Held under the theme Education, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI, the conference brought together participants from 12 Arab countries—Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Syria, and Tunisia—to explore opportunities for regional cooperation and knowledge exchange in emerging technologies.
The event featured discussions on the growing role of artificial intelligence in education, research, and economic development, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with the technology.
Among those attending were Ruben Harutunian, acting deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy in Cairo, Maggie Nassif, executive director of the Binational Fulbright Commission in Egypt, and experts and academics from across the region.
Welcoming participants on behalf of the US Embassy and Chargé d'Affaires Robert Silverman, Harutunian said, "We are honored to have such a remarkable gathering of minds here in Cairo, a city that has long served as a crossroads of learning, culture, and intellectual inquiry."
"As artificial intelligence continues to shape education, healthcare, and business, our task is to ensure that these tools expand opportunity, strengthen institutions, and help people solve real-world problems. The panel sessions over show that many Fulbright alumni from throughout the region are already helping guide that work with clarity and imagination," he added.
"The partnership between the United States, Egypt, and the broader region is built on that spirit of collaboration and shared purpose," he stated.
Speaking to Ahram Online, Harutunian said regional cooperation would be essential in addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence.
"I believe that success in the age of artificial intelligence can only be achieved through partnership and collaboration. No single country has all the answers, and the challenges that we hope AI will help address are challenges that concern humanity as a whole and the world at large," he said.
"It is particularly significant that this regional conference is being held in Egypt, reflecting the country’s pivotal role in the region as a leader in education and scientific research, as well as an active partner with nations around the world. We are extremely proud to host this event in Egypt and hope it will generate positive outcomes for all participants," Harutunian added.
"The conference also provides attendees from different countries with an opportunity to be in Egypt, engage with university presidents and private-sector representatives, and collaborate with their Egyptian counterparts. Through these exchanges, participants can explore the promising potential of artificial intelligence and harness its capabilities to address the shared challenges facing us all."
Maggie Nassif, executive director of the BFCE, welcomed participants from 11 Arab countries as well as representatives from academia, government, and the private sector. She said the gathering celebrated American contributions to science and innovation, highlighted US investment in young talent across the region, and sought to strengthen future cooperation between the United States and MENA countries.
Cari Graves, senior programme officer for Middle East affairs at the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, said the Fulbright Programme "builds the trusted global and regional networks that drive innovation, economic growth, and security."
Founded in 1949, the BFCE is the oldest and largest Fulbright commission in the Middle East and North Africa.
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