November 7, 2025

Professor Ahmed El-Minshawy, President of Assiut University, participated in a panel discussion held as part of the 2025 International Conference on Physical Education and Sports Sciences, titled “Bridging Cultures to Build the Future”. The conference is organized by the General Syndicate of Sports Professions in collaboration with the World Physical Education Alliance (WPEA), and in strategic partnership with the Faculty of Sport Sciences at Assiut University and East China Normal University, continuing until 8 November.

The panel was chaired by Dr. Fathy Nada, President of the General Syndicate of Sports Professions, and featured contributions from Professor Lu Ji, President of the World Physical Education Alliance and former Dean of the Faculty of Sport and Health at East China Normal University; Sheikh Fahd bin Naif, President of both the Arab and Saudi Sitting Volleyball Federations; Professor Sobhi Hassanein, First Vice President of the Egyptian and Arab University Sports Federations; and Dr. Kamal Darwish, Advisor to the Minister of Youth and Sports and former President of Zamalek Sporting Club.

The discussion focused on the perspectives of academic and professional leaders regarding the role of educational and professional institutions in developing sports and education systems, and on leveraging conference outcomes to promote sports as a tool for human development and societal advancement.

During his address, Professor El-Minshawy expressed his appreciation to Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports, for their ongoing support in building bridges between academic and sports institutions. He also highlighted the fruitful collaboration between Assiut University and the Syndicate of Sports Professions, as well as the distinguished academic partnership with East China Normal University, which has enriched the conference and expanded opportunities for international cooperation.

Professor El-Minshawy also discussed Egypt’s National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research, outlining its seven guiding principles, particularly integration, communication, interdisciplinary studies, and international standards. He emphasized that Egypt’s higher education system is undergoing a qualitative transformation by introducing new pathways based on interdisciplinary sciences and knowledge integration, aligning with sustainable development goals and global labor market requirements. He noted that the conference exemplifies these principles through its scientific sessions and productive discussions.

The University President stressed the importance of applied research in developing both education and sports systems, as a means to translate knowledge into practical solutions that serve society and enhance human capacities. He also highlighted the conference as a pioneering model for integrating academic and professional expertise, providing an effective platform for exchanging experiences and cultures among specialists from various countries, and reaffirmed that sports sciences are fundamental to holistic human development; physically, mentally, and psychologically.

Professor Lu Ji spoke about the significant developments in sports in both China and Egypt, emphasizing the importance of scientific and research collaboration to advance the field.

Sheikh Fahd bin Naif highlighted that sports are not only a physical activity but also a comprehensive tool for developing intellect and psychological and spiritual capacities, noting that even acts of worship, such as prayer and Umrah, inherently incorporate sports and spiritual values that support human balance and well-being.

Professor Sobhi Hassanein stressed that the conference conveys a global message about the role of sports in improving and enhancing human performance across all areas of life.

Dr. Kamal Darwish reviewed the historical development of the Syndicate of Sports Professions, praising its collaboration with faculties of sports sciences, which has enhanced the quality of educational and professional processes in the sports field.

The session concluded with Dr. Fathy Nada affirming the richness of the discussions and the diversity of perspectives presented by academic and sports leaders, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of developing sports and education systems to serve development goals and human capacity building.