Dr. Ayman Ashour, Egypt’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, welcomed Stephanie Urchick, President of Rotary International, and Dr. Sherif Adib, Governor of Rotary Egypt, along with their accompanying delegation, at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.
The meeting began with the Minister expressing his warm welcome to the Rotary delegation and emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the Ministry and Rotary in supporting the development goals across various sectors, as well as addressing the societal challenges faced by humanity.
Dr. Ashour highlighted that the social role of universities is an integral part of their educational and research functions. He pointed out the significant efforts universities are making in serving the community, fostering environmental development, and actively participating in tackling developmental challenges. These efforts include offering support and guidance, as well as providing services across various sectors such as agriculture, industry, health, and culture.
The Minister also highlighted the “Alliance and Development” presidential initiative, aimed at increasing the involvement of academic institutions in meeting the needs of different regions. The initiative includes seven regional alliances across Egypt, with the goal of fostering collaborative efforts among key sectors: academia, industry, and government. The initiative is part of the broader development framework under Egypt’s Vision 2030, focusing on linking education to the labor market and improving cooperation with industry.
Dr. Ashour emphasized that the Ministry’s current vision focuses on promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and applied scientific research to find innovative solutions to industry challenges, contributing to the national economy.
The discussion also touched on potential collaborations between Rotary and university hospitals, particularly highlighting the vital role that university hospitals play in providing medical services to citizens, alongside their educational and training functions for students. The Minister mentioned the ongoing expansion of the university hospital system, which currently includes 145 hospitals, and expressed the Ministry’s eagerness to collaborate with Rotary in providing health services and medical care.
In response, Ms. Stephanie Urchick expressed her delight in collaborating with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, particularly on issues that serve the community and address human needs, such as offering international scholarships, implementing social projects, and tackling challenges in health, water issues, and environmental concerns. She noted that Rotary, as a global nonprofit organization, supports local and international projects aimed at sustainable development, humanitarian services, peace, and international understanding.
Ms. Urchick also discussed Rotary’s collaborations with prestigious universities to provide scholarships, assist students, participate in disease control programs, offer medical services to those in need, and contribute to environmental efforts.
At the end of the meeting, Ms. Urchick honored Minister Ashour with a Rotary pin and an honorary membership in the organization, expressing her appreciation for the meeting.
The meeting was attended by Tom Jamp, Rotary International Board Member; Katherine Jamp; Emmanuel Katangoli, Rotary International Board Member; and past Rotary Governors in Egypt, including Eng. Mohamed Dalaour, Dr. Asim Abdel Razek, Dr. Ahmed Saada, Dr. Mian Raslan, Eng. Abdel Hamid Al-Awa, and Dr. Hisham Shawki.
