The two-day conference focuses on three main themes: the future of energy in Egypt, the healthcare system and prospects for sustainability, and the Egyptian economy in light of global challenges.
The conference was organized by Badr University in Cairo in cooperation with the Egyptian Scholars Association in America and Canada.
In his opening remarks, Hassan Al-Qalla, chairman of the Board of Trustees of Badr University, welcomed participants and praised the sustained contributions of Egyptian scientists abroad, noting that their ideas and support have extended across generations.
He said the conference’s outcomes constitute a practical roadmap for sustainable development, expressing hope that its recommendations would be translated into realistic, implementable plans that serve national development priorities.
Nabil Habashy, deputy minister of foreign affairs for migration and Egyptian expatriate affairs, said he was pleased to participate in the conference, describing it as a reflection of close cooperation between Egyptian scientists abroad and their counterparts at home.
He affirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is providing full support to Egyptian scientists overseas and intensifying efforts to strengthen their ties with Egypt, noting that around 100 platforms have been established to communicate with Egyptian communities abroad.
Habashy proposed establishing a comprehensive database to facilitate communication with Egyptian scientists overseas and said the ministry organizes regular conferences for this purpose, announcing plans to hold the seventh conference of Egyptian scientists abroad next August.
He also encouraged participation in the “Speak Arabic” initiative aimed at strengthening younger generations’ connection to Egypt and reviewed several services and initiatives offered to Egyptians abroad, including “Your Home in Egypt,” “Your Farm in Egypt,” and “Your Insurance in Egypt.”
He stressed that the presence of this group of scientists reflects their commitment to contributing their expertise to Egypt’s growth and progress.
Ashraf El-Sheihy, president of Badr University and former minister of higher education and scientific research, said he was pleased to see the 52nd edition of the conference hosted by the university, noting that this year’s edition was designed to differ from previous ones by focusing on health, technology, and the economy.
He stressed that the main objective of the conference is to present well-developed plans that support development and sustainability, adding that hosting Egyptian scientists from the US and Canada as visiting professors represents a valuable addition to Egypt’s educational and research ecosystem.
El-Sheihy also thanked Al-Qalla for his efforts in enhancing the university’s standing locally and internationally and expressed appreciation to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Higher Education and Scientific Research for sponsoring the conference.
Mohamed Attallah, president of the Egyptian Scientists Association in America and Canada, said the association was founded in the 1970s and has since contributed to several major national projects.
He explained that this year’s initiatives focus primarily on health and development, thanking the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Badr University for hosting the conference.
Attallah said the coming period will witness expanded cooperation with Badr University across various fields.
Mahmoud El-Sabahy, vice president of Badr University for graduate studies and research, highlighted the university’s commitment to advancing scientific research, noting that this focus has contributed to improved positions in several international rankings and strengthened cooperation with leading globally ranked universities.
He said Egypt has produced many distinguished scientists who have contributed to global scientific progress, citing figures such as Magdi Yacoub, Ahmed Zewail, and Mostafa Mosharafa, stressing that Egypt will continue to play a key role in advancing science through the dedication of its researchers.
Hossam Osman, deputy minister of higher education for innovation, artificial intelligence, and scientific research, said a growing number of major international companies have begun operating in Egypt, describing this as an important indicator of progress in research and technology.
He referred to ongoing efforts to expand support for scientists and researchers, alongside positive investments in artificial intelligence, stressing the importance of maximizing the use of the Egyptian Knowledge Bank.
Osman noted that Egypt now has 128 universities of various types, 11 research centres, and around four million postgraduate students.
He emphasized the scale of work required to transition toward a knowledge-based economy and praised Badr University’s contributions to scientific research and postgraduate studies.
He also highlighted the presidential “Alliance and Development” initiative launched by Minister of Higher Education Ayman Ashour in February, which aims to build partnerships with institutions and companies to implement development-oriented projects in areas such as design, electronics, pharmaceutical raw materials manufacturing, and renewable energy.
He said nine alliances now cover key economic sectors, calling for broad cooperation to demonstrate the capacity of universities and industrial institutions to compete in the knowledge economy.
The conference is being held as part of Badr University’s broader efforts to support scientific research and strengthen dialogue between scientists and experts, to present practical, science-based visions that serve Egypt’s development priorities.
It seeks to explore ways to enhance economic growth through healthcare development and the adoption of modern technologies in medicine, biotechnology, life sciences, energy, and engineering, underscoring the central role of research and innovation in advancing sustainable development.
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