Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on Tuesday launched the International Academy of Architecture and Urbanism (IAAU) in the New Administrative Capital, a new institution established in cooperation with UNESCO and three prominent European universities to position Egypt as a regional hub for architectural knowledge. The launch event was attended by several ministers, the governor of Cairo, ambassadors, and representatives from UNESCO and partner institutions. In his address, Madbouly said the academy represents a new step in the state's vision to enhance Egypt's status as a regional and global platform for knowledge and creativity in architecture and urban planning. "This is not just a new educational institution, but an international scientific platform that seeks to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience and to be open to global experiences in order to build sustainable cities that preserve our identity and meet the aspirations of the future," he said. The prime minister linked the new academy to Egypt's major national projects, such as the New Administrative Capital, the development of New Alamein, and the revival of Historic Cairo. He also noted that its establishment is consistent with the recently launched "National Narrative for Economic Development," which relies on a supportive urban infrastructure to attract investment. Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Ayman Ashour, said the academy's goal is to create a "pivotal centre of enlightenment in Egypt" that will achieve a "qualitative leap in architectural and urban education and learning." He explained that the academy will offer dual degrees in partnership with internationally renowned schools, connecting different disciplines and enriching the labour market with highly qualified architects and urban planners. During the launch event, Madbouly witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Higher Education and UNESCO, aimed at promoting joint research, student and teacher mobility, and knowledge exchange in fields such as heritage preservation and environmental sustainability. The prime minister also witnessed the signing of memoranda of understanding between the ministry and each of the three European partner institutions: the International School of Architecture in Grenoble, France; the Faculty of Architecture at Sapienza University in Rome, Italy; and the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies at Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands. These agreements provide the strategic framework for offering dual degrees, establishing a research network, and creating a centre of excellence to support governments and national institutions in the Middle East and Africa. Madbouly stressed that the partnership with UNESCO adds special value to the occasion, affirming Egypt's commitment to deepening this relationship to make the academy a global scientific beacon that reflects the country's historical and civilizational role. "The International Academy of Architecture and Urbanism is not just a national edifice, but a joint international project that combines Egyptian heritage with global expertise, and contributes to shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future for our coming generations," the prime minister concluded.
