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The 8th International Conference of the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education (NAQAA) kicked off yesterday morning under the theme “Microcredentials and the National Qualifications Framework – Bridges Across Borders.” The conference is held under the patronage of Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister, and in the presence of Prof. Hossam Othman, representing the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Prof. Salama Daoud, President of Al-Azhar University, representing His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar; Prof. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities; Prof. Michael Milligan, Executive Director of ABET, the global organization responsible for accrediting engineering and technology programs; and Ibrahim Saber, Governor of Cairo, along with a distinguished gathering of university presidents, deans, and international education experts.

In attendance were Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, and Mariam Farid Ayad, Director of the University’s Quality Assurance and Accreditation Center, in addition to several faculty staff. This reflects the university’s firm commitment to institutionalizing quality assurance principles across all its affiliates. This is further evidenced by Ain Shams University obtaining academic accreditation from NAQAA, as well as institutional accreditation for five of its faculties, with accreditation decisions pending for the Faculties of Education and Dentistry following their review visits last February. Moreover, 80 academic programs have received program accreditation from NAQAA, in addition to 13 programs that have secured international accreditation from prestigious global bodies.

Prof. Alaa Ashmawy, Chairman of NAQAA affiliated with the Cabinet, stated that this marks a cornerstone moment for Egyptian education through the National Qualifications Framework, shifting from a sole focus on full qualifications to microcredentials, short-term certifications focused on specific skills and competencies. These support the transition toward skills- and competency-based education, which has gained global significance, particularly in employment, lifelong learning, and aligning education with labor market needs.

He added that the launch of the Egyptian National Qualifications Register online aligns Egypt with advanced countries, incorporating both full academic qualifications and micro-credentials, positioning Egypt among leading nations in activating such frameworks.

During the conference, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen participated in a session titled “Internationalization of Education: New Horizons in Cross-Border Education.” He outlined Ain Shams University’s vision for expanding joint degrees, forging international partnerships, and enhancing learning outcomes while ensuring quality education.

He emphasized the university’s strong commitment to global engagement with international and regional institutions, exploring avenues for collaboration and mutual benefit in academic programs, as well as launching new programs aligned with global standards. He further affirmed that keeping pace with international developments remains a top priority, noting the establishment of a dedicated sector for international relations and academic cooperation to support the university’s strategic vision of delivering high-quality education.