- Dr. El-Minshawy: corruption is a global challenge that hinders development and weakens trust in institutions

- President of Assiut University: simulating international issues enhances students ' critical thinking and decision-making skills

- President of Assiut University: young people are ambassadors of integrity and have a role in consolidating the values of justice and equality

Dr. Ahmed El-Minshawy, president of Assiut University, opened on Tuesday, March 25, the opening session of the first simulation of the conference of the states parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption for the academic year 2025. This comes within the framework of the University's ongoing efforts to enhance the participation of young people, raise their awareness of the importance of integrity and transparency in building societies, and their role in combating corruption.

The model is organized by the education and student affairs sector in cooperation with the Center for future studies, under the supervision of Dr. Ahmed Abdul Mawla, vice president of the University for education and Student Affairs, Dr. Jamal Badr, vice president for graduate studies and research and head of the Center for future studies, and Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Adawi, general supervisor of the model and director of the Center for future studies.

The model simulates the working mechanisms of the conference of the states parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption, where students consider the views of states on the novelties of this global issue. The participants were trained by an academic team that included Dr. Madiha Darwish, coordinator of student activities, Dr. Haitham Ibrahim, director of the Central Student Welfare Department, Dr. Abdul Karim Abu leifa, academic supervisor, Dr. Mohammed Nozhi, assistant academic supervisor, and student Mohammed Jameel, head of the model, with the participation of 125 students from the representatives of countries and members of the model.

Dr. Ahmed El-Minshawy, president of Assiut University, stressed that this model is a distinguished educational experience that enables students to understand major international issues, and enhances their awareness of the importance of integrity and transparency in building societies. He added that the university is keen to support activities that develop enlightened thinking, creativity, and the ability to make decisions, in line with the requirements of the Times.

The president of the University explained that corruption is not just a legal or economic issue, but it is a challenge that affects the lives of individuals and communities, hinders development, and weakens trust in institutions. He stressed that combating it requires community awareness, as young people must be ambassadors of integrity, contributing to the promotion of the values of justice and equality.

Dr. Mohamed Adawi pointed to the importance of global cooperation in the fight against corruption, explaining that corruption is an organized crime that requires the exchange of experiences and success experiences, preventing the existence of safe havens for corruption networks, recovering looted funds and investing them in development. 

The director of the Center for future studies also pointed to the role of the Egyptian state in strengthening international cooperation to combat corruption, and leading many efforts at the global and African levels. He also reviewed the efforts of Assiut University in this field, and highlighted its activities in cooperation with the administrative control authority, within the framework of completing the Egyptian state's March to spread awareness among young people. In conclusion, he thanked the management of the model for their tireless efforts that contributed to achieving this success.

Dr. Madiha Darwish praised the University's support for student activities, stressing that these models contribute to preparing students for the labor market, and develop their critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills.

Dr. Abdulkarim Abu leifa also explained that the model helps students to understand the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and apply its principles.

Mohammed Jameel, the head of the model, expressed his pride in launching this unique experience, stressing that it reflects the students ' deep awareness of the importance of integrity and transparency. Student Rana Mohamed, one of the representatives of the model countries, also gave a speech in English, in which she discussed the objectives of the Egyptian National Anti-Corruption Strategy and the role of the UN Convention in promoting international cooperation to achieve justice.

It is worth mentioning that an introductory video was shown explaining the steps of the model starting from March, including conducting personal interviews for the applicant students, who numbered about 350 students. The two-day introductory sessions, which dealt with the topics of anti-corruption and the conference of the states parties, were also presented.

This model represents a pivotal step in qualifying Assiut University students to be future leaders, able to face global challenges, interact with international issues, and consolidate the values of integrity and transparency in society.