Egypt and France have launched a new phase of strategic cooperation in higher education and scientific research, with joint academic programmes and linking education to industry among the top priorities. The initiative was highlighted at the Egyptian-French Forum for Higher Education and Scientific Research, which focused on innovation and the internationalisation of higher education. The forum, which began on Monday and concludes on Tuesday, coincides with French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Cairo. It has brought together approximately 400 participants from over 100 Egyptian and French institutions, including university presidents and leaders in higher education and scientific research. The event is being held under the patronage of Ayman Ashour, Egypt's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Philippe Baptiste, the French Minister of Higher Education. During the opening session, Hossam Othman, Deputy Minister for Innovation and Scientific Research, representing Ashour, welcomed academics and researchers from both countries. He emphasised the importance of the existing educational and cultural links, noting their shared interest in internationalisation. "Internationalisation is a fundamental pillar of the Egyptian strategy and Egypt's Vision 2030," Othman said. Othman stated that the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research seeks to modernise Egypt's higher education system to address local and global challenges, enhance education and research quality, and align educational outcomes with the needs of the labour market. He outlined the strategy's seven core principles: integration, interdisciplinarity, communication, effective participation, sustainability, international benchmarking, and innovation and entrepreneurship. Othman stressed the importance of the forum in reinforcing international benchmarking, promoting student and academic exchanges, and encouraging participation in global research networks and collaborative programmes. He also emphasised the need to diversify funding sources for higher education through government support, private sector involvement, donations, and strategic partnerships, alongside optimising resource allocation within educational institutions. Innovation and entrepreneurship would be cultivated by strengthening university-based business incubators and innovation hubs, encouraging students to develop their ideas into development projects. Othman stressed the importance of integrating sustainable development goals into educational and research agendas, and integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and e-learning into the educational framework. Mostafa Refaat, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities, said that the forum represented a "prominent milestone" in Egyptian-French relations, and reflected the academic and research ties between the two countries. "The forum confirms the importance of internationalising higher education as a strategic choice, within the principles of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research," Refaat added. He described the Egyptian-French partnership as "an inspiring model", announcing the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding during the forum. He highlighted the French University in Egypt project as a successful example of cross-border academic cooperation. Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister for Strategic Planning, Training and Qualification for the Labour Market, said that Egyptian-French cooperation in higher education was the result of a long history of cultural and scientific understanding. "The Ministry attaches great importance to this forum, as it is a pillar for strengthening strategic relations with France," Farid added. He also emphasised the importance of communication within the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the strength of the Egyptian higher education model. Mamdouh Moawad, President of the National Research Center, spoke about joint research cooperation with France in areas such as agriculture, energy, water, health sciences, and artificial intelligence. He hoped that the forum would provide researchers with opportunities to learn about the latest scientific developments and increase cooperation in priority areas. Laurent Gatineau, President of CY Cergy Paris University and representative of "France Universités," expressed France's pride in its partnership with Egypt, describing it as a "historical center of cultural and scientific excellence". "This cooperation is the best model for integrating cultures and mutual respect," Gatineau said. He affirmed France's commitment to renewing this cooperation through projects such as the French University in Egypt, and expressed anticipation for signing new protocols and launching new projects. Professor Coralie Chevallier, President of the High Council for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (Hcéres), highlighted the importance of establishing accreditation standards, pursuing mutual recognition in academia, and providing high-quality education that meets development needs. Antoine Petit, Director of the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), said that the relationship with Egypt was a "pivotal relationship that extends for sixty years". He added that the forum reinforced relations with Egypt, "our largest partner outside Europe". The forum's agenda includes discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation and the signing of cooperation protocols, including agreements with French engineering schools and an agreement between the French Embassy and the Science, Technology and Innovation Funding Authority to fund post-doctoral programmes. Specialised discussion sessions will focus on internationalising higher education and scientific research systems, academic cooperation, and strengthening links between academia and the business sector. Cooperation between Egypt and France has expanded in recent years, with over 70 joint projects underway in health, engineering, digital transformation, and social sciences. Efforts are also underway to transfer over 30 French certifications to Egyptian universities, and three French institutions are considering opening branches in Egypt.
