The Grand Celebration Hall at Cairo University hosted a seminar titled “Ideas, Policies, and Institutions,” featuring Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, Professor of Economics at the Faculty of Economics and Political Science, Cairo University, UN Special Envoy for Financing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and former Egyptian Minister of Investment. The event was attended by Dr. Mahmoud El-Said, Vice President of Cairo University for Graduate Studies and Research, a number of deans and vice-deans of faculties, Eng. Ahmed Tork, Secretary General of the University, alongside members of the Cairo University Alumni Association, faculty members, staff, and students.
The seminar was held under the patronage of Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdelsadek, President of the university, and Amre Moussa, Chairman of the Alumni Association, former Secretary-General of the Arab League, and former Foreign Minister of Egypt. The seminar was moderated by Dr. Heba Nassar, former Vice President of the university, Professor of Economics, and Vice Chairperson of the Alumni Association.
During his speech, Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdelsadek emphasized the importance of the Cairo University Alumni Association and its influential role in advancing the university’s priorities. He noted that the university’s vision relies on contributions from the association, highlighting the activities and events in which it actively participates. He stressed the importance of strengthening connections between faculty members, their assistants, and university alumni through the association.
He added that the university adopts constructive ideas and has a set of policies to achieve its vision. He mentioned that the university recently launched its Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which includes four pillars: developing education and knowledge production, promoting scientific research and innovation, raising societal awareness, and enhancing administrative capacities. He underlined the university’s commitment to keeping pace with global developments in artificial intelligence and adopting unified policies and guidelines for its applications within the university.
Dr. Mohieldin, for his part, highlighted that the seminar focused on recent scientific developments concerning the role of institutions in development and their potential to advance or hinder nations. He referred to Cairo University’s significant contributions to societal change, emphasizing its responsibility to prepare distinguished cadres and provide contributions not only at the local level but also internationally.
Dr. Mohieldin delved into various economic theories and schools of thought, discussing global developments and noting that economic ideas, unlike some scientific theories, do not disappear but are instead recalled and reused. He cited ongoing global conflicts and their impacts on the global economy as examples.
He elaborated on ideas, policies, and institutions at the national, regional, and international levels, which are of interest to decision-makers in various institutions. He noted that the World Bank has influenced many regional banks worldwide.
Dr. Mohieldin pointed out two types of institutions: inclusive institutions that protect property rights and lead to progress, and extractive institutions that promote crony capitalism and misuse resources, leading to the downfall of nations. He stressed that the success of institutions primarily depends on leadership and funding.
Dr. Heba Nassar reviewed the history of the Cairo University Alumni Association and its various activities. She also emphasized the importance of the seminar’s topic, highlighting the significant role of ideas, policies, and institutions in achieving development goals.
In his remarks, Amre Moussa, Chairman of the Cairo University Alumni Association, praised the seminar’s topic, emphasizing the need for in-depth research on ideas and institutions. He lauded the extensive expertise and acknowledged the outstanding competence of Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin at both national and international levels.
