On May 13, the sixth annual BalancED 2026 conference was held at the Cairo Marriott Hotel, organized by the Education First Foundation in honor of Hossam Badrawi. The event brought together leading education experts, policymakers, teachers, and innovators in Egypt’s educational sector under a theme focused on building a more balanced and innovative future for education.
The conference opened with remarks by Dr. Salma Bakry, Chairwoman of Balanced Education Company, and Dr. Basma Ismail, Vice Chairwoman, who reviewed the institution’s six-year journey and highlighted its achievements and educational initiatives, supported by a documentary film showcasing its impact on the ground.
Ms. Tomoko Fujihira from Japan also delivered remarks expressing her appreciation for the fruitful cooperation with the foundation and her optimism about future collaboration in supporting educational development in Egypt. The conference additionally featured artistic performances presented by “Ibhar Masr,” along with a speech by Dr. Ahmed Daher, Deputy Minister of Education and Technical Education.
At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Badrawi received the BalancED Award 2026 in recognition of his longstanding contributions to education and human development, as well as his intellectual and advisory role in supporting educational reform in Egypt.
Dr. Badrawi’s speech was among the highlights of the conference. He emphasized that education is not merely a profession, but a mission for building human beings. He stressed that Egypt’s greatest wealth lies not in resources or buildings, but in the minds of its children and youth.
He called for the creation of an educational system capable of producing thinkers and innovators who can question, differ, and create freely, affirming that the future is shaped inside the classroom and within the mind of a child who is given an environment that encourages growth and independent thinking.
Dr. Badrawi also warned that one of the greatest dangers any nation may face is the loss of its youth’s belief in their own abilities. He affirmed that knowledge is not a cultural luxury, but the foundation of national dignity and human freedom, and that investing in human development will always remain the greatest investment societies can make.
He concluded his speech amid great appreciation and warmth from attendees, many of whom gathered to take commemorative photographs with him, reflecting the deep respect for his long journey in supporting education and intellectual development in Egypt.
To read Dr. Badrawi’s full speech, please refer to the following link:
