Following two days of high-level dialogue and expert analysis, the inaugural IMF MENA Economic Annual Research Conference co-organized by the International Monetary Fund and AUC, concluded with a strong call for coordinated, evidence-based policy responses to the region’s old and new pressing economic challenges. 

Held on May 18–19, 2025, the conference served as a critical platform for advancing rigorous research tailored to the realities of the Middle East and North Africa. It brought together global policymakers, academics, government officials and thought leaders to bridge the discussion on global economic issues with regional realities. The event marked a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the IMF and a leading University in the region, reflecting a shared commitment to deepening the link between academic research and policy development. 

 "This is about generating ideas that are globally informed but deeply rooted in the realities of our region."

Jihad Azour, director of the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department, noted that trade tensions and increasing uncertainty affecting the global economy, alongside ongoing regional conflicts and climate risks, are creating new layers of complexities for MENA policymakers. Azour called for building a regional platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas that connects MENA to world-class research centers to provide reliable analysis and develop workable and innovative policy responses to old and new economic issues facing the region. “We are deeply grateful to President Ahmad Dallal and AUC for their commitment to fostering dialogue, research and policy innovation in the region,” Azour said.

AUC President Ahmad Dallal highlighted the event’s role as a vital platform in fostering collaboration between governments, academia and the private sector. "This is about generating ideas that are globally informed but deeply rooted in the realities of our region," Dallal noted.

Dallal affirmed that this type of multi-stakeholder engagement is at the heart of AUC’s mission and reflects the University’s commitment to research, education and open dialogue as drivers of stability, resilience and inclusive growth.

“We are deeply grateful to President Ahmad Dallal and AUC for their commitment to fostering dialogue, research and policy innovation in the region."

Under the theme “Steering Macroeconomic and Structural Policies in a Shifting Global Economic Landscape,” discussions centered on four pivotal issues shaping the future of the MENA region and the global economy:

• Fiscal Policy: With public debt at historic highs, experts stressed the importance of rebuilding fiscal buffers while tackling social inequalities, aging populations, and climate pressures. Proposals included reforms in fiscal frameworks and measures to mobilize revenues, including through multinational taxation and more progressive tax systems.  
• Monetary Policy: Participants reflected on the lessons of recent inflationary shocks, emphasizing the need for more preemptive and well-communicated policy responses to global shocks and sector-specific disruptions, particularly for emerging markets.
• Industrial Policy: Speakers examined the renewed interest in industrial policy as a tool to drive inclusive growth, innovation, and climate resilience. The discussion highlighted the need to balance vertical strategies with horizontal reforms that promote private investment, trade integration, and productivity.
• Green Transition and AI: The intersection of climate action and digital transformation sparked debate about their potential to reshape labor markets. Recommendations included investing in human capital, developing targeted safety nets, and aligning policy tools to support job creation in low-emission sectors.

Throughout the sessions, there was a clear consensus that the MENA region’s economic resilience depends on institutional reforms, cross-border cooperation, and investment in skills and innovation. Participants also underscored the importance of embedding policy in local realities — an approach that both the IMF and AUC pledged to champion moving forward.

In addition to prominent global and regional academics, as well as economists and government officials from across the region, and representatives of international and regional organizations, the conference brought together policymakers, including Egypt's Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat '95; Youssef Boutros-Ghali, member of the Specialized Council for Economic Development; Mahmoud Mohieldin, United Nations special envoy on financing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda; and Martin Galstyan, governor of the Central Bank of Armenia.

As Nigel Clarke, IMF deputy managing director concluded, "This conference is a milestone demonstrating the IMF's commitment to deepening engagement with the research and academic community, as we strive to ensure that the IMF support is not only responsive to the needs of member countries, but also built on rigorous tested analytics and importantly, it's aligned with local realities. Through this kind of multi-stakeholder dialogue, we aim to better understand how all our expertise and resources can be directed towards the most pressing challenges of the region.”

Visit the conference website for more details and to watch Day 1 and Day 2 of the discussions. 

Mahmoud Mohieldin, United Nations special envoy on financing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda; Egypt's Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat '95; and Youssef Boutros-Ghali, member of the Specialized Council for Economic Development

“My interests in this region have been instilled in me since my childhood through conversations with friends, peers and family, and hearing about it on the news,” said Allan Feldman, an economics and Middle East studies junior on an exchange semester from Brandeis University.

Feldman’s interest in the Arab world took on an academic fervor when he began studying the region at his home institution. “I decided to take Arabic classes at Brandeis and enjoyed the challenge of the language, which naturally grew into my being more interested in the local Arab culture and people,” he said.

Living Egypt

When he decided he wanted to move to the Middle East to immerse himself in the Arabic language for a semester, he knew he wanted to be at a high-quality institution where he could continue taking diverse courses in his fields of study; this helped him choose AUC. Now, Feldman is not only a student but also a research assistant for Professor Mona Said in the Mohamed Shafik Gabr Department of Economics. 

“The faculty at AUC and the economics department are great. If you look at the research these faculty members have produced, they’ve done really reputable work for organizations like the Economic Research Foundation and other international research institutions. They’re very experienced,” said Feldman. “In my interactions with Dr. Mona Said and Dr. Abeer Elshennawy, my Economic Development course professor, both were super welcoming,” he added.

“You can make a lot of connections here if you put yourself out there. I found that all the professors were very willing and happy to help me out.”

The Brandeis student was also impressed by the networking opportunities on offer at AUC — even the implicit ones. “You can make a lot of connections here if you put yourself out there. I found that all the professors were very willing and happy to help me out,” he said. As a matter of fact, Feldman first connected with Said for his assistantship through the faculty network. 

In his free time, Feldman volunteers with the student group Help Club, packing food boxes for those in need during Ramadan and working with underprivileged children.

Feldman was also a member of AUC’s track and field team last semester, which trained four days a week. In an impressive feat, Feldman placed third in the 3000-m track event at Cairo Governorate regionals and fifth at nationals in the 5000-m event. He also ran a spontaneous 10,000-m event around the Saqqara pyramids with another AUC track and field member.

A Cairene Summer

Since finding his footing at AUC, Feldman has gone on to secure opportunities in Cairo that will extend his stay into the summer. He also wants to continue studying Arabic and move downtown for greater immersion. “I want to meet more locals,” Feldman said.

For this summer, Feldman won a $10,000 grant from Middlebury College’s Davis Projects for Peace program to work with an Egyptian transportation startup. The company, Tink, graduated from the AUC Venture Lab and will create a program this summer addressing female sexual harassment through automobile and mobility workshops located in Cairo, the North Coast and potentially one more governorate for now. 

 “Since coming to AUC, my interest in Arab culture has only grown.”

“Through this program, I hope to gain experience doing community programming in Egypt, working with a startup and meeting as many people as I can,” said Feldman. He also shared his hopes to reach Egyptians across different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Another summer goal for Feldman is to immerse himself in the local cycling community. He recently invested in a bike and began riding with Egyptian teenagers and adults in the Cairo Crit Club, a local club that meets every Friday morning at 5 am. He has also ridden with an expat-based club, the Cairo Cycling Club.

Cairo and Beyond

Alongside his studies, Feldman has gotten to explore Cairo and learn from the locals, feeling welcomed by Egyptian people’s deep family values, relaxed attitude and collaborative ambiance. 

“One thing that shocked me was the pure chaos of the city juxtaposed with people’s extreme kindness. People are not afraid to just interact with you on the block, spontaneously, and I think they do that out of love,” said Feldman, who felt a personal need to talk to as many locals as possible coming into his exchange semester — a goal he feels he has accomplished. 

“I had a few experiences during Ramadan where I was invited to iftar with some Egyptian friends and their families, and that was both enriching and fascinating because I could see really how important this family gathering was. To be part of that has been very special,” he said.

After graduating from Brandeis next year, Feldman envisions himself focusing on the region in his career, be it through economic research or public and private sector work. In the long term, Feldman aspires to familiarize himself with Arabic’s various dialects while continuing to learn Modern Standard Arabic. “Since coming to AUC, my interest in Arab culture has only grown,” he said.

Last fall, economics junior Ahmed Ayman quickly fell into step with Milan’s unique rhythm of life. “Milan is more than just a city; it’s a mood. Mornings start with a quick espresso, afternoons are spent strolling through streets rich with history, and nights are filled with energy.”

Whether enjoying an enthusiastic football game at the San Siro or having a deep conversation about life in Navigli, Ayman’s experience was nothing short of exceptional.

Ayman spent the Fall 2024 semester studying at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, exploring Italy’s rich history and, of course, indulging in the food. 

Thrilled to immerse himself in another culture, Ayman was led across the Mediterranean Sea by his philosophy on learning: “I’ve always believed that real learning happens when you step out of your comfort zone, and what better way to do that than studying abroad?”

‘Go With the Flow’

Ayman was drawn to study in Italy due to the country’s unique economic positioning as part of the European Union economy. He also wanted to learn from a different academic perspective and interact with international faculty. “I didn’t just want to read about different cultures; I wanted to experience them,” Ayman said. “And let’s face it — who wouldn’t want to spend a semester in Milan?”

 “Studying abroad didn’t just teach me about Italy; it taught me about myself." 

The Milanese balance between tradition and modernity was what Ayman most loved about the city. “It’s visible in the architecture, the way people dress and even in how they party.” 

While abroad, Ayman took every chance to visit other sites in Italy like Lake Como, Florence, Venice, Cinque Terre and the Dolomitic Alps — “all nearby yet each offering a different slice of Italy’s magnificence.”

“AUC has this way of making you feel like you’re already part of a global community before you ever set foot outside Egypt."

He also viewed studying abroad as a way to challenge himself and prove that he could thrive in a completely new environment. “I became more independent, learning to navigate everything from public transport mishaps to cultural misunderstandings. I learned the value of spontaneity: My best experiences happened when I ditched the plan and went with the flow,” Ayman said. 

Global Engagement 

Ayman credits the International Programs and Services Office and Office of Student Financial Affairs and Scholarships for securing his trip’s logistics. “They guided me through the application process and ensured I had everything I needed before departure. Even when my experience became stressful (because, let’s be honest, no international process is ever without stress), IPSO had my back,” he shared.

But it was AUC’s global focus that most prepared him for life abroad. “AUC has this way of making you feel like you’re already part of a global community before you ever set foot outside Egypt,” he said. From the diverse student body and discussions about international affairs to an emphasis on critical thinking, Ayman said, “AUC gave me the confidence to adapt quickly in Milan.”

AUC’s liberal arts education was also an asset. “I learned to approach topics from multiple perspectives beyond my major, which helped me navigate courses taught from a completely different angle.” Socially, being a resident adviser and interacting with students from different backgrounds also made it much easier to connect with people in Italy, “even if it sometimes meant throwing in some broken Italian here and there,” he said.

Unexpectedly, being abroad even strengthened Ayman’s love for Egypt. “I became more appreciative of home. There’s something about being away that made me realize the beauty in my own culture too,” he said.

Overall, Ayman’s takeaways were wide-ranging and life-changing. “Studying abroad didn’t just teach me about Italy; it taught me about myself,” he said.

Along with the Sawiris family, AUC celebrated the naming of the Onsi Sawiris School of Business in a special ceremony on the New Cairo campus on January 6. 

The school was named in honor of the late Onsi Sawiris, a titan of business in the Middle East, founder of the Orascom Group and patriarch of the family, in appreciation and recognition of a transformative gift from the Sawiris family. The single largest philanthropic gift in the institution’s history, it provides funding to support excellence in business education.

“For the first time, a school at the University is to be named, and it is fitting that it honors Onsi Sawiris — a man who embodied a deep love for Egypt, visionary business acumen and an unwavering commitment to education,” said Mark Turnage (ALU ’82), chair of AUC’s Board of Trustees, at the ceremony. “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I extend our deepest admiration and appreciation to the Sawiris family: We thank you for your extraordinary generosity, your trust and your partnership.”

“For the first time, a school at the University is to be named, and it is fitting that it honors Onsi Sawiris — a man who embodied a deep love for Egypt, visionary business acumen and an unwavering commitment to education."

AUC President Ahmad Dallal also paid tribute to the enduring Sawiris legacy. “We are here to honor the late Onsi Sawiris — a visionary leader of industry and business whose legacy is carried forward by his three sons, grandchildren and the thousands of people who have been touched by the Sawiris family. Onsi Sawiris was not merely a businessman; he was a pioneer who transformed the way we think about business, leadership and innovation. Despite the many obstacles that lay in his path, Onsi saw opportunities where others saw only barriers.”

The funding will impact the school and its different stakeholders in several ways. It will provide scholarships for students, facilitate interdisciplinary research for faculty, establish a professorship in artificial intelligence and data science, and support visiting faculty and student exchange programs with several leading U.S. business schools and universities, including the University of Chicago –– one of the top worldwide. These collaborations will enable AUC and partner institutions to tackle pressing global issues, such as climate change and economic fluctuations, through multidisciplinary research and best practices, producing graduates who are globally informed, culturally sensitive and driven by innovation. 

“Our partnerships with leading American universities will create pathways for students of the Onsi Sawiris School of Business to develop a global mindset, a nuanced regional understanding and interdisciplinary skills essential to tackling the challenges of the future,” said Dallal.

"Bonds with AUC have also served to reinforce and extend the historic connection between Egypt and UChicago."

Melina Hale, dean of the College at the University of Chicago, highlighted the transformative impact of the Sawiris Scholars Program at UChicago and other U.S. universities: "The University of Chicago has been fortunate to witness while we are celebrating here today the extraordinary and long-standing commitment of the Sawiris family to the cause of education," she said. 

Hale also commeded the University of Chicago's well-established ties with AUC: "The American University in Cairo has played an important part in the Sawiris Scholars program from the start. With two successful students from AUC in its first year., the program was soon opened to other universities and increased numbers of students. Bonds with AUC have also served to reinforce and extend the historic connection between Egypt and UChicago. With your prestigious institution, we look forward to supporting The American University in Cairo and the Onsi Sawiris School of Business in its bright and impactful future."

“Our partnerships with leading American universities will create pathways for students of the Onsi Sawiris School of Business to develop a global mindset, a nuanced regional understanding and interdisciplinary skills essential to tackling the challenges of the future.”

This gift is made possible through the generosity of the NNS Foundation, the Naguib Sawiris Charitable Fund, Naguib Samih Sawiris, the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development and Orascom Construction. 

Nassef Sawiris, executive chair of OCI Global, reflected on his father’s belief in the importance of education for future generations. “Not only did my father believe in the value of education for his children, but he also recognized the benefits of providing similar opportunities to talented and deserving students across Egypt and the capacity for bolstering Egypt's economic competitors in so doing,” he said. “As a result, 25 years ago, my father established the Onsi Sawiris Scholarship Program, which was unprecedented at the time, to promote academic excellence and achievement.” 

“Seeing the potential within the AUC community –– the tenacity, curiosity, creativity and drive to succeed within the student body. Our family looks forward to continuing the support to AUC and its mission to be a global leader in education and excellence.”

The program has thus far provided full-tuition scholarships to 99 Egyptian students to pursue bachelor's or master's degree at prestigious U.S. universities, including the University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, Stanford and MIT. “The only stipulation my father made in return was that recipients returned to Egypt upon graduation to immediately begin reinvesting their talent and entrepreneurial skills to advance Egypt's economic standards for future generations,” said Nassef Sawiris.

So why is the Sawiris family creating new educational opportunities through the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at AUC? “Seeing the potential within the AUC community –– the tenacity, curiosity, creativity and drive to succeed within the student body,” said Nassef Sawiris. “Our family looks forward to continuing the support to AUC and its mission to be a global leader in education and excellence.”

“Today’s school naming honors the past and inspires the future."

Through scholarships, research, professorships and exchange programs, the Onsi Sawiris School of Business will continue on its path to driving educational excellence in Egypt, the region and worldwide. “Today’s school naming honors the past and inspires the future. It celebrates our shared vision to create a learning environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking and ethical leadership,” said Sherif Kamel ’88, ’90, ’13, dean of the Onsi Sawiris School of Business. “Here’s to the future, the endless possibilities that lie ahead and the enduring spirit of our beloved school of business.”

Photo caption: The Sawiris family, including Engineer Naguib Sawiris, Engineer Samih Sawiris and Mr. Nassef Sawiris; AUC President Ahmad Dallal; Board of Trustees Chair Mark Turnage; Dean Sherif Kamel; Dean of the College Melina Hale at the University of Chicago; Provost Ehab Abdel-Rahmen as well as senior AUC leadership, ministers, ambassadors and other notable figures at the Onsi Sawiris School of Business celebration

AUC partnered with the Global Liberal Arts Alliance (GLAA), a consortium of liberal arts universities, to offer our students an interactive cultural exchange experience through globally connected courses. Enrolled students will virtually engage in international, multicultural discussions on critical issues of our world alongside students in other classrooms around the world.

Through a selection process, faculty from AUC traveled to the American University in Bulgaria in the summer of 2024 to meet with global faculty partners in other GLAA universities and plan the activities of their joint courses. Connected courses on all campuses were held face to face, with virtual interactions on shared coursework with global student partners, to span five to seven weeks of the course. 

“This initiative supports our central goal of advancing the liberal arts learning outcomes through high-impact learning experiences that place our students at the center of academic discussions, bringing together students with multiple cultures and perspectives to grapple with complex issues that concern our societies today,” said Ghada Elshimi, dean of AUC’s Academy of Liberal Arts.

She added, “Students in these courses develop the skills to collaborate with [other] students from different backgrounds and reflect on their own values, identities and biases, as well as those of others. Transferable skills of global learning, deep listening, critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork are among the important outcomes that students gain.”

“Students in these courses develop the skills to collaborate with [other] students from different backgrounds and reflect on their own values, identities and biases, as well as those of others."

Let’s take a look back at the courses that were offered this fall and hear from their faculty and students.

Courses Offered in Fall 2024

SCI 1930 Human Nutrition and Wellbeing (Lettuce Talk!) 

Taught by:
Lobna Mourad
AUC’s Department of Biology

Connected with:
Jennifer Johnson, Kenyon College
Gaybe Moore, Oberlin College 

This course connected with students at Kenyon and Oberlin colleges in Ohio. Students developed nutrition literacy, looking into global, food-related epidemic threats and the consumption of processed food from perspectives of different cultures and backgrounds. They discussed issues such as food politics, malnutrition and food waste.

"Never be afraid to have too many cooks in the kitchen.’”

Johnson appreciated the exchange of ideas and disciplinary perspectives on food with the other professors. “Meeting with my colleagues regularly to discuss our courses and students’ progress has been a highlight of my [work] this semester. Students tell me that they, too, value the relationships they’ve developed with peers from different universities. Some hope to keep these relationships going even after the course is over.” 

Though adapting to different time zones and working styles can be a challenge, Johnson says that it was absolutely worth the effort for herself and her students. “In spite of the anxiety and frustration she felt at times, one student described how much fun she’s had and how proud she is of her group’s final project. Her advice to others? ‘Never be afraid to have too many cooks in the kitchen.’”

"Students tell me that they, too, value the relationships they’ve developed with peers from different universities. Some hope to keep these relationships going even after the course is over.” 

While bridging three courses across different time zones was admittedly difficult, Moore said that “students were able to learn effective communication skills and integrate their classroom learning into real-world conversations about food, nutrition and public health.” 

The results of global collaboration in the students’ learning were “made evident in their final project, a series of Public Service Announcements that could be distributed either in the United States or Egypt to address health disparities and provide education on topics related to our courses.”

AUC freshman Zeina Swiedan appreciated the diverse interactions. “I have been exposed to new cultures and ideas, and learned the importance of respecting other cultures that might not be in line with mine," she said, describing the experience as a fun challenge that she would repeat without hesitation if given the chance.

AUC course instructor Lobna Mourad shared similar sentiments: "This collaborative experience has been incredibly enriching for both myself and my students. I am confident that we all gained valuable knowledge and skills. Moreover, I am grateful for the opportunity to build lasting friendships with my AUC peers and professors from the United States. I look forward to participating in future global course connections. "

Reliving our proudest moments of 2024, we showcase the AUC community's achievements, innovative initiatives, commitment to excellence and significant influence on the world.

AUC received the single largest philanthropic gift in the institution’s history to support excellence in business education, interdisciplinary research and exchange programs with leading American universities. In appreciation and recognition of this transformative gift from the Sawiris family, the University will name its business school the Onsi Sawiris School of Business in perpetuity. 

The name honors the exceptional personal and professional legacy of the late Onsi Sawiris, a titan of business in the Middle East, founder of the Orascom Group and patriarch of the family.  “With this visionary gift, AUC’s business school will continue to be at the forefront of global business education in the Middle East,” said AUC President Ahmad Dallal. “The Onsi Sawiris School of Business is another legacy of Sawiris family philanthropy that has done so much to promote education and development in Egypt for decades. Thanks to their generous support, our students will have an unparalleled, globally relevant educational experience.”

 This gift is made possible through the generosity of the NNS Foundation, the Naguib Sawiris Charitable Fund, Naguib Samih Sawiris, the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development and Orascom Construction. It will provide funding for scholarships, research and a professorship in artificial intelligence/data science, combined with visiting faculty and student exchange programs with leading U.S. universities, including the University of Chicago. The gift has an estimated value of more than $30 million.

“The Onsi Sawiris School of Business is another legacy of Sawiris family philanthropy that has done so much to promote education and development in Egypt for decades. Thanks to their generous support, our students will have an unparalleled, globally relevant educational experience.”

 “By supporting AUC and exchange programs with top universities in the United States, we are bringing exceptional students together to benefit from intellectually rigorous and truly global programs,” said Nassef Sawiris, executive chair of OCI Global. “Preparing future business leaders at AUC with the skills to adapt and innovate is the best way to honor our father’s work ethic, values and commitment to advancing Egypt.”

 “Our parents instilled in us the value of education and opening doors that create opportunities for youth to excel,” said Naguib Sawiris, executive chairman of Orascom Investment Holding. “Graduates of AUC play a key role in our companies, and many of them are in leadership positions. This school will build the capacity of future generations for our businesses, our communities and our country.”

 “Preparing future business leaders at AUC with the skills to adapt and innovate is the best way to honor our father’s work ethic, values and commitment to advancing Egypt.”

“Onsi Sawiris’s legacy will remain a lasting inspiration for us to continue to invest in Egypt’s most valuable resource: its human capital,” said Naguib Samih Sawiris, chairman of Orascom Development Holding AG.

In 1947, AUC began offering its first economics courses. Today, the School of Business is the only triple-crown-accredited in the region, placing it in the top 1% of business schools in the world. 

“This gift is one of the many examples of impactful philanthropy from the Sawiris family. It reinforces AUC’s position as an institution that produces global-ready graduates with the career and life skills to make a positive difference in their communities and around the world.” 

“This is a landmark development in the school’s history, and we look forward to a new chapter where we continue to raise the bar as a destination for business education,” said Sherif Kamel '88, '90, '13, dean of the School of Business. “I am confident that this gift, the academic exchanges and collaboration with faculty of leading American universities will ensure the Onsi Sawiris School of Business is at the forefront of global business education and on par with the best in the world.”

“Graduates of AUC play a key role in our companies, and many of them are in leadership positions. This school will build the capacity of future generations for our businesses, our communities and our country.” 

 Chairman of the AUC’s Board of Trustees Mark Turnage (ALU '82) said, “This gift is one of the many examples of impactful philanthropy from the Sawiris family. It reinforces AUC’s position as an institution that produces global-ready graduates with the career and life skills to make a positive difference in their communities and around the world.” 

“This is a landmark development in the school’s history, and we look forward to a new chapter where we continue to raise the bar as a destination for business education,” 

 The Sawiris family is a long-time friend of AUC. The wife of Onsi Sawiris, Yousriya Loza Sawiris, is an honorary doctor of AUC and an alumna (MBA ’82), former member of the Egyptian Parliament, businesswoman and philanthropist. Over the years, the family has supported scholarships for students from Upper Egypt, students with disabilities, women’s empowerment and the renovation of AUC’s historic Tahrir Square campus.

At the forefront of the global conversation on the future of AI in higher ed, AUC engaged in discussions with a Microsoft leadership team on campus about “Shaping the Future with Responsibility.” News@AUC spoke with Amr ElMasry, education lead at Microsoft North Africa, to learn about advancing the future of higher ed with AI.

How can universities and students adopt AI responsibly?

• Instilling a strong understanding of ethical AI principles in their curricula
• Implementing guidelines that ensure fairness, privacy and accountability around AI usage
• Providing access to the right tools, platforms and resources. 
• Staying updated on the latest AI advancements and ethical implications

Universities can partner with technology leaders like Microsoft to help foster a responsible AI ecosystem that encourages innovation while also maintaining the highest standards of safety and security. 

What trends do you see shaping the future of AI in the next five years?

• Generative AI will revolutionize industries by enabling personalized learning experiences, creative problem-solving tools and advanced content generation. 
• AI-powered automation will streamline tasks, allowing educators and students to focus on higher-level thinking and creativity. 
• The integration of AI with real-time data analytics will enhance decision making across sectors, supporting adaptive learning systems in education.
• A growing emphasis on responsible AI practices, with regulatory frameworks and standards becoming more robust to ensure ethical and equitable AI adoption globally.
• The rise of Edge AI, where AI systems operate directly on devices such as smartphones and IoT devices, enabling offline applications and reducing latency. 
• AI democratization will continue to expand, as providers work with public and private institutions to lower barriers to entry, empowering students, startups and educators to create impactful AI solutions without needing extensive technical expertise.

How do you envision the role of AI evolving in the higher education sector?

• It will enhance personalized learning by offering tools that adapt to individual students’ learning paces and styles, providing tailored resources and feedback. AI-driven platforms will foster collaborative learning and the sharing of knowledge  by connecting students and researchers worldwide, breaking down geographical barriers. 
• AI will advance academic research by expediting data analysis, leading to breakthroughs in disciplines such as medicine, engineering, social sciences and more. 
• As AI becomes more integrated into curricula, universities will play a pivotal role in upskilling students with the technical and ethical expertise required to thrive in AI-driven industries. 

We will see [personalized learning] in the form of AI tutors that will encourage learning both inside and outside the classroom. Administrative tasks, such as grading, course scheduling and other workflows, will become increasingly streamlined through automation, enabling educators to dedicate more time to teaching, guidance and mentorship. 

It will enhance personalized learning by offering tools that adapt to individual students’ learning paces and styles, providing tailored resources and feedback. What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing a career in AI?

• Focus on building a strong foundation, staying curious and embracing practical experience.
• Take the time to develop proficiency in both mathematics and computer science, and start familiarizing yourselves with programming languages like Python and Java. 
• Staying informed about advancements in areas such as generative AI, ethical AI and emerging trends by engaging with research papers, conferences and online courses. 
• Gaining hands-on experience through internships and traineeships.
• Interdisciplinary learning, as combining AI knowledge with domains such as business, healthcare or environmental science can unlock innovative applications.
• Cultivating skills in communication, teamwork and critical thinking to collaborate effectively with diverse teams. 

With the right skills, mindset and opportunities, students can play a pivotal role in shaping AI’s future responsibly. Platforms like Microsoft Learn offer resources to help students build essential AI and machine learning skills. Another great resource is the Microsoft AI Skills Navigator, a comprehensive platform designed to provide learners with personalized AI education, offering an AI-powered assistant to guide users to the most suitable learning paths based on their goals, roles and skill levels. 

Addressing contemporary challenges ranging from community-based development to climate action, AUC faculty and students from various disciplines actively engaged in the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF 12), the premier global conference on sustainable urbanization organized by UN-Habitat. 

Returning to Africa after more than 20 years since its inception, the forum was held in Egypt for the first time and featured over 24,000 participants from 182 countries. These included representatives of national, regional and international governments; academics; business and community leaders; and civil society organizations. 

Advancing Architecture 

Faculty from AUC’s Department of Architecture spearheaded discussions on diverse topics and conducted hands-on training sessions. Basil Kamel, professor of architecture and urban theory,  and Sherif Goubran ‘14, assistant professor of sustainable design, collaborated with EU-based and regional institutions to deliver a training workshop helping homeowner associations prioritize, optimize and finance retrofits in existing buildings to ensure their resilience to climate uncertainties, emphasizing that retrofitting should not only consider the buildings but the urban space that creates a community as well. “Retrofitting has to be redefined to consider a humane experience that goes beyond the building, extending to a social and communal enhancement,” said Kamel.

"I was incredibly proud to see our students and alumni take the stage at WUF, the world's largest event of its kind. They are truly well-equipped to make a meaningful impact." 

Nabil Mohareb, associate professor of spatial analysis and design, conducted a training session for students from national and private universities in Egypt based on sustainable development goals implementation metrics, which map local priorities.

“WUF12 was an excellent opportunity to showcase and share AUC’s innovation as well as its regional and global leadership in questions of urbanity and cities,” said Mohareb. “At the event, AUC faculty and students emerged as thought leaders capable of mediating urban research, knowledge and action between the Global North and Global South.” 

As a panelist at the event, Mohareb discussed strategies for embedding climate action into the heart of urban planning, capitalizing on the University’s climate change initiative to integrate knowledge from COP27 into teaching, learning, and research. 

Marking the first time for the event to be held in Egypt, AUC is hosting the  2024 Digital Universities Arab World conference, which kicks off today. The event includes more than  300 industry leaders from over 24 countries spanning four continents, including 150 university representatives, along with industry partners, researchers and innovators from around the world. 

"Our vision is to foster critical discussions on the potential and challenges of digital transformation in higher education,in our region, and to bring these essential conversations to Egypt and North Africa."

Organized in partnership with Times Higher Education (THE) and the American University of the Middle East (AUM), the Innovation for Sustainable Digital Higher Education conference will run through September 18, addressing opportunities and challenges of digital transformation in higher education and exploring ethical considerations as well as issues of accessibility. 

“We are glad to co-organize and co-host this significant conference at AUC," said President Ahmad Dallal. "Our vision is to foster critical discussions on the potential and challenges of digital transformation in higher education in our region, and to bring these essential conversations to Egypt and North Africa." He added that AUC’s collaboration with Times Higher Education and the American University of the Middle East exemplifies the University’s dedication to creating impactful partnerships.

The event features over 60 speakers who will engage in in-depth discussions, share knowledge and analyze data-driven case studies on the impact of digital transformation, artificial intelligence and governance in higher education. Topics include how digital transformation can support universities in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the role of institutional leadership in driving digital transformation at universities, the optimum blended learning model to achieve the right balance of learning and accessibility for universities in the MENA region, student expectations from digital universities, the quality of online learning, development of student skills to ensure digital literacy, the potential of AI for higher education, academic integrity in the age of AI, the future of work in light of digital transformation, and the current and future status of online university course accreditation in the MENA region. 

“Digital Universities Arab World is about showcasing innovation in education and providing practical examples of digital transformation from across the region. It's been a pleasure to co-host with The American University in Cairo, a leader in driving change and empowering the next generation of learners.”

These conversations aim to develop strategies for digital transformation in higher education that are inclusive, responsive and impactful while considering local, regional and global contexts, Dallal emphasized. “The digital transformation initiatives we choose to implement must be shaped by the specific contexts of our region, which faces rising geopolitical, economic and environmental challenges to sustainable development, as well as significant disparities in income and resource access.”

Charlotte Coles, director of event partnerships and engagement at THE, expressed her excitement about collaborating with AUC. “Digital Universities Arab World is about showcasing innovation in education and providing practical examples of digital transformation from across the region. It's been a pleasure to co-host with The American University in Cairo, a leader in driving change and empowering the next generation of learners.”

“The digital transformation initiatives we choose to implement must be shaped by the specific contexts of our region, which faces rising geopolitical, economic and environmental challenges to sustainable development, as well as significant disparities in income and resource access.”

The conference attracts speakers and attendees from several universities and higher education institutions, including AUC, Ajman University, Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, King Saud University, The University of Jordan, NYU Abu Dhabi, the American University of Beirut, the American University of the Middle East, University of Exter, Abu Dhabi University, The American University of Sharjah,  Lebanese American University,  Danish School of Education and the Mohamed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Speakers also hail from prominent national, regional and international organizations, including Zewail City of Science, Technology and Innovation; Times Higher Education; Egypt's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research; the Association of Arab Universities;  the British Council; Macmillan Learning, Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation and others.