Wednesday - 14 May 2025
President of Matrouh University: We are working to instill values of loyalty and belonging and to enhance national awareness among students. Commander of the Popular Defense Forces: Calls on youth to arm themselves with knowledge and embrace responsibility. Dr. Mostafa Youssef Al-Naggar, President of Matrouh University; Major General Staff Khaled Shuaib, Governor of Matrouh; and Major General Staff Dr. Osama Abdel Hamid Dawoud, Commander of the Popular and Military Defense Forces, attended the 87th educational seminar organized by the Popular and Military Defense Forces in cooperation with Matrouh University. The seminar was attended by Dr. Islam Ragab, Deputy Governor; Major General Magdy El-Wasef, Secretary General; Dr. Mahmoud Abbas, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs; Dr. Amr El-Masry, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Research; deans and vice-deans of faculties; military leaders; executive, security, and public officials of the governorate; faculty members; families of martyrs; and university students. This comes within the framework of the Armed Forces’ commitment to fostering a sense of loyalty and belonging among the youth of Egyptian universities and institutes. Dr. Al-Naggar began his speech by welcoming the attendees and saluting the Egyptian Armed Forces—the shield and sword of the nation—for their great efforts in protecting the state’s resources and achieving comprehensive development in various fields. He emphasized that the role of the university is not limited to academic education but also extends to shaping student character, instilling values of loyalty and belonging, and enhancing national awareness to face challenges. The university president praised the prominent role of the Popular and Military Defense Forces in raising awareness among university students and appreciated the ongoing cooperation between the university and the Armed Forces in organizing such events, which serve as one of the state’s tools to combat rumors and fourth-generation warfare. In his speech, Governor Khaled Shuaib expressed his pleasure at being present at Matrouh University and welcomed military, executive, and academic leaders. He praised the university’s efforts to instill national awareness among youth, foster a sense of belonging, and strengthen loyalty to the homeland. He also valued the role of the Popular and Military Defense Forces in organizing these educational seminars that aim to raise awareness and highlight the importance of synergy among state institutions to build generations capable of understanding and confronting challenges. In his address, Major General Staff Osama Abdel Hamid Dawoud affirmed that the Armed Forces spare no effort in supporting the state’s efforts to establish the principles of belonging and awareness among university youth. He noted that Egypt’s current stability and development in various fields is the result of the visionary political leadership and the dedication of state institutions, foremost among them the Armed Forces. He stressed that Egypt is engaged in a battle of awareness alongside its battle for development and construction, urging youth to arm themselves with knowledge, uphold responsibility, and positively engage in national service. He emphasized that university students are the hope and foundation of building the New Republic. Retired Major General Dr. Hafez Mahmoud Hassan, former Assistant Chief of Staff for Armed Forces Operations, delivered a lecture titled: “Confronting Misguided and Extremist Ideas and Fourth-Generation Warfare,” in which he addressed the intellectual and cultural challenges facing youth and the dangers of rumors spread via social media that impact national awareness. He emphasized the importance of being equipped with awareness and knowledge to understand the changes around us. He also highlighted the state’s efforts in implementing major national projects that form a real foundation for building the nation’s future, noting that Egypt has overcome many challenges thanks to the solidarity of its institutions and the awareness of its people. The seminar also included honoring a number of families of martyrs who sacrificed their lives and pure blood