Under the patronage of the Minister of Higher Education and in the presence of the British Ambassador, representatives from 7 British universities, and Egyptian university presidents,

Prof. Dr. Essam Farhat, President of Minia University, participated in a seminar titled "Investment Opportunities in Cross-Border Education in Egypt and the Sustainability of Scholarship Programs." The seminar was organized as part of the visit of the British higher education mission to the Arab Republic of Egypt, under the patronage of Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and in the presence of Dr. Mostafa Rafaat, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities, Ambassador Gareth Bayley, British Ambassador to Cairo, Mr. Mark Howard, Director of the British Council in Egypt, Dr. Ayman Fareed, Assistant Minister for Strategic Planning, Training, and Labor Market Qualification, Dr. Mohamed El-Sharkawy, Assistant Minister for Policies and Economic Affairs, Mr. Mohannad Khaled, President of the Egyptian British Chamber of Commerce, and a host of leaders from the Ministry of Higher Education and representatives from 7 leading British universities and several Egyptian university presidents.

Dr. Ayman Ashour, in a speech delivered by Dr. Mostafa Rafaat on his behalf, expressed appreciation for the cooperation and partnership between Egypt and the United Kingdom in higher education, which has achieved numerous accomplishments over the years, emphasizing that the significant and ongoing support provided by the British Council has contributed to the growth of cross-border educational opportunities, increased educational prospects, and solidified Egypt's role as a regional hub for higher education.

The Minister affirmed Egypt's commitment to developing its educational institutions to international standards in terms of infrastructure, curriculum development, with the aim of enhancing the academic and research landscape in Egypt, the Middle East, and Africa. He highlighted the success and significant impact that international university branches in Egypt have had on the higher education system within Egypt, applying standards in research, innovation, and academic excellence.

In his address, Dr. Mostafa Rafaat explained that the ongoing global transformations necessitate the development of adaptive skills to meet the requirements of the global market. This has been activated since the launch of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research in March 2023, focusing on comprehensive reforms to enhance education quality, innovation, international academic cooperation, and global competitiveness. He also discussed the efforts of the Supreme Council of Universities in providing diverse educational opportunities, developing funding strategies, and scholarship programs.