Dr. Amr Ezzat Salama Honored with the Inspiring Leader of the Year Award by the Afro-Asian Union (AFASU)

Dr. Amr Ezzat Salama, Secretary General of the Association of Arab Universities, received the "Inspiring Leader of the Year" award from the African-Asian Union (AFASU) headed by Dr. Hossam Darwish, in recognition of his distinguished contributions in the fields of higher education, scientific research, technology, tourism, health, culture and sustainable development. The honoring ceremony was attended by a group of prominent figures, including academics, university presidents, deans of faculties, current and former ministers, under the patronage of Counselor Khaled Fouda, Advisor to the President of the Republic for Development and Heritage and Honorary President of the Federation, and in the presence of Dr. Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din, Advisor to the President of the Republic for Health Affairs, in addition to media figures, writers and journalists.
In his speech during the ceremony, Dr. Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din praised Dr. Amr Ezzat Salama, describing him as a prominent academic figure who deserves this award, in light of his extensive scientific and research contributions. He pointed out that Dr. Salama holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, UK, and has held several leadership positions in higher education institutions in Egypt and the Arab world, including the position of Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Egypt, where he contributed to developing educational policies and promoting scientific research in Egyptian universities.

For his part, Dr. Hossam Darwish, President of the AFASU, explained that the "Inspiring Leader of the Year" award is one of the AFASU Golden Awards, which is given to inspiring leaders who leave a positive impact on their communities. He stressed that the award aims to highlight personalities who have an exceptional vision and the ability to motivate others and push them towards innovation and success, while adhering to human values and a responsible approach.
Major General Hossam Badr El-Din, Secretary-General of the Union, pointed out that the process of selecting the award winner is carried out by an international jury comprising 43 experts in the fields of education, sustainable development, culture, leadership, technology, tourism and scientific research. He explained that the committee relies on precise and transparent criteria to ensure integrity and impartiality, as five names are nominated, followed by comprehensive discussions and evaluations before the final vote is conducted.

The ceremony included congratulatory speeches from a number of prominent figures, including former ministers: Dr. Tarek Shawky, Dr. Ahmed Zaki Badr, and Dr. Ahmed Gamal El-Din Moussa, in addition to university presidents: Dr. Tarek Lotfy, President of the British University, Dr. Obada Sarhan, President of the Future University, and Dr. Moawad El-Kholi, Founding President of Mansoura Private University. All speakers praised Dr. Salama’s record of achievements, and his efforts to enhance academic cooperation between Arab universities, establish joint educational programs, and organize international scientific conferences.

In a touching speech, Major General Dr. Ahmed Abdullah, former Governor of the Red Sea, expressed his happiness to attend this event, saying: “I am honored today to participate in this ceremony organized by the African-Asian Union AFASU to honor a beloved academic and humanitarian figure, Dr. Amr Ezzat Salama, in whom we have witnessed the spirit of love for the homeland, science, education, scientific research, and dedication to serving the Arab community.” At the end of the ceremony, Dr. Amr Ezzat Salama received the award shield, expressing his deep thanks to the African Asian Union AFASU for this honor, and stressing that this award is an incentive for him to continue his diligent work in serving science and the Arab and international community.