President of Damietta University Attends the Opening of the Fifth Forum of the Union of Russian and Arab University Presidents at Capital University (formerly Helwan)

Prof. Hemdan Rabie El-Metwally, President of Damietta University, attended the opening ceremony of the Fifth Forum of the Union of Russian and Arab University Presidents, inaugurated by Prof. Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Prof. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities; Prof. El-Sayed Kandil, President of Capital University (formerly Helwan); and Dr. Ibrahim Saber, Deputy Governor of Cairo.

The forum, hosted by Capital University on 7–8 December 2025, is held under the theme:

“Bridges of Knowledge Civilizations: Education, Innovation, and a Sustainable Future.”

The event is organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Association of Arab Universities, the Union of Russian Universities, and Capital University. It brings together high-level participants from the Arab world and the Russian Federation, including:

Dr. Konstantin Mogilevsky, Russian Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education

Prof. Sadovnichy, President of Lomonosov Moscow State University (via video conference)

Mr. Georgiy Borisenko, Russian Ambassador to Egypt

Mr. Pavel Shvytkov, Deputy Director of Rossotrudnichestvo

A number of Arab and Russian university presidents

Dr. Hossam Osman, Deputy Minister for Innovation and AI\

Dr. Ayman Farid, Assistant to the Minister

Mr. Mohamed Ghanem, Head of the Minister’s Office

Prof. Wael Abdelkader Awad, Dean of the Faculty of Computers and Artificial Intelligence at Damietta University

Minister of Higher Education: “The Future of Knowledge Cannot Be Built Alone”

In his opening remarks, Minister Ayman Ashour stressed that the forum serves as a key platform to strengthen Arab–Russian cooperation in higher education, scientific research, and innovation. He emphasized that rapid global changes require shared expertise and integrated academic efforts, noting that the future of knowledge cannot be built in isolation, but through partnerships and bridges connecting science, technology, and research.

The minister announced several major initiatives, including:

? Opening full access to the Egyptian Knowledge Bank for Arab and Russian universities

? Establishing an Arab–Russian Consortium for cooperation in artificial intelligence and its integration into higher education and university administration

? Expanding joint scientific systems and enhancing technological localization

? Supporting international academic programs and updating university curricula to match labor-market needs

He also praised the success of Russian university branches in Egypt—Saint Petersburg University and Kazan University—and expressed Egypt’s readiness to expand such models through advanced programs in engineering, AI, space sciences, digital technologies, and medicine, in cooperation with leading Arab universities.

The minister commended Capital University for its professional organization of the forum and for inaugurating the first construction phase of the new medical complex, describing it as a significant addition to Egypt’s healthcare and medical education system.

Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities

Prof. Amr Ezzat Salama highlighted that the forum is a distinguished platform for building scientific partnerships and bridges between the Arab world and Russia. He thanked Minister Ayman Ashour for supporting the event and Capital University for its exceptional hosting.

He reviewed the achievements of previous forum editions, including:

Signing the agreement to establish an Arab–Russian Space Observatory

Increasing the number of Middle Eastern students in Russian universities to over 32,000

Allocating 2,800 scholarships to Arab students annually

Signing cooperation agreements between over 50 Arab and Russian universities

Salama also announced a new strategic initiative:

Launching Thematic Clusters—joint academic and research groups specializing in fields such as artificial intelligence, digital technologies, space sciences, renewable energy, medical sciences, food security, heritage studies, and innovation & entrepreneurship.

He proposed establishing the Arab–Russian Center of Excellence for Education and Research, a platform designed to support joint PhD programs, advanced laboratories, virtual training systems, and innovation incubators.

Russian Officials Praise Egypt’s Organization

The Russian Deputy Minister of Higher Education, the Russian Ambassador in Cairo, the President of Lomonosov Moscow State University, and representatives of Rossotrudnichestvo praised Capital University for its professional organization and outstanding session management, affirming that the event reflects the progress of Egypt’s higher education system and opens unprecedented opportunities for Arab–Russian scientific cooperation.

They also highlighted that universities act as a powerful form of soft diplomacy capable of strengthening ties between nations.

Forum Activities

The forum features an intensive scientific program and discussion sessions covering:

Future Arab–Russian cooperation in space and aviation sciences

AI applications in education and society

The role of AI in promoting scientific diplomacy

Teaching Russian and Arabic languages, and using digital learning technologies and virtual reality

Signing new memoranda of understanding between Arab and Russian universities

The forum will conclude with the announcement of final recommendations outlining future academic and research priorities between the two sides.

Statement by the President of Damietta University

Prof. Hemdan Rabie El-Metwally, President of Damietta University, expressed his pleasure in participating in this significant international event, stating that it reflects Egypt’s vision of strengthening scientific cooperation between East and West and supporting partnerships shaping the future of higher education and scientific research.

He added that Damietta University’s participation stems from its commitment to engaging with leading international experiences, enhancing its presence in regional and global cooperation networks, particularly in AI, digital technologies, and space sciences.

He stressed that such participation helps build academic and research partnerships that support Egypt’s sustainable development plans and open new horizons for researchers and students.

Prof. El-Metwally also praised the high-level participation and professional organization by Capital University, affirming Damietta University’s full support for all initiatives that contribute to building an integrated knowledge ecosystem capable of meeting future challenges.