The meeting included:

• Dr. Hossam Badrawi, Chairman of the Nile Badrawi Foundation for Education and Development and Head of the Advisory Committee of Education First Foundation
• Dr. Salma Bakry, President of Education First Foundation
• Dr. Nadia Badrawi, Honorary President of the Arab Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ANQAHE)
• Prof. Alaa Ashmawy, Chairman of the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education
• Prof. Asmaa Mostafa, Vice Chairman of the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education
• Dr. Mona Ayoub, Director of the Skills and Training Center at the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK) and Advisor to the Minister of Education for the Egyptian-German Schools Initiative
• Dr. Hossam Ezz El-Din, CEO of the American Academy and strategic partner of Prometric and ACT
• Ms. Naglaa Salem, Director of the French Institute in Heliopolis and New Cairo
• Dr. Karim Saeed, French Attaché for University Affairs at the French Embassy
• Mr. Nabil Michel, representative of M.S.A for American Diploma accreditation
• Ms. Azza El-Sherbiny, educational expert
• Mr. Anwar El-Bayni, Regional Administrative Director at Choueifat International Schools
• Dr. Maysaa Barakat, Professor of Educational Leadership at Florida Atlantic University
• Prof. Mahmoud Hamza, CEO of Education First Foundation

A delegation from the American nonprofit organization Sankofa Scholarship Collective also attended, including:

• Dr. Carmen McCallum, Associate Dean of the College of Education at Eastern Michigan University and board member of Sankofa Scholarship Collective
• Rekira Reynolds, Development Director at Sankofa Scholarship Collective
• Dr. Rima, Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy at Wayne State University and founding board member of Sankofa Scholarship Collective
• Imani Foster, Youth Coordinator at Sankofa Scholarship Collective
• Jordan Peebuck, Youth Coordinator at Sankofa Scholarship Collective

The organization focuses on supporting students and youth of African descent, developing education based on equity and cultural empowerment, and building more inclusive and humane educational environments.

At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Salma Bakry presented the vision and activities of Education First Foundation in supporting and developing education in Egypt through academic and strategic partnerships with local and international institutions. She also reviewed the foundation’s programs for teacher and leadership development, support for gifted students, organization of educational forums and competitions, support for educational quality and technical education, and strengthening cooperation between civil society and government institutions to build a more efficient and sustainable educational system.

On the other hand, Sankofa Scholarship Collective presented its philosophy of empowering youth and building new community leadership through education and cultural and economic awareness. The organization highlighted its support programs for youth, especially the “Financial Freedom Lab,” aimed at developing financial literacy, leadership, community engagement, and self-confidence among participants.

The presentation also explained that the organization’s leadership model is based on five main pillars: cultural identity, critical awareness, financial literacy, teamwork, and psychological and social support, all with the aim of preparing young people capable of creating positive impact within their communities.

The presentation further emphasized the importance of giving youth a genuine role in decision-making within educational institutions and encouraging schools to build more humane and inclusive learning environments based on listening to students and nurturing their intellectual and social capacities.

The organization also shared testimonials and real-life experiences from participating youth, who confirmed that the programs helped them discover themselves, develop their skills, and feel empowered to shape their futures with greater awareness and confidence.

Dr. Badrawi then delivered a speech reviewing the efforts he made during his time in parliament and his long struggle to establish the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Egypt. This stemmed from his conviction that Egypt’s educational crisis was not merely a matter of curricula or funding, but rather the absence of genuine standards for quality, accountability, and objective evaluation. Educational institutions, he explained, had operated for many years without independent mechanisms capable of measuring performance efficiency or educational outcomes. He therefore believed in the necessity of an institutional body capable of guaranteeing quality and accrediting educational institutions independently from the service providers themselves.

Dr. Badrawi further explained that quality in education is not an administrative luxury, but a comprehensive culture aimed at building individuals capable of thinking, creativity, and competitiveness. Therefore, he viewed the existence of an independent quality assurance authority as a safeguard protecting the educational process from randomness and from policy shifts caused by changing ministers or administrations.

He also linked quality with independence, arguing that the financial independence of the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Authority is essential for expanding its activities and accelerating accreditation for educational institutions at all levels. He explained that this requires allocating part of the state budget to the authority instead of continuing to treat it as a self-financing economic body. He warned that many educational institutions are unable to bear accreditation costs, which could discourage them from seeking accreditation and significantly slow down the authority’s mission of accrediting all educational institutions.

Dr. Badrawi also emphasized that granting universities and schools greater autonomy, while maintaining clear systems of evaluation and accountability, is the real path toward improving performance and efficiency.

He noted that educational quality should not be measured merely by pass rates or memorization, but by the educational system’s ability to graduate individuals who possess:

• Critical thinking skills
• The ability for lifelong learning
• Respect for diversity
• The ability to work collaboratively
• A strong connection to labor market needs and the demands of the modern era

From this perspective, Dr. Badrawi viewed the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation not merely as a regulatory institution, but as part of a broader national project aimed at rebuilding the Egyptian individual and linking education to development, the economy, and social awareness in a way that guarantees sustainable educational reform beyond temporary or seasonal solutions.

At the conclusion of the meeting, extensive discussions took place among academics, experts, and stakeholders regarding the major challenges facing institutional accreditation and educational reform in Egypt, as well as mechanisms for strengthening educational quality and linking it to institutional evaluation and accreditation standards.

The meeting concluded with several important recommendations, most notably the necessity of linking the renewal of licenses for national schools to obtaining accreditation from the National Authority for Quality Assurance and Accreditation of Education. This was viewed as a real incentive to accelerate the accreditation of more than 8,000 schools within a relatively short timeframe, thereby improving educational quality in a sustainable and institutional manner.

Participants also stressed the importance of coordinating a meeting with the Minister of Education and Technical Education to present the proposals discussed during the seminar and explore ways of bringing different stakeholders closer together in support of a practical and implementable vision for developing Egyptian education and improving the quality of its outcomes.

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The seminar was moderated by Dr. Samir Radwan, former Minister of Finance, and Ambassador Raouf Saad, former Egyptian Ambassador to Russia.

Among the attendees were former Minister Moushira Khattab, former President of the National Council for Human Rights; Dr. Laila El-Khawaga; Dr. Heba Nassar, former President of Cairo University; Dr. Alia El Mahdy, Professor of Economics and former Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Political Science at Cairo University; Dr. Nagwa Khashaba, academic, writer, and Egyptian intellectual interested in educational and cultural affairs; Dr. Heba El-Leithy, Professor of Statistics and Economics and expert in poverty and human development; Dr. Mostafa Kamel El-Sayed, Professor of Political Science at Cairo University and one of Egypt’s leading political thinkers; and Mr. Abdel Azim Hammad, journalist and former Editor-in-Chief of both Al-Ahram and Al-Shorouk newspapers.

At the beginning of his speech, Dr. Hossam Badrawi expressed his great pleasure at being among such distinguished Egyptian figures, emphasizing that education is not merely a service or administrative file, but a civilizational future directly linked to the state’s ability to survive and progress in a world changing at an unprecedented pace.

Dr. Badrawi pointed out that educational reform is fundamentally a political decision before it is a technical one, explaining that countries which succeeded in building modern renaissances began first by rebuilding the human being and by giving education genuine priority beyond slogans and temporary plans.

He added that the problem lies not only in curricula or examinations, but in the philosophy upon which the entire educational system is built, stressing that the real goal of education should be to build minds capable of critical thinking and creativity — not merely graduates seeking jobs, but creators of civilization.

Dr. Badrawi particularly focused on the preschool stage.

He also stressed that any educational reform project that does not place teachers at the center of the educational process will fail to produce meaningful impact. He noted that respecting teachers, qualifying them, and improving their conditions represent the cornerstone of any genuine and sustainable reform. He added that Egypt has approximately 750,000 teachers educating 30 million children, and that upgrading the capabilities of this teaching workforce is not impossible, but achievable within no more than five years.

He further emphasized that technology and artificial intelligence alone cannot create an educational renaissance unless accompanied by a transformation in ways of thinking, freedom of expression, and the removal of barriers restricting creativity.

“The challenge,” he explained, “lies in redefining the relationship between the student and knowledge.”

Dr. Badrawi also addressed what he described as one of the greatest dangers facing societies: the killing of children’s curiosity and turning education into a mechanical process devoid of passion and discovery. Equally dangerous, he said, is creating contradiction within children — encouraging them at times to think critically and reject what lacks evidence, while at other times presenting them with unquestionable absolutes they are not allowed to discuss.

He affirmed that building the Egyptian individual must rely on an integrated system combining knowledge, values, coexistence, and openness to the world, while preserving national and cultural identity. He stressed that true investment lies not merely in buildings, but in the human mind capable of innovation and shaping the future.

At the conclusion of the seminar, an open dialogue took place between Dr. Badrawi and the audience, addressing several challenges facing Egyptian education and ways to develop it in a manner that achieves justice, efficiency, and sustainability. Participants highly praised the depth of the discussion and the future-oriented vision presented during the seminar.

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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:

Google Drive Link

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“Investing in Shaping the Future of Education in Egypt”

The conference was attended by a distinguished group of ministers, decision-makers, investors, leaders in the education and development sectors, as well as representatives of international institutions and the private sector.

The opening session featured keynote speeches by Mr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education, and Dr. Hossam Badrawi, who praised the minister’s efforts during his speech, noting that he was impressed by his ability to transform ideas and visions into tangible implementation steps, considering this an important indication of the seriousness of reform within the educational system.

At the same time, Dr. Badrawi stressed that the real challenge lies not merely in launching visions or initiatives, but in ensuring the sustainability of implementation and preventing educational policies from changing with every new minister or government. He pointed out that he is working on this issue through his follow-up on the implementation of Egypt Vision 2030 goals, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.

Dr. Hossam Badrawi’s participation, as Chairman of the Nile Badrawi Foundation for Education and Development, was one of the conference’s most prominent moments. In his speech, he presented a forward-looking vision for developing education in Egypt, emphasizing that building human beings must come before building institutions, and that true investment is not in buildings, but in the human mind, awareness, critical thinking, and creativity.

Dr. Badrawi’s Speech

Distinguished guests, esteemed investors, business leaders, ladies and gentlemen,

Throughout many years of public service — in education, healthcare, politics, and economics — I have learned that the most dangerous form of poverty is not poverty of money, but poverty of opportunity.

Education is the greatest opportunity a nation can offer its citizens.

If we truly want to build an Egypt capable of competing in the twenty-first century, where do we begin?

My answer has never changed: we begin by providing access to knowledge and building skills through education.

But the deeper question is: how do we view education?

Is it a right for every citizen? Or a service available only to those who can afford it?

That is the question I would like to address with you today.

There is no doubt that the Egyptian people deserve a real and tangible achievement in education and human development.

Egypt’s strength lies in the strength of its people, and that strength can only be achieved through continuous investment in awareness, knowledge, skills, values, and human capabilities.

Education has always been — and will continue to be — one of the fundamental pillars of development in every successful nation.

In 2014, I had the honor of participating in the development of Egypt Vision 2030 for education, alongside dozens of experts, specialists, and policymakers through broad societal dialogue.

The dream was clear:

To make education in Egypt a genuine national project, not merely an administrative file or a burden on the state budget.

And we asked ourselves:

What kind of human beings does Egypt want to create for the future?

Do we want graduates who merely memorize information?

Or minds capable of critical thinking and creativity?

The philosophy of education is not merely teaching reading and writing, but building the individual intellectually, morally, and socially.

That is why Egypt Vision 2030 called for education accessible to all without discrimination, of high quality, within an efficient, fair, and sustainable system.

The vision placed both the learner and the teacher at the center, supported by technology and digital empowerment.

It also aimed to build a self-confident citizen who is creative, responsible, respectful of differences, proud of the nation’s history, and capable of competing globally.

But unfortunately, there remains a wide gap between vision and implementation.

And I say this in a spirit of national responsibility.

The Egyptian Constitution obliges the state to allocate no less than 6% of the national income to education.

This is not a luxury — it is a constitutional right and a foundation for any modern state.

I believe in social liberalism that respects markets and investment, while affirming that certain fundamental rights — foremost among them education — must never become commodities.

The private sector is an essential partner in education, but it must complement the role of the state, not replace it.

Because only the state can guarantee educational justice and equal opportunity.

If education becomes governed solely by market logic, we risk creating two societies within one nation:

One that owns the future, and another deprived of it.

Human capital remains the highest-return investment.

Quality education reflects directly on productivity, innovation, social stability, and quality of life.

That is why we need a new social contract for education based on:

A state that considers education a national priority.

A private sector that invests responsibly.

And a society that understands education is not merely a certificate, but the building of awareness, character, and competence.

Developing responsible systems for university student loans can also open the doors of higher education to talented youth without turning education into a financial burden.

And we must acknowledge clearly:

Egypt’s education system requires deep structural reform that can no longer be postponed.

Allow me to conclude with one final thought:

History will not only remember the number of bridges and roads we built.

It will remember whether we built human beings capable of crossing into the future.

The child sitting today in a poor classroom in a remote village may become a leader or scientist who changes Egypt’s future — if we grant him or her a genuine opportunity.

And I still deeply believe that Egypt is capable of succeeding if it restores education to its rightful place:

As a right.

As a value.

As an investment.

And as one of the nation’s highest priorities.

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The lecture addressed the contributions of a number of pioneering women throughout history who played a pivotal role in shaping human consciousness, such as the philosopher Hypatia and the pioneer of Arab journalism Rose El-Youssef, along with many other women who have personally influenced Dr. Badrawi. During the session, Dr. Badrawi highlighted how the ideas of these women challenged prevailing norms, inspired generations, and reshaped societal concepts.

This event is part of a series of activities aimed at promoting intellectual and cultural dialogue. Dr. Hossam Badrawi is known for his profound perspective that combines medical expertise with a humanistic vision, in addition to his strong interest in intellectual and social issues.

The lecture witnessed wide attendance from association members and those interested in cultural affairs, reflecting the importance of the topic in shedding light on the role of women in the course of human progress.

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A rich and engaging dialogue took place between the students and Dr. Badrawi, covering philosophers across the ages, artificial intelligence, and music and its relationship to quantum physics.

Dr. Sherine also shared with the students the introduction to the book written by Dr. Badrawi’s son, Hassan Badrawi (attached).

The discussion also included the AI-generated presentation of the book, creating an intellectually stimulating, culturally enriching, and scientifically engaging conversation.

It was a wonderful day at Mayo University, marked by a warm reception for Dr. Hossam.

Attached is the link to the AI presentation of the book:
https://docs.google.com/…/1j9Pfia8B9n…/edit…

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The celebration, organized by the festival team under the leadership of Hossam Badrawi, Chairman of the Higher Committee, and director Amr Qabil, founder and president of the festival, began with the Egyptian national anthem, followed by a series of speeches and performances reflecting the spirit and human message of theatre.

Amr Qabil’s Speech

Director Amr Qabil emphasized that since its founding in 2018, the festival has been keen to participate annually in World University Theatre Day celebrations. He noted that the goal is to maintain activity throughout the year, not only during the festival in October.

He added that the timing of the celebration carries special significance given the regional crises, stressing that art and theatre remain voices of peace and love. He also expressed his happiness in honoring distinguished theatrical figures.

Dr. Hossam Badrawi’s Speech

Dr. Badrawi expressed his pleasure at attending, noting that his repeated participation in university theatre celebrations always reminds him of “the beauty of Egypt and the beauty of its youth,” emphasizing that this promising generation is capable of shaping the future and achieving prosperity.

He explained that the criteria for selecting members of the Higher Committee are based on their ability to embrace and enrich youth talents, as well as their openness to change, which he described as “a law of life.”

In response to a question from actress Reem Ahmed about the secret behind his youthful energy, Dr. Badrawi revealed two key factors:

• Continuous engagement with young people and listening to their ideas
• Focusing on the best in others

He added that seeing the positive aspects in people fosters optimism, noting that society holds a great deal of beauty worth recognizing and celebrating.

His Vision for the Festival’s Future

Dr. Badrawi stated that his ambitions focus on:

• Achieving sustainability
• Expansion and wider reach
• Increased media attention

He pointed out that the festival is a youth-driven, non-profit initiative funded by the الشباب themselves, and therefore deserves greater media support.

He concluded with a message to young people:

“Keep going and don’t stop because of obstacles… there is no such thing as failure; every experience builds a new success.”

Artistic Performances and Honors

The celebration featured a variety of artistic performances by previous winners, including:

• Singing
• Dance
• Acting
• Poetry

The atmosphere reflected creativity, enthusiasm, and a shared love for theatre.

Several theatre figures were honored:

• Actress Haidy Abdel Khalek
• Lebanese actress Marwa Qarouni
• Actor Ezzat Zein

Veteran actor Mohamed Sobhi was also honored. He was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances but sent a recorded message expressing his appreciation. The award was received on his behalf by writer Fatma Naoot.

The event concluded with the announcement of the “Star of This Year’s Edition,” the renowned actress Esaad Younes, to great applause.

Higher Committee Formation

The Higher Committee includes a distinguished group of public and artistic figures, including:

• Dr. Hossam Badrawi (Chairman)
• Director Amr Qabil (Festival President)
• Actor Hussein Fahmy
• Dr. Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour
• Dr. Samar Yaeed
• Writer Fatma Naoot
• Dr. Fatma El-Boudy (author and publisher)
• Prof. Osama Hamdy
• Dr. Nabila Makram
• Actress Azza Labib (Festival Director)

Attached is Dr. Badrawi’s speech for the festival:
https://drive.google.com/…/1Gm4TYG0o2B5sjHMov8W…/view…

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By the invitation of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the second seminar for the book “Nietzsche in Alexandria”, the latest philosophical work by Dr. Hossam Badrawi, was held today, Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the library’s headquarters in the enchanting city of Alexandria.

Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Zayed Hijab — Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina — introduced Dr. Badrawi as one of Egypt’s scholars and thinkers, and as a leading figure in contemporary thought, whose ideas have had a tangible impact on many readers and intellectuals. On the other hand, Dr. Fatma Al-Boudi, President and Founder of Dar Al-Ain Publishing, described Dr. Badrawi as possessing an exceptional philosophical mind, able to express reality with ease and a calm rhythm, yet at the same time surprising and astonishing readers with the depth of his writings. She expressed her delight at the book’s notable and tangible reception, noting that the first edition sold out within only two months, and that the publishing house would soon begin printing the second edition.

The seminar was masterfully moderated by journalist Nesma Al-Saeed, whose intelligent questions delved deeply into the author’s mind, eliciting a rich stream of insight, philosophy, and the underlying layers of Dr. Badrawi’s writings.

The seminar opened with a question that seemed simple on the surface but was profound in meaning:
“Do we read this book, or is the book reading us and describing the reality we live in? And how has this book bridged past and present, as if we are living our past, and our past is living our present?”

Moments of enjoyment and reflection passed over the attendees like a gentle breeze carrying the weight of knowledge. Dr. Badrawi intertwined past and present, philosophy and reality.

He spoke about the virtual dialogues that form the backbone of the book, explaining that they serve as a means to discuss contemporary situations through the minds of philosophers of the past, drawing on Socrates, Averroes (Ibn Rushd), Ibn Khaldun, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Hypatia, Simone de Beauvoir, and others — not as historical symbols, but as minds alive in contemporary conditions that continue to trouble humanity. He then moved on to discuss the thinkers who personally influenced him, from Naguib Mahfouz and the symbolism in Children of Our Alley, to Al-Aqqad, Ali Ibn Abi Talib, Khaled Muhammad Khaled, and others who shaped part of his intellectual formation.

The seminar was rich and engaging, marked by calm, interaction, and the captivating and thought-provoking discourse of Dr. Badrawi.

It concluded with a lively book-signing session, where attendees eagerly approached Dr. Badrawi to have their copies signed in an atmosphere of warmth, appreciation, and admiration.

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The project includes outpatient clinics, intensive care units, and family education centers to help parents care for their children, treat complications of the disease, and promote a culture of prevention.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Ahmed Abdel-Ghaffar, Board Member of the Association and Professor at Cairo University, and Dr. Essam El-Qorashy, the project’s economic consultant.

This initiative represents a non-profit civil society effort to provide these services free of charge to citizens.

The Governor welcomed Dr. Hossam Badrawi’s vision for developing the entire surrounding area, particularly the historic Ibn Tulun Mosque, the youth center adjacent to the Association, and the educational institutions surrounding the mosque, with the aim of restoring the area as a tourist destination, raising its standard of living, and improving the quality of life for its residents. This development initiative will be carried out by the Takatof Association for Development.

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At the invitation of the Egyptian Junior Business Association (EJB), chaired by Mr. Mohamed Abou Basha, Chairman of the Board, an expanded discussion seminar was held on Monday, February 9, 2026, under the title:

“The Private Sector Between Free Markets and Social Responsibility: Social Liberalism vs. Classical Liberalism”

The seminar took place within the framework of an open dialogue with Dr. Hossam Badrawi on the future of the Egyptian economy, the role of the private sector, and the required balance between market freedom and social justice.

Dr. Badrawi opened his remarks by reviewing his long-standing experience with the Egyptian Junior Business Association, highlighting its early role in proposing reformist visions to activate the private sector and its contribution to shaping forward-looking ideas about Egypt’s development path, including early features of Egypt Vision 2030 before it was officially announced. He called on the Association’s young members to formulate a clear, meaningful, and presentable vision that would help attract new members and strengthen the Association’s societal role.

Dr. Badrawi also praised the Association’s institutional maturity and its system of periodic leadership rotation, considering this a healthy model that reflects a modern understanding of good governance and sustainable institutional work.

He then addressed the concept of social liberalism, explaining that it is based on a moderate understanding of free-market economics, which recognizes the private sector as a key engine of development while not neglecting its responsibility toward society. This responsibility is reflected in supporting health, education, housing, and public transportation, as these are fundamental rights of citizens, not services limited to those who can afford to pay. He explained that funding these rights comes through taxes paid by citizens in exchange for receiving these essential services.

Dr. Badrawi pointed out the imbalance in competition when the state competes with the private sector, given the advantages the state enjoys that are not available to private enterprises. This, he noted, has led to the contraction of the private sector’s role in the current period. He emphasized that the success of social liberalism requires firmly establishing the principle of state neutrality in the market, while the state plays the role of regulator and guarantor of fairness.

He also discussed the role of the private sector in social responsibility, noting the large volume of spending it allocates to community service, which reflects a significant contribution to societal advancement. He warned that weakening the private sector inevitably leads to weakening this vital role.

Dr. Badrawi stressed that economic advancement does not depend on the size of government spending as much as it depends on the methodology of rational spending and directing resources toward sectors capable of achieving real and sustainable development.

Regarding the labor market, Dr. Badrawi explained that Egypt needs approximately 1.3 million new job opportunities annually—a number that continues to rise with population growth. He noted that the optimal way to provide these opportunities is through attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). However, he raised a clear question about whether Egypt’s investment climate is attractive to foreign investors or repellent to them. He stressed the importance of having accurate, methodical statistics to monitor investment flows, enabling an objective assessment of Egypt’s true ability to attract investors and to identify obstacles hindering foreign direct investment.

Dr. Badrawi also pointed to the direct impact of education quality on the private sector, explaining that highly qualified individuals are increasingly competing for jobs abroad in an open global labor market. He emphasized that properly preparing Egyptian youth would enable them to compete in international markets—especially European ones—and would make them a real attraction for investment, as they represent Egypt’s true wealth, the fuel of its renaissance, and the engine of its progress.

The seminar witnessed wide interaction from the Association’s young members, who raised numerous questions addressing issues that positively and negatively affect the private sector. Dr. Badrawi answered all questions, expressing his happiness with the participants’ open-mindedness and depth of knowledge.

The event concluded with honoring Dr. Badrawi and taking commemorative photos in an atmosphere of appreciation and mutual respect.

About the Egyptian Junior Business Association

The Egyptian Junior Business Association is one of the most prominent non-governmental organizations supporting the business and entrepreneurship sector in Egypt. Established in 1999 as a non-profit organization, it aims to empower young entrepreneurs and business owners and to enhance the role of the private sector as a main driver of sustainable economic development.

The Association works to create an interactive platform that brings together young businessmen and businesswomen, contributes to improving the business environment through dialogue with decision-makers, builds partnerships with governmental and international institutions, and supports policies that encourage investment, equal opportunity, and innovation-driven growth.

The Association also places special emphasis on developing its members’ capacities through organizing seminars, workshops, trade missions, and intellectual and economic events, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian companies locally and internationally, and reinforcing the private sector’s role in social responsibility and community service.

It adopts an institutional approach based on transparency and the rotation of responsibility, reflecting its belief in the importance of good governance and collective work in building a strong economy and a balanced society.

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