A S U

During the activities of the 14th International Conference of Ain Shams University, held under the slogan “Universities are engines of national development... Towards innovation and sustainable economic growth,” under the patronage of Prof. Abdel Aziz Qansouh, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University and President of the Conference, and Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, Vice President of the University for Graduate Studies and Research and Executive Director of the Conference, Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President of the University for Community Service and Environmental Development, chaired a discussion session entitled “The University and Urban Development in Egypt: A Pivotal Role and Fruitful Cooperation.”

The session was attended by Dr. Khaled Abdel Halim, former Governor of Qena and member of the Scientific Committee at the National Planning Institute; Eng. Mohamed Abu Saada, Head of the National Organization for Urban Harmony; Prof. Mohab El-Refaey, Professor of Urban Planning, at the Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University; Dr. Maha Mohamed Fahim, Advisor to the Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities for Planning Affairs and former Head of the General Authority for Urban Planning; and Dr. Nada Ali Mustafa, Lecturer, Department of Urban Planning and Design, at the Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University.

Prof. Ghada Farouk highlighted the crucial role of universities in urban development and supporting urban character through their academic and research expertise, enabling them to analyze challenges and propose innovative solutions. She emphasized that achieving a tangible impact requires strong integration with government bodies, ministries, and administrative and executive authorities, along with continuous coordination with governorates to ensure effective implementation. Governorates and executive bodies serve as the link between planning and implementation, facilitating procedures and monitoring projects. Therefore, cooperation between universities, executive bodies, and governorates is essential, as it directs scientific research towards practical solutions and supports implementation with innovative tools, ultimately achieving sustainable urban development.

During the session, the pivotal role of universities in supporting urban development and enhancing the visual identity of urban landscapes across Egypt's governorates was further clarified, drawing upon their academic and research expertise in analyzing challenges and proposing innovative solutions.

The discussion also covered how to achieve integration and cooperation between universities, governorates, and executive bodies to achieve sustainable urban development, as well as investing in university students’ graduation projects, given the advanced ideas they contain that may provide new and innovative solutions. The attendees also emphasized the importance of training students within executive bodies to gain experience with the executive reality.

Successful models from Egypt were reviewed, including urban planning projects in Cairo and Alexandria. The university's efforts and contributions, specifically those of the Faculty of Engineering, in the field of urban development were also presented.

At the conclusion of the session, Prof. Ghada Farouk honored the participants in recognition of their valuable contributions to the discussion.