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The 19th edition of the EDUGATE 2026 International Higher Education and Training Forum and Exhibition, themed "Towards the Universities of the Future," is launched today under the auspices of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Association of Arab Universities.

EDUGATE has enjoyed success for 10 years.

In his opening remarks, delivered on behalf of Prof. Abdel Aziz Qansouh, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, conveyed the Minister's greetings and best wishes for the success of the 19th edition of the EDUGATE 2026 International Higher Education and Training Forum and Exhibition.

He affirmed that “EduGate” has succeeded over nearly ten years in establishing its position as one of the most important higher education platforms in Egypt and the region, bringing together universities, students, decision-makers and international partners in a continuous dialogue about the future of education. Today we are proud that this experience is no longer local, but has begun to launch regionally, after the success achieved by its first session in Riyadh, and the preparation to organize a new session in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia before the end of this year, which reflects the growing confidence in this platform and its role in supporting Arab and international academic cooperation.

In his address on behalf of the Minister, the President of Ain Shams University added that the world is changing at an unprecedented pace, driven by artificial intelligence, digital transformation, biotechnology, and the green economy. Developing higher education is no longer an option, but a national imperative to ensure competitiveness and achieve sustainable development.

From this perspective, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research believes that linking education to the labor market is no longer an option, but a necessity. Therefore, it is working to develop academic programs based on real data about the needs of the Egyptian and global economies, and to anticipate future jobs, thus ensuring that graduates possess the skills required by the world of today and tomorrow.

A New Vision for Scientific Research

The Ministry is adopting a new vision for scientific research, shifting its focus from scientific publication to economic and societal impact, and from laboratories to factories. This will be achieved by encouraging technology transfer, fostering innovation, and linking universities with the production and business sectors, so that knowledge becomes a driving force for development.

The Ministry is also giving special attention to building a knowledge economy by expanding in the fields of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotechnology, technological universities, and applied education. This includes expanding dual degrees and joint certificates, and collaborating with international universities and educational platforms to prepare graduates capable of competing in a labor market that transcends geographical boundaries.

The “Future-Ready Universities” forum embodies this vision, bringing together policymakers, university presidents, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and international experts to discuss the future of academic disciplines, skills, scientific research, innovation, and university-industry partnerships.

Building the universities of the future is not simply about updating curricula; it requires building an integrated system that makes the university a partner in economic and social development, a driver of innovation, and a source for preparing the talent that will lead the future.

In closing, he expressed his gratitude to the organizing committee, the participating universities and institutions, and our partners both within Egypt and abroad, for their support of this event, which has become a platform for dialogue, the exchange of expertise, and the building of partnerships.

He also conveyed the Minister of Higher Education's wishes that the forum's discussions would contribute practical insights and recommendations to support the development of higher education and enhance Egypt's position as a regional hub for higher education, scientific research and innovation.

He added, "We are not merely redeveloping programs or creating new specializations; we are redefining the role of the university itself, transforming it into an institution that produces creators of opportunities, not seekers of opportunities; that generates knowledge that translates into economic value, scientific research that transforms into innovation, and partnerships that contribute to building a knowledge economy and enhancing the nation's competitiveness."

The exhibition’s continued success reflects its ongoing popularity.

Prof. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary General of the Association of Arab Universities, affirmed that the exhibition’s continued success, now in its nineteenth edition, reflects its ongoing success and increasing popularity, especially given the rapid developments in higher education programs and student needs.

He added that students are no longer looking for traditional universities, but are now focusing on modern academic programs and specializations that meet the demands of the labor market. He pointed out that universities have become pivotal in developing individuals capable of keeping pace with rapid changes, which underscores the importance of this event and its growing popularity year after year.

Dr. Amr Ezzat Salama praised the remarkable development witnessed by the higher education system in Egypt, stressing that the expansion in the establishment of universities reflects the state’s response to actual needs, while ensuring quality and diversity in university models, which contributes to enriching the higher education system and provides diverse academic options that meet the aspirations of Egyptian and international students.

The issues addressed at the exhibition are a priority for developing the higher education system.

In his address, Prof. Ashraf El-Shihy, Chairman of the Education and Scientific Research Committee in the House of Representatives, emphasized that the rapid growth witnessed by the EDUGATE Forum and Exhibition over its successive editions is remarkable and reflects its prominent position on the map of specialized educational events.

He explained that the issues and themes addressed at the forum represent priority files for developing the higher education system, noting that the recommendations and outcomes resulting from the discussion sessions will receive significant attention and will be adopted and utilized to contribute to the advancement of the higher education system and keep pace with global changes and future needs.

The forum is not limited to the educational exhibition

Prof. Ali Shams El-Din, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the EDUGATE Exhibition and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Connections Foundation, confirmed that the 19th edition of the forum is witnessing the participation of more than 120 Egyptian and international universities, reflecting the prominent position the forum has attained as one of the most important educational gatherings in the region.

He explained that the forum is not limited to an educational exhibition, but also includes a rich scientific program of dialogue sessions that, over the years it is held, discuss the most important issues and challenges facing the higher education system, in light of the Egyptian state’s direction towards developing curricula and academic programs to meet the demands of future jobs.

He added that the forum includes three main sessions. The first session discusses “Designing Human-Centric Disciplines Supported by Artificial Intelligence to Serve the Knowledge Economy,” while the second session, titled “From Publication to Impact: Goal-Oriented Research in the New Global Era,” addresses the role of scientific research and innovation in serving society and maximizing its impact in confronting developmental challenges.

The third session, titled “From Campus to Market: Building Innovative Ecosystems Linking Universities to the Economy,” focuses on strengthening partnerships between universities and the industry and business sectors, and transforming the outputs of scientific research and innovation into economic and social value that contributes to achieving sustainable development.

The opening session was attended by a number of leaders in higher education in Egypt, along with several ambassadors and cultural attachés, university presidents, and a select group of experts and specialists in the higher education sector.