28/4/2025
The university participates in the activities of the second edition of the (Be Ready – 1M) initiative with the slogan "One Million Qualified Innovators", in the presence of Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and a group of international and regional partners, including the International Labor Organization, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Global Innovation Institute, the United Nations Development Program, and the Education Development Fund of the Prime Minister's Office. The event is also attended by a number of ministry leaders, academic leaders, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, media professionals, and Prof. Dr. Amany Shaker, Vice President of the University for Community Service and Environmental Development.
Prof. Dr. Abdelrazek Desouky, President of the University, explains that Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, indicates, during his speech in the opening that this second edition of the initiative aims to provide full support to students through a comprehensive system that meets their needs for the skills and competencies necessary to qualify for the labor market. He confirms that the initiative complements the principles of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research and the National Strategy for Sustainable Innovation launched by the Ministry, as part of efforts to achieve the goals of the presidential initiative "Alliance and Development."
During the meeting, the Minister gives a detailed presentation on the initiative, its objectives, and the changes taking place in the labor market. He notes that the Ministry is monitoring international reports on required skills and is striving to keep pace with the demands of the regional and international labor market, enhancing Egypt's ability to export qualified workers, confirming the international praise for Egyptian talent.
Otherwise, Dr. Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister for Strategic Planning, Training, and Rehabilitation for the Labor Market, confirms the importance of launching the second edition of the "Be Ready" initiative under the umbrella of the presidential "Alliance and Development" initiative. He explains that the initiative seeks to qualify one million qualified innovators in partnership with international organizations and link educational programs to the labor market, pointing out Egyptian universities' keenness to strengthen international partnerships and disseminate the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, which contributes to bridging the gap between educational outcomes and labor market requirements.
Mr. Eric Oechelin, Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office in Cairo, expresses his pleasure at the partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education to support the capabilities of youth and prepare them for the labor market. He confirms the importance of integrating the efforts of the government, the private sector, and international institutions to provide youth with the skills necessary to deal with labor market developments, particularly digital and technological skills, which will contribute to achieving Egypt's development goals.
In a recorded speech, Dr. Salim M. Al-Malik, Director General of ICESCO, highlights the importance of honing the skills and expertise of youth within the rapid changes. He commends the launch of the second edition of the "Be Ready" initiative and confirms the fruitful partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education. He calls on youth to prepare well for the future and develop their skills to support development efforts.
Dr. Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, also expresses his pleasure at participating in this initiative, and confirms that investing in youth is an investment in the future, within the tremendous technological development that requires rehabilitating and developing skills to meet the needs of future jobs.
Via video conference, Mr. Anthony Mills, Director of the Global Innovation Institute, confirms the importance of developing students' capacities and enhancing their innovative and creative skills to open new horizons for them in the labor market, explaining that development should not be limited to individual development alone, but should extend to supporting teamwork and the organizational transformations necessary for the labor market.
Dr. Rasha Sharaf, Secretary-General of the Education Development Fund, affiliated with the Cabinet, explains that the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is working hard to enhance the state's efforts to achieve sustainable development. She notes the importance of achieving the principle of equal opportunities and providing youth with the knowledge and skills necessary for the labor market, confirming the Fund's full support for the initiative and exploiting all capabilities to serve the nation and achieve Egypt's Vision 2030.
This initiative is held as part of the Ministry's efforts to implement the objectives of the presidential initiative "Alliance and Development", to build the capacity and qualify one million young men and women, including university students and recent graduates, by developing digital skills and promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. This will contribute to bridging the gap between educational outcomes and labor market requirements, in line with Egypt's Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research.
