AUC Yousef Jameel Fellows Explore the Future of AI at International Conference in Turkey

Leading philanthropist Yousef Jameel and the Jameel Education Foundation hosted a delegation from The American University in Cairo (AUC), led by AUC President Ahmad Dallal, in Turkey recently for a one-day conference titled “Advancing Change in Public Goods in an AI-Driven World: The Yousef Jameel Fellows and A Visionary Path Forward.” The delegation included AUC Yousef Jameel Fellows, senior University leaders and distinguished faculty. The conference fostered an intergenerational dialogue on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for the equitable provision of public goods such as education, healthcare, and governance. 

"Technologies like artificial intelligence are reshaping how we think about governance, education and public service and how institutions can respond to crises in real time,” Dallal said in his opening remarks at the conference. “We will discuss our fellows’ work and explore how AI can be applied thoughtfully and equitably in areas that directly impact lives, particularly in our region,” he added.

Dallal emphasized AUC’s commitment to advancing thoughtful conversations guided by academic rigor, ethical foresight and cross-sector collaboration. “With you—fellows, alumni, scholars and experts—we hope to shape a future where digital transformation is inclusive, ethical and just, driving sustainable development.” 

During the conference, AUC Yousef Jameel fellows showcased their research on critical topics, including the gender gap in Egypt’s scientific research community, assessment of Egypt’s education reform programs, physicians’ drain in Egypt, establishing Egypt’s first dementia disease registry and implementing universal health insurance in Egypt. 

In a special panel on the impact of AI in media, law, and governance, panelists discussed the ethical and legal challenges posed by AI and its growing role in public life. Panelists included Thomas Skouteris, associate professor and chair of AUC Department of Law; Naila Hamdy, associate professor and associate dean for graduate students and research, AUC Department of Journalism and Mass Communication; and Ahmed Darwish, former minister of state for administration development and member of the advisory board of AUC’s School of Global Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP).

AUC’s strong presence at the conference included distinguished faculty speakers and senior leaders, including Noha El-Mikawy, dean of GAPP; Richard Brow, vice president for advancement; and more than 90 AUC fellows representing a wide range of expertise spanning public policy, education, law, journalism, and global affairs. 

The conference participants also included Omar Jamil, the chair of the Jameel Education Foundation, and international experts in governance and technology development, including Balachandran Manyadath, senior director of Jameel Group; Craig Gibbin, joint CEO of Ebbon-Group; Rob Pilkington, joint CEO of Ebbon-Group; Takashi Ohsawa, vice president at Unisantis Inc; and Masakazu Kakumu, Vice President at Unisantis Inc. 

The conference also paid tribute to the late Laila El Baradei, former professor and chair of AUC’s Department of Public Administration and former faculty advisor to the Fellowship, whose dedication helped shape a vibrant community committed to public service. 

Launched in 2012, the program has supported nearly 293 fellows pursuing master's degrees in public policy, development, and global affairs at AUC. Through scholarships, international exchanges, and field research, the Fellowship cultivates a generation of leaders advancing positive change across Egypt and beyond.