Prof. Mohamed Hussein, President of Tanta University, participated today in the launch of the Egyptian-French Forum for Higher Education and Scientific Research, held on April 7 and 8. The forum coincides with the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Cairo and features high-level participation from both the Egyptian and French sides. The event is held under the patronage of Prof. Ayman Ashour, Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Mr. Philippe Baptiste, French Minister of Higher Education, with the attendance of a distinguished group of university presidents, higher education and research leaders from both countries — totaling approximately 400 participants representing more than 100 Egyptian and French institutions.

Tanta University’s delegation included Prof. Hatem Amin, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Research, and Dr. Shahira Sharaf El-Din, Director of the International Student Support Unit.

Prof. Mohamed Hussein emphasized the significance of this forum, which reflects the political leadership’s vision to ensure the quality of higher education and research, and to achieve outcomes that align with developmental needs at the local, regional, and international levels. He noted that the forum supports the implementation of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research, focusing on sustainability, international competitiveness, entrepreneurship, and innovation. He reiterated the university’s commitment to enhancing partnerships with prestigious international universities and educational institutions to improve education quality, develop academic programs, and prepare graduates to meet labor market demands.

According to data from the Ministry of Higher Education, the forum’s agenda includes discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation and the signing of cooperation protocols between Egyptian and French institutions, 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 Funding Authority to finance postdoctoral programs.

The forum also includes a number of specialized panel discussions on themes such as “Internationalization of Higher Education and Scientific Research Systems,” “French-Egyptian Academic Cooperation – Current Status and Prospects,” and “Lessons Learned and Future Outlook” — aimed at evaluating bilateral experiences and exploring future collaboration opportunities. Other sessions focus on “Enhancing Ties between Academia and Industry,” as well as partnerships to boost research and innovation capacities. Participants include university presidents from both countries, representatives of the Ministries of Higher Education and research centers, academics, and private sector representatives, along with a wide range of business and industry stakeholders — strengthening the connection between academia and the labor market and contributing to the development of academic programs aligned with actual economic needs.

It is worth noting that cooperation between Egypt and France has significantly advanced in recent years, with over 70 joint projects currently underway in fields such as health, engineering, digital transformation, and social sciences. Additionally, more than 30 French degrees are being transferred to Egyptian universities, and three French institutions have expressed interest in opening branches in Egypt.

A high-level discussion panel titled “Egyptian-French Academic Cooperation: Current Status and Future Prospects” was also held, featuring leading university presidents and higher education leaders from both countries.

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