Damietta University Hosts Seminar on “Community Awareness of the State’s Efforts to Prevent and Combat Corruption” in Cooperation with the Administrative Control Authority.
In line with the State’s commitment to promoting the values of integrity and transparency and fostering community awareness of the risks of corruption and ways to address it, Damietta University, under the presidency of Professor Dr. Hemdan Rabie El-Metwally, hosted an educational seminar entitled “Community Awareness of the State’s Efforts to Prevent and Combat Corruption.”
The seminar was organized by the Damietta Office of the Administrative Control Authority and held at the “Farouk Shousha” Conference Hall of the University. The event was attended by Professor Dr. Ayman El-Shohaby, Governor of Damietta; Major General Khaled Ageez, Head of the Damietta Office of the Administrative Control Authority; Captain Ahmed Habib, Member of the Authority; along with senior attendees including University Vice Presidents, Deans and Vice Deans of faculties, as well as executive, academic, and religious leaders from Damietta Governorate.
The seminar proceedings, presented by Professor Dr. Mohamed Maher, Head of the Department of Arabic Language, Faculty of Arts, began with the Egyptian national anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Qur’an delivered by Professor Dr. Nabil Mabrouk, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Archaeology for Postgraduate Studies and Research. Prof. Dr. Hamdan Rabie El-Metwally, President of the University, then delivered a welcoming address in which he expressed his delight at the University’s hosting of this important event. He extended his gratitude to Professor Dr. Ayman El-Shhaby, Governor of Damietta, for his continuous support of initiatives serving the governorate, and to Major General Khaled Ageez, Head of the Damietta Office of the Administrative Control Authority, for selecting Damietta University as the venue of the seminar, as well as to Captain Ahmed Habib, Member of the Authority, for his efforts in organizing the event.
The University President also welcomed the distinguished attendees, including presidents of universities, chairpersons of boards of trustees of private universities and institutes, representatives of Al-Azhar and the Church, directors of Damietta governorate ministries, in addition to deans and vice deans of Damietta University and private institutes.
He emphasized that the theme of the seminar is of great significance now, commended the role of the Administrative Control Authority in supporting institutional work, and called for making full use of the seminar’s outcomes to strengthen the values of integrity within society.
This was followed by a speech delivered by Captain Ahmed Habib, Member of the Administrative Control Authority in Damietta, who welcomed the Governor of Damietta, the University President, and all attendees. He stressed that corruption represents one of the greatest challenges to sustainable development, which necessitates the concerted efforts of all state bodies and community institutions. He further highlighted that raising awareness is among the most important tools for preventing corruption. He then introduced Major General Khaled Ageez, Head of the Damietta Office of the Administrative Control Authority, as the keynote speaker of the seminar.
In his address, Major General Khaled Ageez began by expressing his gratitude to the Governor of Damietta for his support in ensuring the success of the seminar, and to the President of Damietta University for the warm reception and excellent organization. He also extended congratulations to the attendees on the occasion of the new academic year, and to the people of Damietta on the commencement of studies at Damietta National University. He further saluted the heroes of the Armed Forces on the approach of the anniversary of the glorious October Victory, and presented the audience with a video showcasing the landmarks of Damietta Governorate, its distinguished figures, and its prominent institutions, sending a special tribute to all the people of the governorate.
During his lecture, Major General Khaled Ageez outlined the State’s efforts in preventing and combating corruption, noting that such efforts are not limited to taking legal measures against violations, but also focus on addressing the root causes of corruption by promoting ethical values and embedding integrity and transparency within the State’s administrative apparatus. He provided a comprehensive definition of corruption, its various forms, and its negative impact on development. He further discussed common loopholes and methods exploited by corruption, as well as the ethics of public service and standards of integrity.
He also highlighted the historical development of anti-corruption mechanisms in Egypt, explaining the scope of authority of the Administrative Control Authority and the types of crimes it is mandated to address. A documentary film was presented, showcasing the Authority’s achievements in promoting integrity and exposing corruption cases. Major General Ageez further discussed the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, its key pillars, and notable successes, as well as the international conventions to which Egypt has acceded in this field.
As part of his lecture, Major General Ageez presented real-life examples of corruption cases successfully uncovered by the Authority, emphasizing that Egypt is political will is strong and resolute in combating corruption in all its forms.
In conclusion, he addressed the youth of Damietta University directly, affirming that they are the nation’s backbone and Egypt’s greatest asset, stating: “Safeguard your homeland, love it, and keep its flag raised high. We will entrust you with this responsibility so that Egypt remains strong and proud.” He also responded to the audience’s questions and inquiries.
The seminar concluded with a ceremony honoring distinguished figures. The University President presented the Shield of Damietta University to Professor Dr. Ayman El-Shehaby, Governor of Damietta; Major General Khaled Ageez, Head of the Damietta Office of the Administrative Control Authority; and Captain Ahmed Habib, Member of the Authority, in recognition of their national contributions. Directors of the Internal Audit and Governance Departments in Damietta Governorate were also honored for their dedicated efforts in reinforcing the values of integrity.
The event was formally closed with the Egyptian national anthem.
