October 20, 2008, Cairo, Egypt – Arab education leaders, the heads of 15 Arab universities, professors, students and NGO representatives convened at a recent conference held by The American University in Cairo’s (AUC) to promote civic engagement in Arab universities and strengthen the civic role and social responsibility of Arab institutions.

The conference, titled “Tadamun: Towards Civic Engagement in Arab Education,” discussed the launching of a network of Arab universities. Arab education leaders agreed to expand civic engagement and social responsibility programs at their institutions through teaching, research and public service. They also agreed to raise awareness within government, business, media, charitable, not-for-profit and international organizations about the contributions of higher education to social advancement and wellbeing.

The two-day event was hosted by AUC’s John D. Gerhart Center for Philanthropy and Civic Engagement in collaboration with the Talloires Network -- a global initiative of university presidents committed to promoting the civic roles and social responsibilities of higher education -- and Innovations in Civic Participation, an NGO supporting the development of youth civic engagement around the world. More than 15 Arab universities participated in the event, including the Sudanese Ahfad University for Women, the Lebanese American University, Birzeit University, Cairo University, Dubai School of Government, Al-Akhawayn University, Alexandria University, Al-Quds University, the American University of Beirut, Beni Suef University, Helwan University and Zayed University.

In his keynote speech, AUC trustee Mo Ibrahim, founder of Celtel International and the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, highlighted the fact that there are two words that don’t have a translation in Arabic, namely, philanthropy and corporate social responsibility, pointing out that both concepts are not yet familiar to the Arab world. “We need to engage the private sector in society. The greatest university in the USA was built by philanthropy but here [in the Arab world] we don’t have an example and we don’t have a case. Where are the Bill Gates of the Arab World? Where are the Carnegies?” he asked.

“As leaders in higher education in the Arab region, we are committed to helping the largest ever cohort of youth to prepare for adult lives of productive work and engaged citizenship,” said Barbra Ibrahim, director of the Gerhart center. “We pledge to join with institutions of higher education around the world to enhance our active contribution to a culture of positive civic engagement."

The American University in Cairo (AUC) was founded 90 years ago and is a major contributor to the social, political and cultural life of the Arab Region.  It is a vital bridge between East and West, linking Egypt and the region to the world through scholarly research, partnerships with academic and research institutions, and study abroad programs. An independent, nonprofit, apolitical, non-sectarian and equal-opportunity institution, AUC is fully accredited in Egypt and the United States.