As part of the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s vision to advance internationalization and strengthen the global engagement of Egyptian universities, Galala University participated in the Italy–MENA Rectors’ Summit, hosted by LUISS University in Rome, Italy, during the launch of the Arab-Mediterranean Campus (AMC) initiative.
The summit brought together university presidents, higher education leaders, and policymakers from Italy and the Middle East and North Africa to explore new models of academic collaboration and build a shared educational ecosystem for the Mediterranean region.
Representing Galala University, Prof. Dr. Mohamed El Shinawi, President of Galala University, delivered a keynote address titled “From Cooperation to Co-Innovation: Building a Knowledge and Innovation Community in the Mediterranean.” His remarks highlighted the university’s vision for the future of higher education amid rapid global transformation.
In his address, Prof. Dr. El Shinawi emphasized that the Mediterranean has never been merely a geographical boundary but a historic bridge connecting civilizations and knowledge. He noted that the Egyptian, Italian, and Arab civilizations have collectively shaped humanity’s intellectual heritage, creating a shared responsibility to transform this legacy into a foundation for future prosperity.
He stressed that the key question facing higher education today is no longer whether enough universities exist, but whether universities are prepared to lead an era in which artificial intelligence and innovation are reshaping economies, labor markets, and societies.
Prof. Dr. El Shinawi further explained that universities must evolve beyond knowledge transmission to become integrated ecosystems where education drives research, research fuels innovation, and innovation generates practical solutions to humanity’s most pressing challenges. He underscored that young people remain the region’s greatest asset and affirmed that international accreditation and educational quality represent a commitment to preparing graduates who combine global competitiveness with ethical leadership, digital competencies, and lifelong learning.
Addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, water sustainability, and public health, he highlighted the necessity of cross-border scientific collaboration. Drawing on his experience as Co-Chair of the PRIMA Foundation, he noted that the greatest achievements of international research partnerships are not only the projects they produce but also the trust they build among researchers and institutions. He described science diplomacy as one of the most powerful tools for fostering international understanding through evidence, innovation, and shared responsibility.
He concluded by emphasizing that meaningful university collaboration extends far beyond student mobility or institutional agreements, focusing instead on co-designing solutions, developing future leaders, and shaping the future of the Mediterranean region together.
Coinciding with the President’s participation in the summit, Galala University celebrated another significant international achievement as three students were selected for the Arab-Mediterranean Campus Honor Program, organized by LUISS University in collaboration with eleven Italian universities.
The selected students are Mariz Beshay and Habiba Ahmed from the Molecular Biotechnology Program, and Tasneem Hossam from the Architecture Program. They were chosen among the Top 50 participants from more than 500 applicants representing countries across the Middle East and North Africa and were awarded fully funded scholarships.
The Honor Program offers an advanced academic experience addressing strategic topics shaping the future of the Mediterranean region, including artificial intelligence, the circular economy, food security, sustainability, social innovation, the space economy, and digital transformation. The students’ selection reflects Galala University’s commitment to preparing globally minded graduates capable of transforming knowledge into innovation and contributing to sustainable development through international collaboration.
Galala University’s participation in the Italy–MENA Rectors’ Summit, together with its students’ outstanding achievement in the Arab-Mediterranean Campus Honor Program, further reinforces the University’s growing international reputation and its commitment to building strategic global partnerships that empower future generations to lead innovation and sustainable development in Egypt and across the region.
