Three days in Berlin were enough to discover another side of Germany’s experience in education and the economy.
The visit began at the German International University (GIU) Berlin, followed by participation in the Annual Economic Forum of the Reinickendorf District, and continued with meetings involving politicians, academics, and business leaders.
Together, these events offered a clear picture of a model built on cooperation between universities, industry, and public institutions.
The timing of the visit coincided with one of the hottest periods Germany had experienced in recent years. Berlin was affected by an exceptional heatwave, with temperatures approaching 40°C and unusually high humidity. Despite the weather, the city’s daily rhythm continued uninterrupted, and the forum and official meetings proceeded according to schedule.
The German International University hosted the Reinickendorf Annual Economic Forum in the presence of District Mayor Emine Demirbüken-Wegner, Dr. Ashraf Mansour, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the German University in Cairo and the German International University, as well as members of parliament, local officials, university professors, business executives, and representatives of leading German companies.
The forum focused on the future of the local economy, workforce development, and the role of universities in preparing graduates for the labor market. Participants discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between higher education institutions and industry while presenting successful local initiatives that connect education with economic development.
Among the initiatives highlighted was the “School Meets Business” program, through which 111 students visited and trained with 11 companies to gain practical experience before graduation. The district also presented its economic promotion campaign involving 66 local companies aimed at supporting investment and encouraging sustainable growth.
During the event, three German companies received the “Local Champions” Award in recognition of their contributions to innovation, production, and the regional economy. Business meetings continued throughout the day, bringing together company representatives, university officials, and researchers to explore new opportunities for internships, research partnerships, and future cooperation.
One of the most notable aspects of the visit was that the Reinickendorf District itself published an official report on the event through its website. The district described the German International University as a successful example of Egyptian-German academic cooperation and thanked Dr. Ashraf Mansour for hosting the forum.
The report praised the university’s role in connecting higher education with scientific research, innovation, and industry while providing a platform where universities, companies, and public institutions can work together to support economic development.
Walking through the university campus made it clear that its mission extends well beyond teaching. Laboratories, innovation centers, and lecture halls operate alongside conferences, business events, and research partnerships. The university has become a meeting point where education and industry work together rather than separately.
The following day included meetings with several political and economic figures, most notably Dr. Alexander Radwan, Member of the German Bundestag and the Foreign Affairs Committee. Discussions focused on Egyptian-German relations, vocational education, investment opportunities, and the importance of expanding cooperation in higher education and workforce development.
Dr. Radwan described the German University in Cairo and the German International University as among the most successful examples of educational cooperation between Egypt and Germany. He noted that thousands of graduates from both institutions now contribute to companies and organizations in both countries, strengthening professional and academic ties.
Additional meetings introduced Germany’s vocational education model and the close partnership between schools and companies in preparing students for employment. Representatives from several German companies also explained how they cooperate with universities through internships, applied research, and innovation projects designed to meet the changing demands of the labor market.
The three-day visit ended quickly, but one impression remained clear. Universities, businesses, local government, and policymakers work together within one integrated framework, discussing education, innovation, and economic development as parts of the same system.
Berlin offered far more than a travel destination. It presented a practical model of cooperation that deserves attention, especially at a time when stronger partnerships between education and the economy have become increasingly important for sustainable development and international cooperation.
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