The activities of the Eighth International Conference of the College of Applied Arts launched under the title "Applied Arts and Future Challenges." Professor Dr.  Hemdan Rabie El-Metwally, President of the University, and Professor Dr. Ayman El-Shehabi, Governor of Damietta, witnessed the launching of the 8th International Conference of the Faculty of Applied Arts at Damietta University, held on April 29th and 30th, under the title: "Applied Arts and Future Challenges", at the "STEIGENBERGER" Hotel in Ras El-Barr City, with wide participation from Arab and foreign countries . The opening session was attended by a number of academic and official figures, including Professor Dr. Mohamad Abdo Amasha, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs; Professor Dr. Mohamad Abdel Hamed Shehab, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research; Professor Dr. Ghada El-Sayad, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Arts; and deans and vice deans of faculties. This conference is a scientific and cultural platform bringing together representatives of academic institutions and researchers from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, France, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Germany, and Palestine, along with representatives of sponsoring bodies, including DNM, Mobco, the Syndicate of Applied Arts Designers, the Arab Knowledge Management Foundation, and the Arab Society for Islamic Civilization and Arts. In her speech, Professor Dr. Ghada Al-Sayad, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Arts, emphasized that the conference comes within the framework of responding to contemporary changes and environmental, cultural, and technological challenges, noting that applied arts have become a key pillar in the system of sustainable development and the creative economy.

The conference addressed several key themes, most notably:

Technology and Environmental Sciences.

Design and Visual Communication in the Digital Age.

Contemporary Art Issues and Art History.

Art Therapy.

Applied Arts and Climate Change.

The conference aims to:

* Open direct channels of cooperation between art institutions, educational, cultural, and industrial bodies, and between design and production units.

* Improve scientific cooperation between the fields of design and technology, both theoretically and practically, to achieve global quality standards.

* Activate the role of applied arts in treating physical and psychological illnesses and mitigating climate change.

Professor Dr. Mohamad Abdo Amasha, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs, delivered a speech in which he welcomed all participants in this distinguished scientific event. He expressed his hope that the conference sessions would yield constructive results that would contribute to the advancement of applied arts at the local and international levels, and that the conference would be a fruitful platform for the exchange of expertise and experiences between academics and professionals. In his speech, Professor Dr. Hemdan Rabie El-Metwally, President of the University, welcomed the distinguished guests, academic figures, and representatives of local and international institutions. He expressed his pride in holding the 8th International Conference of the College of Applied Arts, which comes at a crucial time in light of the rapid changes taking place at the environmental, cultural, and technological levels. He also  pointed out that the conference reflects the university's commitment to its role in linking scientific research with societal issues, and enhancing the contribution of applied arts to achieving sustainable development and the creative economy, by proposing innovative solutions to address contemporary challenges. Professor Dr. Hemdan Rabie also commended the continued support provided by Professor Dr. Ayman El-Shehaby, Governor of Damietta, to the university and its various activities, commending his fruitful cooperation, which reflects a true belief in the importance of higher education and scientific research in supporting the governorate's comprehensive development process. The university president emphasized the importance of integration between educational, industrial, and cultural institutions, which contributes to the development of cadres capable of innovation and competitiveness in a knowledge economy. In concluding his speech, the university president thanked all those involved in organizing the conference and its supporting entities, expressing his hope that its proceedings would yield constructive recommendations that would meet future aspirations and support the education and innovation ecosystem. For his part, Professor Dr. Ayman El-Shehaby, Governor of Damietta, expressed his happiness at participating in the conference, noting that this event represents an ideal opportunity to enhance communication and exchange expertise between various institutions. It also supports efforts to develop the education system and raise its quality to keep pace with international standards, especially in light of rapid technological transformations. He also praised Damietta University's role in linking educational outcomes to the needs of the labor market and fostering a spirit of creativity among students.

The opening session featured speeches by several representatives of participating entities, including:

Dr. Helmy El-Shanwany, Head of the Applied Arts Designers Syndicate.

Eng.  Osama Abboud, representing Mobco.

Professor Dr. Tharwat Tash, representing DNM.

Professor Dr. Mohamad Zeinhom, President of the Arab Society for Islamic Civilization and Arts.

Professor Dr. Maha Halaby, representative of the Arab Knowledge Management Foundation.

Professor Dr. Ryan Abdullah, Founding Dean of the Faculty of Design at the German University in Cairo.

A documentary film about the College of Applied Arts was also shown, reviewing its academic career and achievements over the years.

The opening activities concluded with the opening of the conference's accompanying art exhibition, which featured innovative works that embody the conference's themes and future directions.