long history of cultural and scientific understanding that has enriched the scientific and research landscape in Egypt and the region.
The forum's agenda included discussions on ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and signing cooperation protocols between the Egyptian and French sides, supported by the Supreme Council of Universities. This includes agreements with French engineering schools and an agreement between the French Embassy and the Science, Technology, and Innovation Support Fund to finance post-doctoral programs.
The forum also featured several specialized discussion sessions on topics such as:
- “Internationalizing Higher Education and Scientific Research Systems,”
- “French-Egyptian Academic Cooperation – Current Status and Prospects,”
- “Lessons Learned and Future Perspectives” to evaluate bilateral experiences and explore future cooperation areas, and
- “Strengthening Links between Academia and the Business Sector.”