Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdel Sadek, President of Cairo University, recently attended the 2026 Japan-Africa Universities Exchange Meeting in Kyoto, Japan. The meeting, hosted by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), brought together leaders from 19 Japanese and 14 African universities. The goal was to enhance academic and research cooperation, exchange experiences, and establish sustainable scientific partnerships to address global challenges. Dr. Abdel Sadek proposed creating a joint Japan-Africa research network, which was endorsed by the participating university leaders.
The meeting, themed "Co-Producing Knowledge for a Sustainable Future: Deepening Partnerships between Japanese and African Universities," featured prominent Japanese universities, including Kyoto, Tokyo, and Tohoku. African institutions, such as Cairo University and the Egyptian-Japanese University for Science and Technology, also participated. The proposed research network aims to develop scientific cooperation and translate it into joint research projects with tangible results. This initiative seeks to address challenges related to health, climate, energy, food security, and sustainable development.
Dr. Abdel Sadek emphasized the importance of transitioning from traditional cooperation, based on signed agreements and exchange visits, to effective institutional partnerships. These partnerships would bring together universities, research institutions, industry, and production sectors, converting scientific ideas into practical applications. He highlighted the need to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and provide opportunities for young researchers to participate in international research projects.
The proposed research network will initially focus on three main areas: artificial intelligence, healthcare, and sustainable development. Participating universities will contribute their scientific expertise, researchers, and research facilities, enabling joint research teams, exchange visits, and co-supervision of graduate students. This collaboration aims to integrate participating institutions, leveraging their scientific and technological capabilities.
The endorsement of Dr. Abdel Sadek's proposal in the meeting's closing statement reflects the shared interest of Japanese and African university leaders in developing effective mechanisms for scientific cooperation. Cairo University is prepared to actively participate in this initiative, utilizing its research expertise and capabilities to support joint projects addressing health, climate, energy, and sustainable development challenges.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Dr. Abdel Sadek held bilateral meetings with several participating university leaders to explore ways to enhance academic and research cooperation. Discussions included establishing joint academic programs, organizing summer and winter schools, and activating student and faculty exchange programs. These efforts aim to broaden experience exchange and leverage the scientific and research capabilities of participating universities.
Dr. Abdel Sadek stressed that the success of international partnerships should not be measured solely by the number of signed agreements or exchange visits. Rather, it is crucial to focus on tangible outcomes in education and research, preparing new generations of researchers, and translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions serving societies. He emphasized that the future of Japan-Africa university cooperation should extend beyond knowledge exchange to co-producing knowledge.
Key points
- Cairo University President proposes a Japan-Africa research network focusing on artificial intelligence and health.
- The proposed network aims to develop scientific cooperation and translate it into joint research projects with tangible results.
- The initiative seeks to address challenges related to health, climate, energy, food security, and sustainable development.
