Under the patronage of H.E. Prof. Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, H.E. Rania El Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, and Prof. Dr. Mohamed El Shinawi, Acting President of Galala University (GU), the university was honored to host an insightful session on the Interreg NEXT MED, Transnational Cooperation Programme 2021–2027. This session, led by Dr. Khaled El Saadany, a senior expert in education, research, and innovation within the ENI CBC MED Programme of the EU, provided a deep dive into the challenges, priorities, and opportunities that the program seeks to address across the Mediterranean region.
The Interreg NEXT MED Programme, which includes 15 participating countries, including Egypt, aims to advance smart, sustainable, and equitable development throughout the Mediterranean basin. With a focus on promoting balanced, impactful cooperation and fostering multilevel governance, the program emphasizes long-term strategies for socio-economic and environmental development. This collaboration is designed to strengthen bonds between Mediterranean nations, ensuring that each partner can contribute to and benefit from shared objectives such as climate resilience, economic inclusivity, and technological innovation.
The session was distinguished by the presence of high-profile attendees, including H.E. Dr. Saad El Gueshy, former Minister of Transportation; Dr. Sherihan Bekhiet, Assistant Minister of International Cooperation; esteemed university presidents from various Egyptian institutions; and Prof. Dr. Mona Mostafa, Director of the International Collaboration Sector at GU. Together, these leaders engaged in dynamic discussions around the program’s core initiatives and the role that Egyptian universities and organizations can play in addressing critical Mediterranean challenges.
Dr. El Saadany outlined several key objectives of the program, including support for cross-border research projects, the promotion of sustainable economic models, and initiatives to enhance education and innovation. He emphasized that the Mediterranean region stands at a crossroads, facing issues that require not only national but regional solutions, such as climate change, environmental degradation, and economic disparities. By supporting initiatives that foster sustainable development, NEXT MED aims to empower nations to develop resilient, inclusive economies that align with both regional and global goals, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The session highlighted the importance of collaborative governance and the benefits of a multilateral approach, wherein universities, research institutions, and government entities can work in unison to create lasting social, economic, and environmental impact. Galala University’s role as host for this important event reflects its ongoing commitment to international cooperation and its dedication to supporting Egypt’s participation in regional initiatives that align with the Vision 2030 objectives. The gathering also strengthened GU’s positioning as a bridge for cross-border collaboration, creating a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange and partnership that will shape the future of Mediterranean cooperation.
