A high-level delegation from Ulm, Germany, led by Mayor Martin Ansbach, recently visited Egypt to reinforce the city's long-standing relationship with the country. The visit, which took place in September 2026, marked a significant milestone in the history of cooperation between Ulm and Egyptian institutions, particularly the German University in Cairo (GUC) and the German International University in Cairo (GIU). This relationship, spanning over three decades, is built on a foundation of academic, cultural, and institutional ties.
The visit was a testament to the strong bond between Ulm and Dr. Ashraf Mansour, founder and chairman of the GUC and GIU. Dr. Mansour's connection to Ulm dates back to his time as a researcher and scholar in the city, where he developed his vision for establishing a German-style university in Egypt. This vision eventually materialized with the establishment of the GUC, followed by the GIU, and later, the German International University in Berlin.
During their visit, the Ulm delegation toured various educational, research, and industrial projects at the GIU and GUC, including the Technology Corridor, Industrial Complex, Solar Energy City, German International School, and the Sieger Center for Talent Care. These projects demonstrate the scope of cooperation between Ulm and Egyptian institutions in fields such as applied education, scientific research, innovation, and renewable energy.
A key highlight of the visit was the unveiling of the "Ulm Sparrow" statue, a symbol of the city, at the GUC campus. The statue, gifted by Ulm University to the GUC during its 20th-anniversary celebrations, represents the city's rich heritage and identity. The legend behind the statue tells the story of the city's residents attempting to maneuver a massive wooden beam into the city's cathedral, only to succeed when they turned it sideways.
The visit also featured a musical performance that brought together young musicians from Cairo and Ulm. The Egyptian-German concert, held at the GUC, showcased the depth of cultural cooperation between Egypt and Germany, with the orchestra from the GUC and GIU performing alongside the Junge Bläserphilharmonie Ulm from Germany. This event demonstrated the power of music and arts in bridging cultural divides.
Mayor Martin Ansbach's visit has opened a new chapter in the relationship between Ulm and Egyptian institutions, with a focus on future cooperation in education, research, and innovation. The visit underscores the mutual interest in strengthening ties between the two countries, with a particular emphasis on applied education, scientific research, and cultural exchange.
The enduring partnership between Ulm and Egyptian institutions serves as a model for international cooperation in education and culture. As both sides look to the future, their collaboration is poised to yield new projects and initiatives that will further solidify the bond between Germany and Egypt.
Key points
- Strengthening educational and cultural ties between Egypt and Germany
- Ulm city's historical connection to Dr. Ashraf Mansour and Egyptian institutions
- Collaborative projects in applied education, research, and innovation
