A S U

Yesterday marked the opening of the annual conference of the Faculty of Arts at Ain Shams University, held under the title "Humanities and Social Sciences: Their Role in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals," under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of the University; Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; and with the sponsorship and presence of Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research, and Prof. Hanan Kamel Metwally, Dean of the Faculty.

The conference features the participation of a distinguished group of experts and specialists, including Prof. Ashraf El-Azzazi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Culture, and Prof. Hesham Azmy, Head of the Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority.

In her opening remarks, Prof. Amani Osama Kamel emphasized the importance of the themes being discussed, describing the humanities and social sciences as “one of the most essential tools for addressing and correcting societal issues.” She highlighted the role of Egyptian drama as a powerful model for disseminating culture and addressing social phenomena, noting that “it enters every home and shapes public awareness.” She expressed hope that the conference sessions, held over two days, would yield innovative solutions to serve the community.

For his part, Prof. Dr. Ashraf El-Azzazi extended his thanks to the university and faculty leadership for the invitation, considering the conference a step toward “restoring the true value of the humanities,” especially considering their vital role in confronting societal challenges.

Prof. Hesham Azmy, Head of the Egyptian Intellectual Property Authority, shared that his academic journey began at this very faculty as a teaching assistant. He praised the Faculty of Arts and Ain Shams University as longstanding beacons of knowledge, even before the rise of modern technological tools. He added that “intellectual property is closely linked to sustainable development,” and called for greater public awareness about the importance of protecting intellectual and creative heritage through the widespread adoption of the concept of intellectual property.

Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Hanan Kamel, noted that the rapid pace of technological advancement has brought about fundamental transformations in the humanities. In response, the faculty has modernized its postgraduate programs and restructured its academic regulations to keep pace with the emerging knowledge economy. She stressed the faculty’s commitment to producing graduates who are not burdens on society, but rather active partners in human capital investment and capable of competing in the labor market.

At the close of the opening session, the faculty honored the distinguished guests of the conference. Prof. Hanan Kamel presented the Faculty’s Shield to the University President, Prof. Amani Osama, Prof. Ashraf El-Azzazi, and Prof. Hesham Azmy in recognition of their contributions.

It is worth noting that the conference aims, through its sessions, to highlight the pivotal role of the humanities in analyzing human behavior and social structures, proposing innovative solutions to economic and environmental challenges, and reinforcing scientific research as a key drive for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, while empowering educational institutions to become cornerstones in shaping the future of societies.