November 5, 2025

Key messages from the seminar:

• Responsible and informed media is the first line of defense in times of crisis.
• Credibility and professional responsibility are essential to effective crisis communication.
• Speed in reporting must never come at the expense of accuracy and truth.
• Preparing media professionals who are well-versed in ethical standards is a pressing necessity.
• Balancing freedom of expression with the protection of social security is a national requirement in the age of social media.
• The media is not merely a transmitter of events. It is a producer of public consciousness.
• Verifying sources is vital in an era defined by digital speed.

As part of Assiut University’s commitment to strengthening community awareness regarding the role of media in crisis management, the Faculty of Science organized an educational seminar titled “The Role of Media in Raising Awareness and Documenting Events During Crises.” The event was held under the patronage of Professor Ahmed El-Minshawy, President of Assiut University, and supervised by Professor Mahmoud Abdel-Aleem, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Professor Aboubakr El-Tayeb, Dean of the Faculty of Science; and Professor Essam Fadl, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development. The seminar featured the participation of Professor Rehab El-Dakhaly, Head of the Department of Media at the Faculty of Arts and Media Advisor to the University President.

Professor El-Minshawy emphasized that the media today holds significant power in shaping public awareness and guiding public opinion. Its role, he noted, has expanded beyond conveying news to becoming an essential tool in crisis management and in safeguarding social stability.

He added that responsible handling of information has become indispensable in the digital age, requiring well-trained media professionals capable of verifying sources and analyzing events objectively. He affirmed that the university, through such seminars, aims to strengthen professional awareness and counter misinformation by promoting a culture of accuracy and responsibility.

In his remarks, Professor El-Tayeb welcomed participants and stressed the Faculty of Science’s commitment to organizing awareness activities that contribute to building an informed student community. He noted that the media has become a central instrument in crisis management and in combating rumors, and highlighted the faculty’s dedication to preparing graduates capable of analyzing events and responding to challenges with insight and awareness.

Professor Fadl expressed his appreciation for the seminar, describing it as a practical model for the role media should play in supporting societal stability during crises through disseminating accurate information and strengthening trust between citizens and state institutions.

Professor El-Dakhaly delivered the seminar’s main lecture, expressing her pleasure in participating and commending the Faculty of Science for its continued support of intellectual and awareness-building activities that enhance the university’s role in serving the community.

In her presentation, Professor El-Dakhaly addressed several key themes, highlighting the media’s central role in crisis management, awareness-building, and shaping public opinion. She explained that a crisis is a sudden situation that threatens societal stability, and that managing it requires effective communication grounded in verification and accurate dissemination of information.

She noted that during crises, the media fulfills three essential functions: raising awareness through reliable information and combating rumors; guiding public behavior towards responsible action; and documenting events as the living memory of society.

Using COVID-19 as a clear example of crisis communication, she warned against the risks of uncontrolled publishing on social media and stressed that journalistic exclusivity must never override credibility. Verifying sources, she emphasized, is both a professional and ethical obligation.

Professor El-Dakhaly also highlighted the need to prepare media practitioners who can respond to crises with professionalism and awareness, calling for adherence to media ethics and for balancing freedom of expression with the protection of community security.

She concluded by reaffirming that informed and responsible media is the first line of defense in times of crisis, and that truthful words and reliable information are key to maintaining stability and preventing disorder.

The seminar witnessed strong engagement from attendees, who expressed appreciation for the seminar’s rich content and praised the organization of such events aimed at strengthening community and media literacy.

November 12, 2025

Professor Ahmed El-Minshawy, President of Assiut University, affirmed the importance of developing students’ leadership and critical thinking skills through simulation models that prepare them to confront global challenges and contribute positively to their communities. His remarks came during the opening of the Tenth Annual European Union Simulation Model, held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, under the title “Europe at the Crossroads of Innovation and Digital Sovereignty: Artificial Intelligence between Governance, Security, and Economy.”

The event was organized by the Faculty of Commerce under the supervision of Professor Mohamed Ahmed Adawy, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs and General Supervisor of the Model, and Dr. Marwa Bakr, Coordinator of Student Activities. The simulation was held in the presence of Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Egypt.

Also attending were Professor Alaa Abdel-Hafiz, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce; Dr. Ahmed El-Shouri, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Coordinator of the PPIS Program; academic supervisors Dr. Ehsan Mohamed and Mr. Mahmoud Othman; in addition to faculty members, representatives of the EU Delegation in Cairo, and the participating students.

Professor El-Minshawy emphasized that such simulation models serve as powerful tools to engage youth in decision-making processes and to harness their creative energy in addressing complex global issues. He noted that this year’s model brought together 100 students representing 27 EU member states, who discussed key technological and economic issues, including the evolution of trade relations with the United States in the fields of steel and technology, and the role of artificial intelligence in supporting Europe’s collective security, border protection, infrastructure resilience, and democratic values.

The sessions also explored how EU member states could benefit equitably from digital and economic transformations, as well as the European Council’s future directions in digital diplomacy, particularly in its relations with Latin America and Asia, to foster a human-centered global digital order. Participants further examined mechanisms for engaging with China amid economic and technological competition, and ways to strengthen cooperation among the Council, the Commission, and the European Parliament to ensure the effective implementation of the AI Act. The students concluded with their own visions for the future of Europe in light of accelerating technological and geopolitical changes.

In his remarks, Professor Mohamed Adawy highlighted that the EU Simulation Model reflects the strategic partnership between Egypt and the European Union, noting the shared commitment of both sides to key issues such as peace, security, and the Palestinian cause. He praised the students’ exceptional performance, their deep understanding of global issues, and their ability to engage in ethical discussions surrounding AI applications and the role of technology in advancing sustainable development. He also expressed appreciation to the organizing team for their continued efforts and the success of the model over ten consecutive seasons.

Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst expressed her delight at the students’ outstanding performance during the sessions, commending their adherence to diplomatic protocols, the precision of their session organization, and the remarkable harmony among the country representatives. She further praised the students’ ability to conduct discussions in multiple EU languages, English, Spanish, French, and German, which, she noted, reflects the depth of partnership between Egypt and the European Union. Ambassador Eichhorst described the Assiut University EU Simulation Model as a unique and distinguished experience among Egyptian universities, expressing her gratitude to the faculty supervisors and students for their excellent organization and execution.

Professor Alaa Abdel-Hafiz expressed his pride in the students’ professionalism and their deep awareness in representing EU member states, emphasizing that their success embodies the strong and historic ties between Egypt and Europe.

Dr. Marwa Bakr also noted the university’s ongoing commitment to empowering students through extracurricular activities that enhance their personal and leadership skills. She thanked the university administration, the faculty, and the organizing team for their efforts and revealed plans for upcoming collaborative activities with the EU Delegation in Egypt in the near future.

November 12, 2025

Professor Ahmed El-Minshawy, President of Assiut University, extended his congratulations today, Wednesday, November 12, to Professor Mohamed Ahmed Adawy on the occasion of the presidential decree issued by His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi appointing him as Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs.

During the meeting, Professor El-Minshawy expressed his great pleasure with this appointment, which reflects the confidence of the political leadership in the distinguished scholars and academic leaders of Assiut University. He extended his gratitude to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and to Professor Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, for their continued support of Assiut University as a driving force for development in Upper Egypt and an active partner in achieving the nation’s ambitious strategic goals.

Professor El-Minshawy emphasized that the Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs Sector represents one of the university’s most vital and fundamental sectors, serving as a key link for communication and direct engagement between the university and its surrounding community. He praised its essential role in identifying real societal challenges, integrating academic and research efforts with community needs, and contributing to the realization of comprehensive development and Egypt’s Vision 2030.

The University President further stressed the importance of collective efforts and building on the achievements already realized by the university, reaffirming his commitment to removing any obstacles facing the sector and supporting its initiatives aimed at developing innovative solutions to environmental and societal challenges. Such efforts, he noted, reinforce the university’s position as a leading institution in community and environmental engagement.

For his part, Professor Adawy expressed his deep pride and gratitude for the trust placed in him by the national leadership and the university administration, affirming his full dedication to implementing the university’s strategic vision and directives. He emphasized his commitment to enhancing the services provided to the community, strengthening the sector’s role in fostering active social participation at both the local and regional levels, and advancing community development efforts to drive progress and excellence.