The Popular and Military Defense Forces organized the sixth combined educational symposium for Egyptian universities and institutes at Tanta University’s Conference Center, in the presence of Major General Ashraf El-Gendy, Governor of Gharbia; Major General Staff Hisham Hosny Hassan, Commander of the Popular and Military Defense Forces; Prof. Mohamed Hussein, President of Tanta University; Prof. Sherif Khater, President of Mansoura University; Prof. Elhami Tarabees, President of Damanhour University; Brigadier General Staff Ahmed Mahdy Abdel-Latif, Assistant Commander of the Popular and Military Defense Forces; Prof. Mahmoud Saleem, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Prof. Hatem Amin, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Research; Prof. El-Sayed El-Agouz, Vice President for Education and Students; a number of university vice presidents; Brigadier General Staff Wael Fathy, Military Advisor to Gharbia Governorate; Colonel Mostafa Abu Karam, Director of Military Education at Tanta University; several faculty deans and vice deans; senior officers of the Popular and Military Defense Forces; faculty members; executive, public, and student leaders from Gharbia Governorate.

Major General Staff Hisham Hosny Hassan, Commander of the Popular and Military Defense Forces, expressed his pleasure to be at Tanta University, one of the pillars of knowledge and enlightenment. He conveyed the greetings of General Abdel Meguid Saqr, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production, and Lieutenant General Ahmed Fathi Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. He affirmed his pride in this distinguished gathering of esteemed professors and promising students who embody Egypt’s present and its bright future. He added that their faces reflect hope for a better tomorrow, shaped by their knowledge, determination, and devotion to the homeland. He also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in cooperating with the Armed Forces and various ministries to support the advancement of knowledge and the building of the Egyptian human being—capable of creativity, excellence, and competitiveness in all fields. He emphasized that the Egyptian state’s faith in its youth stems from their being the cornerstone of the future and the backbone of national development, noting that investing in young minds and their ability to transform knowledge into achievement and ambition into reality is key to elevating the nation.

Major General Staff Hisham Hosny Hassan added that the world today is witnessing rapid changes and successive challenges that require university students to be deeply aware, firmly attached to their national identity and authentic values, and committed to acquiring knowledge and pursuing innovation and contribution—so that Egypt’s flag may continue to fly high through the efforts of ambitious youth and loyal minds. He noted that the Egyptian state is harnessing all its capabilities to achieve comprehensive progress in all sectors by investing in the knowledge economy and available resources to enhance individual and societal well-being. This is being accomplished by preparing and empowering a generation capable of keeping pace with development, working with distinction, thinking creatively, and achieving leadership and competitiveness—within the framework of the state’s comprehensive development plan to realize the dream of the New Republic and Egypt’s Vision 2030. He affirmed that the Egyptian state has become more stable and resilient after confronting numerous crises and challenges—reflecting the leadership’s clear and forward-thinking vision to safeguard Egypt’s security and stability. He stressed that the Egyptian people have always been—and remain—the central pillar and protective shield of the nation against attempts to destabilize it, calling for unity, awareness of risks, and recognition of surrounding threats.

He also paid tribute to the souls of Egypt’s heroic martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the homeland, affirming that the political leadership and the Egyptian Armed Forces are committed to honoring their memory and providing full care to their families in recognition of their noble sacrifices. He extended his thanks to Major General Ashraf El-Gendy, Governor of Gharbia; Prof. Mohamed Hussein, President of Tanta University; and Colonel Mostafa Abu Karam, Director of Military Education at Tanta University.

For his part, Prof. Mohamed Hussein, President of Tanta University, expressed his deep pleasure to be present among this distinguished gathering at Tanta University, which brings together an elite selection of Egypt’s leading universities—including Tanta, Damanhour, Mansoura, and Menoufia Universities, as well as private, national, and technological universities such as Tanta National University, Mansoura National University, Delta Technological University, Samannoud Technological University, and Al-Salam University. He noted that the organization of today’s symposium, with such a remarkable presence, reflects the strong and strategic partnership between higher education institutions and the Egyptian Armed Forces—represented by the Popular and Military Defense Forces—in alignment with the vision of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to build an enlightened, aware Egyptian citizen. He stressed that building the Egyptian person is the centerpiece of comprehensive development, aiming to prepare a globally competitive generation equipped with future skills, capable of creativity and innovation, benefiting from modern technology, and effectively contributing to sustainable development across the nation.

He also extended his appreciation to the Egyptian Armed Forces, whose heroism is not limited to safeguarding national borders but extends to protecting minds and fostering awareness among youth through such important events. He expressed his pleasure with the close cooperation between Tanta University and the Popular and Military Defense Forces to enhance national awareness and readiness among students, preparing them to play an active role in protecting their country and maintaining its stability. He stressed that this symposium aligns with universities’ leading role in shaping national consciousness among youth and equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to become future leaders and defenders of national identity. He emphasized that the aim of the symposium is to deepen belonging, reinforce the values of loyalty and sacrifice, and confront current challenges by shielding minds against destructive ideas and misinformation. It also serves as a platform for exchanging experiences, showcasing national achievements, and highlighting the significant role of the Armed Forces in safeguarding Egypt’s security and stability.

The University President added that current challenges now include fourth- and fifth-generation warfare aimed at targeting youth minds through systematic rumors and misinformation. He emphasized that countering such threats requires unprecedented cooperation and the unification of all capabilities to build a strong front of awareness capable of recognizing risks, protecting national assets, and securing Egypt’s rightful place among nations. He urged students to seize this opportunity to make the most of the knowledge and expertise shared during the symposium and to deepen their understanding of the surrounding challenges. He also expressed gratitude to the Popular and Military Defense Forces for their continuous support and for providing logistical and field capabilities that enhance awareness and readiness among students and faculty members. Additionally, he thanked all participating universities and delegations whose contributions enriched the event through the exchange of experiences and perspectives.

During the symposium, Prof. Ghada Amer, Artificial Intelligence Expert at the Decision Support and Decision-Making Center, delivered a lecture titled “Digital Risks: Steps to Protect Yourself,” in which she discussed the impact of technology on all aspects of human life, the social and security risks associated with technology, and methods to address them.

The event also featured a performance by students with disabilities, a theatrical show titled The Password, a powerful selection of national songs performed by the Tanta University Choir, a distinguished poetry recital, and a segment of religious chanting and hymns.

At the conclusion of the symposium, the families of the martyrs, students with disabilities, and outstanding participants were honored. Major General Staff Hisham Hosny, Commander of the Popular and Military Defense Forces, and Prof. Mohamed Hussein, President of Tanta University, exchanged commemorative shields.