Egypt’s Minister of Planning participates in the appointment ceremony of Sir Magdy Yaqoub as the 1st honorary president of BUE.

H.E. Dr. Hala El-Said, Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development, participated on Saturday in the ceremony organized by the British University in Egypt (BUE) to appoint the Egyptian surgeon, Sir Magdy Yaqoub, as the first honorary president of the university.The ceremony witnessed the presence of Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Health and Population, Dr. Yasser Refaat, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Mustafa El-Feki, Member of the Board of Trustees of the British University in Egypt, Professor Jay Daly, Inaugural Provost of the British University in Egypt, Dr. Mohamed Lotfy, President and Vice-Chancellor of the British University in Egypt, Ms. Farida Khamis, President Board of Trustees of the British University in Cairo.During her speech, El-Said said that Sir Magdy Yaqoub represents the link between Egypt and the world, as he is a well-known symbol for millions of people around the world, in addition to his legacy, dedication, integrity, and mercy.El-Said referred to the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation in Aswan, which was established in 2008 in partnership with the late Dr. Ahmed Zewail, through which he (Sir Magdy Yaqoub) continues to sow hope for Egyptian patients.El-Said added that the Heart Center in Aswan was able to mobilize more than just financial donations, but it also succeeded in cultivating faith and trust among thousands, even millions of Egyptians, especially young people, who became aware of their individual and collective capabilities to improve their lives and make a positive impact.She further confirmed that the values ​​that Dr. Magdy Yaqoub supports and reflects in his continuous activity are more critical now than ever, following up that in light of the time when the world is facing the repercussions of a global pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and escalating environmental challenges, there is a need for cooperation in work to overcome those challenges, create opportunities, and generate hope.El-Said also praised the British University in Egypt for its outstanding contributions to Egyptian higher education, since its establishment in 2005, explaining that the university was able to achieve international quality standards in higher education and scientific research, as well as its belief in its social responsibility.    El-Said highlighted the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, explaining that the ministry pays special attention to working through a participatory approach in designing policies and programs, in cooperation with partners from the private sector, civil society, and the government sector.El-Said also referred to the National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development (NIGSD), which represents the training arm of the ministry, explaining that NIGSD has established partnerships with various national and international institutions as part of its efforts to develop the capabilities of the Egyptian civil service, especially for women and youth.El-Said pointed out the "Be an Ambassador" initiative launched by the Institute, which aims to raise awareness among young people about sustainable development goals, as well as the initiative's goal to encourage young people to think creatively about the opportunities and challenges facing the Egyptian government in achieving Egypt's vision. 2030.El-Said explained that the initiative was launched in October 2020, and so far, 2,300 young people have graduated from it. The initiative reflects the diversity of Egyptian society, as well as gender equality.  El-Said noted that NIGSD launched the “Green Minds” initiative to spread awareness and promote sustainable behavior to combat climate change among school students.She added that the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development receives trainees from BUE as part of the ministry's summer training program, noting that the ministry launched the "Youth for Development" initiative last academic year. El-Said explained that this initiative aims to raise awareness among young university students about the policies and programs that the Egyptian government is working on.In the same context, El-Said talked about the Mohamed Farid Khamis Award for Research, which was launched in 2021 in honor of the founder of the British University in Egypt, which represents an expression of the values ​​of the founder of that distinguished institution, following up that the award is an expression of belief in the importance of linking educational institutions, markets, and research.