Mansoura University President Visits Haaga-Helia University in Finland to Enhance Cooperation

Prof. Cherif Khater, President of Mansoura University, visited Haaga-Helia University in Finland, accompanied by Prof. Tarek Ghalwash, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research. The visit came within the framework of expanding international academic and research partnerships and exploring prospects for cooperation with one of the most prominent applied universities in Finland and Europe. This will provide broad opportunities for enhanced cooperation, particularly in modern specializations that meet the needs of the global labor market.

The visit included a meeting with Ms. Outi Hakanen, Ambassador of Finnish Education at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Meetings were also held with Prof. Teemu Kokko, President of Haaga-Helia University; Prof. Jouni Ahonen, Vice President for Commercial and International Affairs; and Mr. Risto Vahanen, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Finnish Global Education Solutions Ltd.. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Karim El-Safty, Regional Executive Director of the Finnish International Education Consortium (FCIE) and the visit coordinator.

During the meetings, they reviewed areas of joint cooperation in the fields of management, artificial intelligence, tourism, and aviation. They also discussed opportunities to design joint educational programs between the two universities, meeting the needs of the global labor market and serving future development plans.

These meetings are part of Mansoura University's strategy to strengthen ties of international cooperation and openness to world cultures, in line with its position as a leading university in the Egyptian and international academic landscape.

Prof. Cherif Khater said that this visit falls within Mansoura University's strategic direction toward expanding distinguished international partnerships, in implementation of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research, Egypt Vision 2030, and in line with the political leadership's directives to make Egyptian universities an attractive center for education and international cooperation. He added that strengthening cooperation with Haaga-Helia University is an important step in the fields of applied management and modern technology, contributing to the preparation of academic and professional cadres capable of competing globally, and in line with Egypt Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. He pointed out that Mansoura University constantly strives to develop its educational programs in line with labor market needs, in addition to its excellence in the fields of digital transformation and artificial intelligence. This enhances opportunities for cooperation with the University of Haaga-Helia, which has extensive experience in applied education and professional programs. This step opens up promising prospects for student and academic exchange with major international universities.

For their part, Finnish representatives expressed their warm welcome for this visit, emphasizing their pride in Mansoura University's academic and research standing at the regional and international levels, and their aspiration to build a fruitful partnership that reflects its academic excellence and leadership in the fields of education and scientific research.

Prof. Tarek Ghalwash emphasized that Mansoura University possesses a strong scientific and research base and distinguished international rankings, making it an effective partner in cooperation with prestigious universities globally. He pointed out that this cooperation with the University of Haaga-Helia will contribute to supporting innovative academic programs and enhancing joint research capabilities in priority areas, serving the country's drive towards a knowledge economy.

Haaga-Helia University is one of Finland's leading universities of applied sciences. It hosts over 11,500 students, including 1,200 international students representing more than 95 nationalities, including Egyptian students. The university has five campuses spread across the capital, Helsinki, and the city of Porvoo, as well as the sports campus in Vierumiki.

The university offers a variety of bachelor's and master's programs, as well as specialized professional programs in management, artificial intelligence, tourism, and aviation, as well as an MBA in service excellence. It is also one of only five universities in Finland authorized to award degrees in university education, qualifying its faculty to both teach and practice.

Haaga-Helia boasts collaborative relationships and partnerships with more than 80 Finnish and international companies, as well as membership in the European University Network led by the University of Seville and a local alliance with the Universities of Laurea and Metropolia. Its corporate strategy is based on three main axes: developing education, supporting sustainable solutions for the future, and fostering a thriving university community that prioritizes the well-being of students and staff.