Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met in El Alamein with Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Education and Technical Education Mr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Abdel Aziz Qansouh.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, stated the President followed up on preparations for the new academic year in Egyptian schools, institutes and universities, ensuring the smooth progression of the educational process in accordance with the highest standards of quality and efficiency. This includes developing curricula, and training and qualifying teachers and staff at educational facilities to equip highly competent graduates with the necessary skills to enter the labor market.

The Minister of Education gave an overview of the developments in implementing the Egyptian Baccalaureate and General Secondary Education systems. He emphasized that the new curricula were developed according to the highest international standards and specialized institutions were consulted in the curriculum review and development process to ensure students benefit from the latest educational technologies. He stressed prioritizing the comprehensive development of the educational process, encompassing all scientific and pedagogical aspects. He also affirmed upholding equal opportunities for all Egyptian students, noting that the needs of different student groups are being considered, including providing a suitable learning environment.

The Minister of Education presented developments pertinent to cooperation in education between Egypt and Japan, noting that Egyptian-Japanese schools have become a leading model that contributes to supporting Egypt’s efforts to develop the education system and modernize the curricula. He also presented the ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation with Germany in the field of technical education and vocational training and cooperation with Italy in the field of applied technology schools and technical education, stressing that this cooperation would prepare qualified cadres to meet job market needs both locally and internationally.

The Minister of Education also noted that the ministry has coordinated with the Japanese company, Sprix, to provide travel grants to Japan for 10 students from various Egyptian governorates in recognition of their excellence and achievements in programming. Additionally, 50 company internship opportunities were made available to students to help them gain practical experience and align their educational skills with the demands of the labor market. The aim is to develop students' skills in technology and programming, foster international partnerships that provide students with outstanding educational and training opportunities, and encourage students to learn programming.

President El-Sisi gave directives to continue developing all aspects of the education system, including updating curricula and textbooks to ensure that students are equipped according to the latest and most efficient standards. The President underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation with various international partners to support the Egyptian state's efforts to improve the education system and to benefit from best educational practices in preparing and training educational personnel, in line with Egypt’s needs.

The Minister of Higher Education provided updates on improving the educational environment in Egyptian universities and institutes and modernizing educational and training services. This aims to prepare graduates to keep pace with scientific and technological advancements. He also highlighted efforts to enhance the capabilities of various Egyptian universities and the measures taken to provide an integrated educational and research environment, along with optimal training and development opportunities for students. Furthermore, the Minister reviewed ongoing efforts to transform Egypt into a regional and international hub for higher education, scientific research, and innovation. He also highlighted the ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation with several international partners in educational and cultural exchange, leveraging the opportunities this collaboration offers for students, researchers, and faculty members to exchange experiences, skills, and scientific, academic, and research methodologies.

The Minister of Higher Education also addressed efforts to enhance the international ranking of Egyptian universities and boost their competitiveness regionally and internationally, noting the measures taken to build the capacities of the teaching staff and improve the quality of academic and administrative performance through partnerships with leading international universities and institutions to benefit from their expertise in enhancing the efficiency of the higher education and scientific research system.

The Minister of Higher Education reviewed the developments of the Future Skills Academy, noting that it is one of the national initiatives aimed at preparing a generation capable of keeping pace with future jobs and the requirements of the digital economy. This is being achieved by providing advanced digital training tracks and international professional certifications for students, graduates, faculty members, and employees of higher education institutions, thereby strengthening the alignment of the education system with labor market needs.

He added that the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is to conclude a cooperation agreement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to provide globally recognized training content offered by leading international universities, institutions, and companies in fields witnessing growing demand, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, cybersecurity, cloud computing, entrepreneurship, and green skills.The first phase aims to provide approximately 50,000 training licenses benefiting around 150,000 students and trainees, with a gradual expansion to reach a total of approximately 1.5 million licenses over three years.The Minister further explained that the Academy's role is not limited to providing training courses; it also seeks to establish an integrated and sustainable national system for skills development and lifelong learning based on identifying skills gaps, directing training programs according to the actual needs of the labor market, measuring the impact of training and linking it to professional readiness and employment opportunities, in addition to expanding training opportunities for young people across various governorates.This would contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian graduates locally, regionally, and internationally; narrowing the gap between educational outcomes and labor market requirements; and fostering a culture of continuous learning. It would also support the State's drive toward a competitive, knowledge- and innovation-based economy and enhance the ability of Egyptian youth to benefit from the opportunities created by future jobs and the rapid transformations taking place in the digital economy.The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research noted that, in line with President El-Sisi's directives to align academic disciplines with current and future labor market needs at the national, regional, and international levels, students have been distributed among various academic disciplines for the upcoming academic year.Enrollment numbers have been increased in technological universities; faculties of computers, information, artificial intelligence, and data science; faculties of science and engineering; the medical and nursing sectors; and industrial education faculties, alongside faculties of agriculture, tourism, and hotel management. This comes in contrast to a plan aimed at reducing admission numbers in arts faculties, specifically in disciplines facing lower demand in both local and international labor markets.President El-Sisi gave directives to continue the development of the higher education and scientific research system and the building upon the gains already achieved, given the pivotal role of this system in developing the Egyptian citizen and achieving development.The President also stressed that high priority be given to preparing generations equipped with the latest scientific tools to keep pace with labor market demands, noting the importance of continuing digitalization measures and relying on artificial intelligence applications in the modernization process to maximize the return on educational development efforts.In the same context, the President emphasized the need to enhance international cooperation and exchange expertise with partner nations and prestigious educational institutions, thereby leveraging global best practices and supporting the Egyptian state's efforts to advance education. The President highlighted the importance of partnerships aimed at establishing branches of international educational institutions in Egypt to ensure the building of relevant national capabilities.