English 
Professor Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, President of Alexandria University, witnessed the inauguration of the Civil Society Conference: Towards a Multidimensional Partnership in the New Republic, which is organized by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Solidarity, on Tuesday and Wednesday. The opening ceremony was attended H.E. Dr. Nevine El-Kabbaj, Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and Major General Mohamed El-Sherif, Governor of Alexandria, and it included an exhibition of NGO products from various governorates of the Republic.
In her speech, the Minister of Solidarity affirmed that His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is always keen to strengthen the capabilities of civil society, and has launched many initiatives that serve the Egyptian society. She added that the ministry is currently focusing on the issue of investing in the current and future generations during the era of globalisation, as well as investing in soft powers in Egypt and the contribution of civil society in promoting awareness.
She also indicated that civil society has always been effective in Egypt since ancient times, and is one of the most important elements of the state whether through presence, partnership, or integration between all parties. Dr. El-Kabbaj explained that the new law for civil society provided many advantages and rights. In addition, the partnership with civil society has become more mature and is based on independence, diversity, respect, and openness. She noted the importance of the conference, which represents a meeting of thought and awareness and stresses the importance of preserving the Egyptian heritage.
Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa pointed out that civil society institutions are considered of the most important elements of the new republic, pointing out that most of the handicrafts in the exhibition are the nucleus of major projects and startups, using locally manufactured industries and raw materials, and are also indicators of sustainable development that the Egyptian state is currently witnessing. Dr. Konsowa asserted that Alexandria University spares no effort in supporting all innovative students with ideas to manufacture a local product. He thanked the Minister of Social Solidarity for her efforts in supporting the struggling students, indicating that the ministry has paid more than 6 million pounds to support these students. Dr. Konsowa pointed out that there is cooperation between Alexandria University and the Ministry of Social Solidarity to support innovative students who are financially unable, to benefit from the joint academic degrees in cooperation with international universities, stressing that the financial inability of the outstanding and creative students will not be an obstacle stopping them from gaining the opportunity to obtain these joint degrees.
While Major General Mohamed Al-Sharif emphasized that civil society institutions are the link between the citizen and the executive officials of the state in communicating the problems of citizens. He indicated that there is an effective and successful partnership between civil society organisations and Alexandria Governorate, pointing out that civil society institutions are the backbone for any official and they are the link between the citizen and the official. He also stressed that all Alexandria Governorate agencies seek to activate the role of civil society organisations to participate in achieving Egypt’s Vision 2030, so we must all spread the culture of volunteering and work together to improve our society.
Dr. Ahmed Zayed stressed that the conference comes within the context of the “Egypt of Tomorrow” initiative, which he established after being appointed as director of the Alexandria Library, with the aim of shedding light on development efforts, the role of civil society in participation and development, and all efforts aimed at modernising Egyptian society in all aspects. He added that this conference comes as a continuation of a similar conference held in early November, in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Solidarity, and resulted in proposals and recommendations, including interest in partnership between the government and civil society on the one hand, and between civil society organizations themselves, and between them and international development agencies on the other hand.
