As part of Zagazig University's pioneering role in spreading national awareness and enhancing a sense of belonging among students and the community, the Faculty of Specific Education organized a major educational symposium entitled "Challenges of National Security," in cooperation with the Sharqia Media Complex. The symposium took place on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the discussion hall of the new building. The event was held under the patronage of His Excellency Prof. Khaled El-Darandali, President of the University, and His Excellency Prof. Gihan Yousry, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, and under the supervision of His Excellency Prof. Hani Helmy, Dean of the Faculty, and His Excellency Prof. Ahmed Badie, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development, and was organized by the Exhibitions and Conferences Organization Unit, headed by Prof. Samah Abdel Fattah. Ahmed Badie, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development, opened the symposium with a speech in which he emphasized that national security represents the cornerstone of state stability. He pointed out that a sense of security transcends basic human needs, as sustainable development cannot be achieved in the absence of stability. He added, "Maintaining Egypt's security is a societal responsibility that requires raising awareness, as a conscious understanding of the reality of the challenges facing the nation is the first line of defense against them. From this standpoint, awareness-raising efforts must be intensified and a culture of belonging and citizenship must be promoted among all segments of society." For his part, Prof. Hani Helmy, Dean of the Faculty, emphasized that media and education constitute the cornerstone of protecting national security, as spreading awareness and countering rumors has become a national necessity. He pointed to the awareness initiative "Check Before You Believe," which aims to combat media misinformation, warning of the dangers of disseminating unreliable information. He also emphasized that "words are a responsibility, education is national security, food is national security, and health is national security," calling for concerted efforts to instill the values ​​of citizenship and protect the state's gains. In his speech, Major General Mohsen Saad Metwally, a military and strategic expert, reviewed the axes of Egyptian national security, stressing that "Egyptian national security is a red line that is not negotiable." He explained that Egypt possesses a deterrent military force, relying on the latest military technologies, including advanced electromagnetic defense systems to counter drones. He also pointed to the significant boom witnessed by the Egyptian military industries, particularly in equipment manufacturing, in addition to the diversification of armament sources to enhance the state's defense capabilities.
His Excellency pointed to the engineering equipment in Sinai as evidence of the Egyptian leadership's awareness of the importance of securing its borders, relying on hard power (the armed forces and police) and soft power (diplomacy and science) to confront unconventional wars.
He also explained that Egypt is making steady progress toward localizing military industries as part of a comprehensive plan to modernize the armed forces, which will enhance their combat capabilities and global standing. He added that developing the naval forces is a fundamental pillar in protecting water security and marine resources, while seeking to resolve the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam crisis through diplomatic channels. Regarding sources of national income, he emphasized that the state is working to diversify its sources through tourism, artificial intelligence, agriculture, exports, and Arab and African investment to achieve sustainable development. Regarding the reconstruction of Gaza, he referred to the comprehensive Arab plan launched by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, which extends until 2030, to enhance regional security and stability.
He concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the unity of the army and the people is the fundamental pillar of protecting national security. He praised the pioneering role of Egyptian women in raising generations and promoting national values, which contributes to building a new republic capable of facing challenges and moving toward the future.
It is worth noting that the symposium was attended by a group of academic leaders and media professionals, headed by His Excellency Prof. Dr. Ihab Atef, Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Fathi Mohamed Hassan, former Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dr. Salah Sharif, former Dean of the Faculty, and Prof. Dr. Safinaz Samir, Head of the Home Economics Department, along with Prof. Mohamed Abdel Rahman, Director General of the College, and media personality Mahmoud Nasrallah, representing Al-Qanah TV. The event also featured broad academic and student participation from faculty members, their assistants, and students. At the conclusion of the event, Prof. Samah Abdel Fattah, Director of the Exhibitions and Conferences Organization Unit, expressed her deep appreciation to all participants, commending the active role of the College's students in making the event a success. She also praised the valuable contributions that enriched the discussion, emphasizing that "national awareness is the most important weapon in facing challenges, and that Egypt will always remain resilient with its aware people and its valiant army."