Wednesday 12/November/2025 – 12:06 PM
Dr. Nahla Al-Saidi, Head of the Center for the Development of Education for International and International Students, delivered an influential speech during the 2025 graduation ceremony for international students, which was held in Al-Andalus Hall at Al-Azhar Conference Center, in the presence of Dr. Mohamed Al-Duwaini, Undersecretary of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, Dr. Nazir Ayyad, Grand Mufti of the Republic, Dr. Salama Daoud, President of Al-Azhar University, and Dr. Mohamed Al-Gendy, Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy, along with a number of ambassadors, deans of colleges, and faculty members.
During her speech, she stressed that Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, under the patronage of the Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Sheikh of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, gave special attention to foreign students as they are a soft power and a global message for Al-Azhar, noting that Al-Azhar has remained, throughout its long history, a beacon of knowledge and moderation and a home for students from all over the world.
She explained that Al-Azhar opened its doors more than a thousand years ago to students of science from different nationalities, languages, and cultures, and it became a unique model of human coexistence and spiritual unity, where differences dissolve in the sanctuary of knowledge, and hearts unite in love and brotherhood, stressing that this diversity is the secret of Al-Azhar’s distinction and immortality.
Dr. Nahla added that Al-Azhar Al-Sharif has worked in recent years to develop educational programs and care provided to expatriates, through specialized centers for teaching the Arabic language to non-native speakers, and leadership training and advocacy programs, in addition to launching digital platforms and smart projects that allow students to continue their studies from anywhere in the world.
Nahla Al-Saidi: Expatriates are ambassadors of Al-Azhar and bridges of communication between peoples
She also praised the bright examples of hard work, diligence and commitment that the expatriates presented during their studies, stressing that their journey was not a path strewn with roses, but rather full of challenges that they overcame with patience and determination, until they deserved this memorable day that culminates years of striving and perseverance in seeking knowledge and serving the mission.
She pointed out that these efforts stem from a profound Al-Azhar vision that believes that Al-Azhar’s message does not stop at the borders of the nation, but rather extends to include the entire world, praising the distinguished scientific, intellectual and research achievements made by the incoming students in multiple fields, including environmental and climate issues, and the use of technology and artificial intelligence in the service of education and human values.
She concluded her speech by congratulating the graduates, male and female, for their success and distinction, stressing that Al-Azhar’s certificate is not just a piece of paper, but a badge of honor and responsibility, calling on Al-Azhar’s sons to be advocates for peace and tolerance, and ambassadors of light and knowledge in their homelands, carrying Al-Azhar’s message of moderation, reason, compassion, and honest work.
