Zewail Calls for Optimism in a Better Future for Egypt
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Alexandria—The BA hosted on Wednesday 29 July 2009 a seminar by eminent Egyptian Scientist Ahmed Zewail, entitled “A Journey to the Future”. The Seminar was attended by several public figures including Dr. Hani Helal, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Fayza Abu El-Naga, Minister of International Cooperation; and General Adel Labib, Governor of Alexandria. In addition, a couple of thousands of people from all age groups and backgrounds were present in the fully equipped BACC Great Hall and Small Theater, not counting the other couple of thousands who found no empty seats to attend.
Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Library of Alexandria welcomed the great scientist in the BA, “which in the past was a bastion for scholars and now aspires to recapture the spirit of the original ancient Library of Alexandria”. He added that Zewail was a member of the first BA Board of Trustees, and contributed in adopting its regulations and formulating its future strategies. Serageldin also pointed out that Zewail is a source of pride to all Egyptians, for he transcended the limits of time, and went as far as the femtoseconds, the smallest known length of time that is equal to one quadrillionth of a second.
Dr. Hassan Nadir Khairallah, President of Alexandria University, gave a speech in which he traced the journey of Dr. Zowail from the Faculty of Science, Alexandria University to the Nobel Prize. Together with Dr. Hend Hanafy, the incoming President of Alexandria University, he awarded Zewail the Shield of Alexandria University in recognition of his achievements in science. Wassim Mohie El-Din, Chairman of Egyptian Hotels Association, also gave a short address about the importance of scientific research, followed by another by Ahmed Allam, student at the Faculty of Science, who spoke about the role of youth in the progress of their country.
Zewail began his talk by expressing his delight to be present at the BA and Alexandria, which he left to the USA in 1969, 40 years ago.
He said that he is proud to be born and primarily educated in Damanhour, and then in the University of Alexandria. Zewail then talked about the bureaucracy, which he encountered to travel to the USA, as well as the challenges, which he faced in the US at the beginning of his journey, including cultural differences and his poor command of the English language at the time. He asserted that the road to success is not at all easy.
Zewail stressed on the importance of primary education that should address children’s intellect and be apt to the age. He maintained that education should not be based solely on memorization, and highlighted the role of family in the educational process, especially at a time of what he called “electronic invasion”, and in providing a suitable atmosphere for inspiration and creativity.
By quoting success stories from other developing countries, namely India in technology, China in Education, and South Korea in economy, Zewail called for optimism in a better future. He concluded that resources and money come and go, what really lasts and makes a difference is human resources.
Click here to view the compete lecture through the BA Webcast.