November 19, 2025
The Faculty of Commerce at Assiut University organized an educational seminar titled “Tolerance: The Cornerstone of Nation-Building.” The event was held under the patronage of Professor Ahmed El-Minshawy, President of Assiut University, and supervised by Professor Mohamed Ahmed Adawy, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Professor Alaa Abdelhafiz, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce; and Dr. Amal El-Daly, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development. The seminar was delivered by Sheikh Mohamed Sayed Abdel-Aal, Senior Preacher at the Assiut Preaching District of the Islamic Research Academy.
The event was attended by Dr. Nesma Heshamt, Vice Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Research; Dr. Marwa Bakr, Head of the Department of Political Science and Coordinator of Student Activities; and Mr. Abdelkader Mahran, Faculty Secretary, along with a number of faculty members, administrative staff, and students.
Professor El-Minshawy emphasized that organizing the seminar reflects the university’s educational and social mission to promote awareness of citizenship values and acceptance of others through its cultural and educational activities. He stressed that nation-building begins with instilling positive values in young people, foremost among them tolerance—a core safeguard for societies striving for progress and prosperity.
For his part, Professor Adawy affirmed Assiut University’s commitment to raising awareness among its students and staff about coexistence and respect for diversity. He stressed that Egypt’s strength lies in the unity of its people, a unity that can only flourish in a society that embraces dialogue and welcomes differences of opinion without prejudice.
Professor Abdelhafiz underscored the faculty’s keen interest in organizing seminars that reinforce constructive values and help shape students into active contributors to their communities. He pointed out that tolerance must become a daily practice for students both inside and outside the university.
Similarly, Dr. El-Daly noted that this seminar is part of the faculty’s commitment to its societal role in promoting positive values among students, particularly tolerance and coexistence. She added that fostering these values supports social stability and represents an essential step in building an informed generation capable of contributing to national development. She also stated that the faculty will continue implementing diverse programs and activities aimed at raising student awareness and reinforcing principles that promote social harmony and balanced, enlightened character-building.
During his lecture, Sheikh Mohamed Sayed Abdel-Aal addressed the importance of cultivating a culture of dialogue and understanding. He emphasized that tolerance is a universal human and moral value upheld by all religions. He noted that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) represents a practical example of tolerance, and that neglecting this value opens the door to conflict and division. He added that tolerance is founded on respecting others’ right to differ and recognizing diversity as a source of cultural richness that supports development and strengthens peace, justice, and equality.
He concluded by calling for the expansion of educational, cultural, and media programs that instill tolerance in younger generations and enhance their ability to confront manifestations of extremism and intolerance.
