Prof. Mohamed Hussein, President of Tanta University, took part in the proceedings of the Second International Conference organized by the Departments of Architectural Engineering and Urban Planning and Design at the Faculty of Engineering, under the title “Architecture and Urbanism for Building Modern Egypt.” The conference was held under the patronage of Prof. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, from April 18 to 20. The event was attended by Prof. Magda Hanna, Deputy Governor of the Red Sea; Prof. Mahmoud Zaki, former President of Tanta University and Conference Chair; Prof. Ahmed Nasr, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Honorary President of the Conference; in addition to Prof. Yasser El-Samadouni, Vice Dean for Postgraduate Studies; Prof. Walaa Nour, Vice Dean for Community Service; Prof. Shahira Sharaf El-Din, Head of the Architecture Department; and Prof. Marwa Qamar El-Dawla, Head of the Urban Planning Department. The conference also featured a distinguished group of keynote speakers, faculty members, and researchers from Egyptian and international universities, alongside representatives of sponsoring companies from the industrial sector, which fully funded all conference activities.

    In his address, Prof. Mohamed Hussein emphasized that the university places scientific research at the forefront of its priorities in support of the state’s development plans. He noted that the conference serves as a vital platform for formulating innovative engineering solutions that contribute to building modern Egypt and enhancing citizens’ quality of life through smart and sustainable urban planning aligned with Egypt Vision 2030. He also expressed his appreciation to the sponsoring companies for covering all conference expenses without placing any financial burden on the university or the faculty.

    For her part, Prof. Magda Hanna, Deputy Governor of the Red Sea, expressed her appreciation for the academic role played by Tanta University in enriching the scientific and professional content of the architecture and urban planning sector. She affirmed that the conference’s outcomes are of great importance to Egyptian governorates striving to implement sustainability standards and digital transformation in their development projects, in a manner that supports comprehensive development goals and enhances the visual identity and services provided to citizens.

    Professor Dr. Mahmoud Zaki, Conference Chair, explained that the conference aims to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application, with a focus on integrating modern technologies into the construction sector to keep pace with the unprecedented urban renaissance witnessed by the country.

    Meanwhile, Professor Prof. Ahmed Nasr, Dean of the Faculty, added that efforts are underway to develop the scientific research system to serve as the primary driver of innovation, while valuing the role of strategic partnerships in ensuring the implementation of research outputs in major national projects.

    The conference’s final recommendations emphasized the necessity of adopting comprehensive digital transformation through Building Information Modeling (BIM) methodologies and the use of artificial intelligence technologies as essential tools for achieving zero-energy buildings. They also stressed adherence to green architecture standards and the use of innovative, environmentally friendly building materials aimed at reducing the carbon footprint and achieving the desired environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the recommendations called for supporting fourth-generation cities and integrating intelligent transportation systems with urban planning to ensure quality of life, alongside preserving architectural identity and authentic heritage through digital documentation mechanisms and updated urban legislation that safeguard the visual identity of Egyptian cities.