Under the patronage of Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, President of Alexandria University, the Popular and Military Defense Forces organized an educational lecture titled “Regional Challenges and Their Impact on National Security.” The lecture was delivered by Major General Staff Dr. Samir Abdel Ghani, Assistant Commander of the Popular and Military Defense Forces and Fellow of the Military Academy, at the Faculty of Business.

The event was attended by Dr. Ayman Shetaywi, Dean of the Faculty of Business; Colonel Mohamed Maher, Director of the Military Education Department at the university; along with a large number of faculty members, teaching assistants, and students.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Ayman Shetaywi welcomed the attendees, emphasizing that the seminar reflects Alexandria University’s commitment to fulfilling its national role in building students’ awareness of the challenges facing the Egyptian state. He pointed out that Egypt, with its regional weight and pivotal geographic location, is directly affected by the transformations occurring in the Middle East. He affirmed that the university will always remain a beacon of knowledge and enlightenment, noting that the New Republic places great value on building the Egyptian citizen and strengthening their role in the nation’s renaissance. He concluded by expressing appreciation for the sacrifices and heroism of the Egyptian Armed Forces in safeguarding the country.

For his part, Major General Samir Abdel Ghani presented a comprehensive overview of the key security threats facing Egypt both domestically and externally. He addressed the terrorism issue in Sinai, the repercussions of the Libyan crisis, the Russia–Ukraine war, and the Sudan conflict, in addition to targeted media campaigns aimed at destabilizing the country. He also discussed the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issue and the cultural challenges linked to national security. He stressed the importance of achieving sustainable development and social justice as essential tools to confront these challenges, noting that the Egyptian state works to maintain a balance between security and development. He affirmed that the Armed Forces serve as the nation’s protective shield and work alongside state institutions to enhance stability and safeguard Egypt’s interests. He urged young people to uphold national values and maintain a genuine awareness of their role in shaping the future of Egypt.

Colonel Mohamed Maher emphasized the department’s commitment to strengthening students’ awareness of national issues, noting that university youth represent the first line of defense for societal awareness. He added that understanding the nature of current challenges is key to protecting the nation from rumors and attempts to undermine confidence. He stressed that the ongoing cooperation between the university and the Armed Forces reflects a shared commitment to preparing a conscious generation capable of protecting the homeland and contributing effectively to its development.