Prof. Muhammad Hussein: Strengthening academic and research partnerships with Chinese and African universities supports the internationalization of education and consolidates the role of universities in building the knowledge economy

    The delegation of Tanta University, headed by Prof. Mohamed Hussein, President of Tanta University, participated today, at the invitation of Hunan University in China, in the opening session of the Forum of Presidents of Chinese and African Universities to Foresee the Future of Education Development, held in Changsha, People's Republic of China, under the slogan «Towards Creating a Smart Future Together: Cooperation and Innovation in Developing Higher Education between China and Africa», with the participation of a number of presidents and leaders of universities and higher education institutions from China and African countries. The Tanta University delegation includes Prof. Marwan Shaheen, Professor of Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering.

    Prof. Mohamed Hussein explained that the opening session witnessed extensive discussions on the general framework of cooperation between the participating universities and the preliminary drafting of memoranda of understanding and proposed cooperation protocols, stressing that Tanta University's participation in the forum comes within the framework of its strategic orientation towards enhancing international openness and expanding the network of academic and research partnerships with internationally distinguished universities and educational institutions. He Pointed out the importance of Chinese–African cooperation in building innovative models of university education that respond to rapid global transformations in the fields of technology, artificial intelligence and innovation.

    The President of Tanta University added that the forum represents an important platform for exchanging experiences and visions about the future of higher education, innovation, digital transformation, building human capabilities, and linking scientific research to development needs, in addition to exploring new opportunities for cooperation in the fields of joint academic programs, exchanging students, faculty members and researchers, and implementing research projects of common interest.

    He added that the university aims, through its international participations, to build sustainable institutional partnerships that contribute to raising the university's international competitiveness, supporting the quality of the educational and research process, and providing broader opportunities for its students and researchers to interact with advanced global experiences.

    The forum will be held on September 22, 2026 in Changsha, China, coinciding with the celebration of the 1050th anniversary of the founding of Yuelu Academy, and the 100th anniversary of the naming of Hunan University by its current name, reflecting the long-standing academic legacy of the host institution and its role in supporting international scientific and educational cooperation.