Professor Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, President of Alexandria University, witnessed the opening ceremony of the 20th Conference of the International Association for the Study of Traditional Environments (IASTE) 2025 on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

The conference is held in cooperation between Alexandria University, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and the International Association for the Study of Traditional Environments (IASTE). The four-day conference will be held at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina; Engineer Ahmed Attia, Governor of Qalyubeya, Dr. Mark Gillam, President of IASTE, Dr. Walid Abdelazim, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Alexandria University, Dr. Wael El-Meghlani, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Mohamed Hanafi, the local conference chairman, Dr. Ziad El-Sayyad, Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture and member of the conference organizing committee, Mr. Ibrahim Abdelmeguid, the Alexandrian writer and author of the Alexandria Trilogy, and a group of representatives from the Ministries of Environment, Housing, Tourism and Antiquities, and Culture, as well as researchers from around the world.

In his speech, Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa welcomed the conference guests, emphasizing that the ancient city of Alexandria, a city of science, culture, and civilization, is the ideal venue for the 20th International Conference of the International Organization for the Study of Traditional Environments. This conference will discuss traditional environments and the interrelationship between society and urbanization, as evidenced by the city's heritage and historical buildings, which tell stories of the city's greatness and antiquity, stretching back over time. Dr. Konsowa expressed his pride that Alexandria University is participating in this conference, noting that the conference began in 1989 and discusses a number of diverse issues related to the relationship between society and urbanization. He also highlighted the role of Alexandria University in developing the city in cooperation with the Alexandria Governorate through projects such as rainwater management, coastal protection, heritage preservation, and consulting for the industrial sector. Dr. Konsowa invited researchers from all around the world to participate in the scientific activities and dialogues taking place at the conference, especially since the conference is attended by a select group of researchers from diverse backgrounds from around the world.

Dr. Ahmed Zayed emphasized that the conference is a distinguished academic and cultural platform that brings together researchers and practitioners from around the world to discuss the interaction between local traditions and global identities in architectural, urban, and social contexts. He noted that the conference will discuss more than 145 research papers and it will include more than 30 sessions and keynote lectures by international experts. The conference will also include excursions in Alexandria and cultural events that highlight the city's heritage and diversity.

Dr. Walid Abdelazim gave a presentation on the Faculty of Engineering at Alexandria University, its origins, programs, laboratories, and departments, as well as the joint international agreements the faculty has concluded with similar international colleges. He also reviewed the projects the faculty is implementing in cooperation with the Alexandria Governorate.

Dr. Mark Gillam expressed his happiness to be in Alexandria, a city steeped in ancient heritage. Dr. Gillam praised the scope of successful projects in Alexandria and emphasized the need to increase sidewalk areas to facilitate greater communication between people.