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In a new embodiment of the depth of Egyptian-French relations, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President of the University for Community Service and Environmental Development, and Mr. Daniel Rignault, Attaché for Educational Cooperation at the French Embassy, ​​inaugurated the activities of the Winter University at Ain Shams University for the “FEF: Égypte” REINVENTE project, within the framework of joint cooperation between the two countries to support higher education and build the capacities of young people.

The opening ceremony was attended by Prof. Hanan Kamel, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Ain Shams University; Prof. Yumna Safwat, Dean of the Faculty of Al-Alsun ​​at Ain Shams University; and Prof. Marwa Mahmoud, Dean of the Faculty of Al-Alsun ​​at Beni Suef University, along with a number of professors from Ain Shams University and the participating universities.

• President of Ain Shams University: Cooperation that contributes to strengthening the position of the French language within academic institutions

In his speech, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, welcomed the attendees from the French side, from Aix-Marseille University, and representatives of the universities participating in the project, emphasizing that this important international event embodies a shared strategic vision and is one of the cornerstones of Ain Shams University's internationalization strategy.

The university president noted that this collaboration contributes to strengthening the position of the French language within academic institutions and opens new horizons for students and faculty staff in the fields of scientific research and innovation. He emphasized the importance of exchanging expertise, as human resources are central to the educational process, and language learning is a key gateway to learning, fostering rapprochement between civilizations, and promoting cultural understanding.

The university president expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the French partners and the French Embassy in Egypt for their continued support and valuable efforts in strengthening academic and cultural cooperation between the two countries. He particularly commended the generous efforts of His Excellency Ambassador Eric Chevallier and his ongoing interest and support for Egyptian-French academic cooperation.

He also thanked Mr. Daniel Regnault for his continued efforts and valuable contribution to the success of this collaboration, and the partners of Aix-Marseille University for their strong commitment and ongoing participation, emphasizing that their presence strengthens academic and scientific ties between the two institutions and across the Mediterranean.

The university president expressed his appreciation to his colleagues from the French language departments at Ain Shams University for their active participation in this project and for the significant efforts and tireless work they have undertaken over the past two years. He also thanked the organizing committee and the academic teams whose dedication contributed to the organization and success of the second Winter University session.

* Prof. Ghada Farouk: The project brings together fourteen Egyptian universities under a shared vision that promotes academic cooperation.

In her address, Prof. Ghada Farouk emphasized that this ambitious project, supported by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, places creativity and educational innovation at the heart of French language teaching at the university level. It brings together fourteen Egyptian universities under a shared vision based on quality, openness, and enhanced academic collaboration.

She explained that the Winter University, through its scientific discussions, workshops, and experience-sharing sessions, aims to provide a dynamic space for participation, inspiration, and collective development, contributing to the modernization of educational practices and shaping the future of French studies in Egypt.

In closing, she wished the attendees a rich and stimulating winter program, brimming with opportunities for fruitful academic collaboration. She expressed her sincere thanks and appreciation to the organizers of this event, especially Prof. Maha Aliwa, Head of the French Department at the Faculty of Arts, Dr. Nadia Shama, International Relations Coordinator at the Faculty of Arts and a lecturer in the French Department, and to all the participants.

* Mr. Daniel Renaud: The French Embassy places great importance on supporting initiatives that link language proficiency with the demands of the job market.

For his part, Mr. Daniel Rignault, Attaché for Educational Cooperation at the French Embassy, ​​delivered a speech in which he praised the exceptional dynamism of academic cooperation between France and Egypt. Mr. Rignault emphasized that the "REINVENTE" project represents a distinguished model of sustainable partnership aimed at modernizing French language teaching methods. He noted that the French Embassy places great importance on supporting initiatives that link language proficiency with the demands of the labor market, and expressed his pride in the role played by Ain Shams University as a strategic partner in this endeavor.

Prof. Maha Aliwa, Head of the French Language Department at the Faculty of Arts, Ain Shams University, explained that the project aims to support and enhance French language teaching in Egyptian universities, benefiting faculty staff and students through sustainable support based on a structured, collaborative, and knowledge-sharing approach.

She noted that the project involves 14 Egyptian universities and includes approximately 150 participants, among them 9 trainers from Aix-Marseille University, 30 Egyptian trainers who are part of the project, and more than 100 university professors from various Egyptian universities.

Dr. Christelle Combe, Head of the French as a Foreign Language Department at Aix-Marseille University, reviewed the pedagogical dimensions of the Winter University.

In her address, she explained that this academic gathering is not merely technical training, but a platform for "reinventing" educational practices through the exchange of experiences between Egyptian and French professors.

She emphasized the importance of the "integrated approach" adopted by this program, which aims to make French a living tool for conveying specialized knowledge in various academic fields.

It is worth noting that the FEF Egypt “REINVENTE” project is one of the most prominent Egyptian-French university cooperation projects, funded by the Team France (FEF) fund of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, with an investment of 735,000 euros during the period from 2024 to 2026. It is led by the Cooperation and Cultural Action Department of the French Embassy in Egypt, and implemented through Aix-Marseille University, in partnership with 14 Egyptian public and private universities, namely: Ain Shams University, Cairo University, Alexandria University, Al-Azhar University, Helwan University, MUST University, the French University in Egypt, Suez Canal University, Port Said University, Kafr El-Sheikh University, Matrouh University, Fayoum University, Beni Suef University, and Minya University.

Ain Shams University will host the "FEF: Égypte REINVENTE" Winter University event from February 8th to 12th, 2026. Four faculties from Ain Shams University will participate: the Faculty of Arts, which organized the university's hosting of this important international event, along with the Faculties of Languages, Education, and Girls.

The organization of this event underscores Ain Shams University's continued leading role as a platform for international academic dialogue, and that Egyptian-French relations in higher education are steadily progressing towards a deeper and more sustainable partnership, based on knowledge, innovation, and investment in human capital.