Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, met with Dr. Noria Sanz, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for Sciences to discuss cooperation mechanisms in the fields of higher education and scientific research, in the presence of Dr. Sherif Saleh, Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector and Supervisor of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO - ALECSO - ISESCO), and Dr. Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister for Strategic Planning, Training and Qualification for the Labor Market, at the Ministry’s headquarters. In the administrative capital.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Minister stressed the important role of UNESCO in promoting international cooperation in the field of higher education, through developing policies, setting international standards, exchanging experiences and knowledge, and supporting scientific research and innovation.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed cooperation in designing “cross-disciplinary” educational programs and enhancing cultural exchange opportunities for students with the aim of enriching their knowledge and forming joint research projects with their student counterparts in different countries.

The meeting also discussed ways of cooperation in implementing research projects in areas of common interest, supporting the participation of Egyptian researchers in international conferences and seminars, and enhancing cooperation between Egyptian universities and international research centers.

The meeting also discussed ways of cooperation with UNESCO in projects to develop archaeological sites. At the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed to form a joint working team from both sides to study the executive mechanisms for cooperation in the aforementioned areas.

The Minister stressed that Egypt gives great importance to cooperation with UNESCO, and seeks to strengthen this cooperation in all fields, in a way that contributes to achieving sustainable development and building knowledge societies, noting the Ministry’s interest in supporting young people in the field of scientific research, through many concerned authorities that work under the umbrella of the Ministry, it provides all forms of technical support and funding necessary for young researchers, adopts innovators, inventors, and distinguished students, and encourages talented students from among them.

For her part, Dr.  Noria Sanz praised Egypt`s future vision in developing higher education and scientific research, stressing UNESCO`s keenness to support cooperation with Egypt in these areas.

The Director of the UNESCO Regional Office appreciated the role of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in cooperation with UNESCO, noting the organization’s interest in strengthening cooperation with Egypt, as well as activating its role in the updated regional agreement for Arab countries that aims to enhance recognition, mobility and cooperation within the region, expressing her appreciation for Egypt’s historical role as a pioneer in serving the fields of education, culture and science in the region.