In the presence of the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities and a distinguished group of university presidents and their deputies:

   Tanta University hosted the first Environmental Forum for the Delta Region Universities Alliance.

   Prof. Mostafa Refaat:

• The forum underscores the vital role that Egyptian universities play as engines of development.

• The event represents a genuine platform for exchanging expertise and building bridges of communication among researchers, students, and representatives of industrial institutions.

   Prof. Mohamed Hussein:

• The forum is not merely a transient meeting; rather, it embodies the spirit of integration and close cooperation among our academic institutions.

• The university seeks to maximize developmental returns from a sustainable perspective that considers economic, societal, and environmental dimensions.

   The inaugural activities of the first Environmental Forum for the Delta Region Universities Alliance were launched today at Tanta University under the theme “Academia and Industry: Bridging the Gap.” The event was attended by Prof. Mostafa Refaat, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities; Prof. Mohamed Hussein, President of Tanta University; Prof. Ashraf Hanigel, President of Suez University; Prof. Abdel Fattah Sedqa, former President of Tanta University and current President of Al Salam University; Prof. Mahmoud Selim, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Prof. Hatem Amin, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research; Prof. El-Sayed El-Agooz, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs; Prof. Abdel Hakim Abdel Khalek, former President of Tanta University; Prof. Emad Atman, former Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; in addition to vice presidents of universities for community service and environmental development, deans, vice deans, faculty members, journalists, media personnel, and students.

   During his address, Prof. Mostafa Refaat welcomed attendees at the opening of the first Environmental Forum for Delta Region Universities at Tanta University, emphasizing the commitment of higher education institutions to strengthen the integration between scientific research, sustainable development, and labor market needs. He noted that the timing of the forum is highly significant, as the world experiences rapid transformations in technology and innovation, necessitating the alignment of young researchers’ energies toward practical solutions that serve society and contribute to achieving Egypt’s Vision 2030 for comprehensive development.

   The Secretary-General highlighted that the forum underscores the crucial role of Egyptian universities as engines of development, centers for knowledge and technological production, and key pillars in building the capabilities of Egyptian citizens, enhancing their competitiveness locally and internationally. He noted that the forum aims to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship and strengthen partnerships between universities and industrial sectors. The event provides a genuine platform for exchanging expertise and establishing communication bridges between researchers, students, and industrial representatives, contributing to the transformation of scientific ideas into implementable projects with tangible economic and societal impact.

   Prof. Refaat extended sincere gratitude to Prof. Ayman Ashour, former Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, for his continuous efforts in supporting research and innovation. He also congratulated Prof. Abdel Aziz Konsowa on his appointment as Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and praised Prof. Mohamed Hussein, President of Tanta University, for hosting and organizing this forum in a commendable manner.

   Prof. Mohamed Hussein emphasized that the forum is not merely a passing meeting but a living embodiment of the spirit of integration and close cooperation among our esteemed academic institutions, reflecting a unified purpose and shared destiny. He highlighted the unprecedented historical progress in developing higher education and research systems in Egypt, supported by the insightful vision and direct guidance of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. He added that Egyptian universities have succeeded in playing their pioneering role as key drivers of the knowledge-based economy, in line with Egypt Vision 2030, extending beyond lecture halls to directly contribute to increasing GDP at both local and national levels.

   He further praised the exceptional efforts and pivotal role of Prof. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, former Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, who laid the foundation for the “National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research” in March 2023, built on seven core principles guiding the transition to fourth-generation universities and fostering effective institutional partnerships with the industrial sector and government agencies to achieve integration and sustainability.

   Prof. Hussein also emphasized that the philosophy of regional alliances is fundamental to improving the quality of academic, research, and service outputs. Through this integrated institutional framework, the university seeks to maximize developmental returns from a sustainable perspective, considering economic, societal, and environmental dimensions to achieve the goals of the Egyptian state in building an advanced knowledge-based society. He affirmed Tanta University’s full and unwavering support for all presidential and national initiatives.

   In this context, Prof. Mahmoud Selim delivered a comprehensive presentation on the strategy of integrating academia and industry as a cornerstone of fourth-generation universities. He outlined the impact of sustainable development concepts and Egypt Vision 2030 on enhancing international university rankings, highlighting the pivotal role of professional development centers, which have successfully employed and trained 14,313 Tanta University graduates according to labor market needs and international forum recommendations. He also presented a vision for strategic integration and the removal of obstacles to local industry localization through an analytical “heat map” identifying industrial development priorities in the central Delta, in addition to linking urban planning with logistics and activating innovation and the blue economy framework.