Representing Dr. Maya Morsy, Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity, Deputy Minister Eng. Margaret Sarofim presided over a landmark event hosted by the Arab Council for Childhood and Development (ACCD) to present the third edition of the King Abdulaziz Award for Scientific Research on Childhood and Development. The prestigious ceremony, held under the auspices of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal Al Saud, marked a regional celebration of academic excellence and strategic dialogue on child development in the post-pandemic era.
The award’s third cycle spotlighted a critical theme: “Education in the Post-COVID World,” a subject Prince Abdulaziz emphasized as central to social and policy reform in the Arab region and beyond. With more than 1.5 billion students globally disrupted by the pandemic, the Prince called the event “a moment of reflection and redirection,” highlighting the need for “scientific resilience and digital innovation in education systems.”
Among attendees were Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Dr. Hassan El-Bilawi, ACCD Secretary General, and a broad delegation of ministry and institutional representatives concerned with childhood, social protection, and sustainable development.
A Scientific Platform for Policy Integration
In her address, Deputy Minister Sarofim praised the ACCD for facilitating “a platform of scientific exchange” that bridges educational reform with social protection, noting how COVID-19 acted as a catalyst for re-evaluating national frameworks. “The pandemic wasn’t just a global health crisis—it was a wake-up call. It exposed the fragility of our educational and social systems and demanded a bold transition to resilience, adaptability, and technology-driven solutions,” she said.
Sarofim highlighted that the Ministry of Social Solidarity has adopted a comprehensive digital transformation agenda. From establishing nationwide, data-driven systems for conditional cash transfers under the Takaful and Karama programs—now reaching nearly 20 million citizens—to integrating artificial intelligence tools in public service delivery, the ministry is positioning itself as a hub for smart governance in social care.
Empowerment Through Digital Equity
The Deputy Minister also spotlighted inter-ministerial initiatives, such as Qodwa-Tech, co-led with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. The program trains and empowers Egyptian women and girls through digital skills and localized mentorship networks. “Our goal is to ensure no one is left behind—not in learning, not in labor, and not in leadership,” Sarofim asserted.
Further emphasizing literacy and capacity-building, Sarofim detailed efforts under the “No Illiteracy with Takaful” initiative, which implemented 22 digital workshops nationwide, enhancing adult educators’ capabilities to deliver engaging, tech-supported content. These developments align with Egypt’s broader ambition to integrate inclusive economic empowerment, especially for women, with early childhood education infrastructure and child protection policies.
Toward a Smart Social Protection Model
“A smart social protection model is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity,” Sarofim declared. She described how the ministry is expanding early childhood development programs, particularly nurseries for children under four years of age. This, she said, not only supports child well-being but also enables women’s full participation in the workforce.
“The expansion of nursery services is a double dividend—it benefits the child, the family, and the national economy,” she stated, adding that a nationwide assessment of childcare infrastructure is currently underway to inform future development.
Prince Abdulaziz: “This Generation Must Be Digitally Ready”
Prince Abdulaziz bin Talal emphasized the regional importance of integrating technology into education post-COVID. “The pandemic’s disruptions were a crisis, but also an opportunity,” he noted. The award cycle received 57 submissions from 12 Arab countries, with four winning studies authored by eight researchers being honored for their innovative contributions.
He advocated for a new paradigm in education—one that balances digital literacy, emotional intelligence, and equitable access. “We must build a learning ecosystem where the family, the teacher, and the state all share responsibility,” Prince Abdulaziz said. “It is vital that we also understand and mitigate the psychological and social effects of digital transitions on children.”
The Prince concluded with a heartfelt tribute to young researchers and educators. “Your resilience is the foundation of our renewal. “And to parents and teachers—you are the frontline of progress.”
Charting the Future of Arab Childhood
As regional crises—from climate change to economic instability—compound the risks facing Arab children, the King Abdulaziz Award serves as both a barometer and a beacon. It not only measures the academic pulse of the region but also points the way forward for reformers, policymakers, and civil society.
“Technology, when harnessed wisely, can be the great equalizer,” Sarofim concluded. “It is time we embed it in every layer of our social fabric—from the earliest cradle to the highest classrooms.”
