BA International Award Ceremony to Take Place Next Sunday
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Under the patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina will hold its International Award ceremony at 5:30 pm on Sunday, 15 February 2026. The award was launched by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina to affirm its mission of enlightenment and contribute directly to supporting creativity and innovation, especially in areas that aim to achieve well-being and happiness for humanity.
The ceremony will be attended by Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina; Dr. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Dr. Jihan Zaki, Minister of Culture; Vice Admiral Ahmed Khaled Hassan Saeed, Governor of Alexandria; Dr. Moufid Shehab, Professor of International Law and Chairman of the Higher Committee of the BA International Award; Dr. Yousry El-Gamal, former Minister of Education and Chairman of the Judging Panel of the BA International Prize; renowned writer Mohamed Salmawy, Member of the Library's Board of Trustees; Mr. Mark Bryson-Richardson, British Ambassador to Cairo; Mr. Ezzedin Tago, Philippine Ambassador to Cairo; in addition to a host of diplomats, university presidents, senior officials, intellectuals, and media figures.
The award is granted annually to a distinguished figure in the field of fundamental or applied sciences, or in the field of literature, arts, social sciences, and the humanities, provided that the recipient has made a distinguished scientific contribution. The award may also be granted to an institution that has made a prominent contribution in the subject of the award. The award is granted in a single field determined by the Award’s Higher Committee each year. Winners receive a monetary value of one million Egyptian pounds, together with a golden medal and an official certificate of excellence.
Dr. Ahmed Zayed announced that the first edition of the award would be dedicated to green technology applications for the well-being and happiness of humanity. Nominations opened in December 2024 and the shortlist was announced in May 2025. October 2025 saw the announcement of the joint winners: Professor Hassan Shafik, a British national of Egyptian origin, who developed smart and sustainable cities, invented low-carbon transportation solutions, and contributed to the creation of smart universities; and Mr. Glenn Banaguas from the Philippines, who harnessed science to serve poor and marginalized communities affected by climate change and developed sustainable aviation fuel.