During his speech at the forum's opening, the Minister of Higher Education emphasizes:

• Student unions serve as platforms for leadership development and community engagement.
• Student activities are an essential part of the educational process and contribute to shaping future leaders.
• We are committed to empowering students and encouraging innovation and creativity for the benefit of their country.

        prof./ Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, affirmed that student unions play a vital role in developing young people’s skills and honing their leadership abilities. He pointed out that these unions are not merely organizational structures within universities but are active platforms that foster a sense of participation and social responsibility among students.

During his recorded speech at the opening of the Summit Forum for Student Union Leaders from Egyptian universities and institutes, the Minister stated that these unions serve as a means for students to express their views and demands. They also help develop leadership skills and reinforce values of cooperation and teamwork. He emphasized that student activities are a fundamental part of the educational process, as they contribute to shaping students' personalities and preparing them for the demands of the job market and the future.

prof./ Ayman Ashour highlighted that the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research prioritizes supporting student activities as part of the national strategy aimed at linking education with innovation and creativity. The goal is to empower young people to actively contribute to sustainable development. He concluded his speech with a motivational message to students, saying, "You are Egypt’s promising youth, the backbone of this nation. We stand by you every step of the way, supporting you in making the positive change we all aspire to."

This came during the launch of the Summit Forum for Student Union Leaders, hosted by the International Youth City in Sharm El-Sheikh under the auspices of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The event was organized with the participation of the Student Activities Sector and the Leadership Development Institute, in collaboration with the Young Leaders Foundation and the Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction and Substance Abuse.

The forum was held under the supervision and attendance of several key figures, including Dr. Karim Hammam, Advisor to the Minister for Student Activities and Director of the Leadership Development Institute, Dr. Amr Othman, Director of the Fund for Combating and Treating Addiction and Substance Abuse, MP Ahmed Fathy, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Young Leaders Foundation, along with Dr. Hossam El-Sherif and Dr. Mohamed Abdel Fattah, deputies of the Leadership Development Institute.

The forum commenced with a documentary film about the history of student unions in Egypt, followed by the inauguration ceremony of student union presidents and their deputies. Dr. Karim Hammam honored them in the presence of MP Ahmed Fathy. Additionally, student Hashem Ibrahim from Helwan University was recognized for winning the Best Project Award at the Media Makers Forum in Russia.

The event concluded with a panel discussion moderated by MP Ahmed Fathy, which explored the future of student activities in Egypt and the role of the Young Leaders Foundation in supporting them. The session also reviewed the key aspects of a new draft law for student unions, aimed at aligning with the requirements of the New Republic.