In a world where political and cultural barriers are increasing, science remains a strong bridge that unites peoples and redraws the map of cooperation.
On this basis, “Sada El-Balad” conducted an in-depth interview with Dr. Issam Shahin, Vice President of Kharkiv National Polytechnic University in Ukraine (NTU KhPI), one of the most prestigious universities with engineering and technical specializations in Eastern Europe.
The interview reveals how the university is attracting increasing numbers of Egyptian and Arab students, its pivotal role in enhancing academic cooperation and researcher exchanges, plus the dedicated support it gives students in a changing global landscape marked by war, political crises, and the university’s deep ties to the labor market and leading energy companies.
Why Egypt? And Why Kharkiv University?
Dr. Shahin sees Egypt as more than just a random choice—it is a central hub in the heart of the Arab and African world. Its large population and ancient culture make it the ideal gateway for any university seeking genuine international influence.
On why the university has focused on Egypt, he says: “Egypt is, first and foremost, the largest demographically and most culturally rich. That’s why we chose Cairo as the main starting point to strengthen cooperation, and I personally invited hundreds of Egyptian students to continue their studies at our university, which includes most technical and scientific disciplines.”
Kharkiv Polytechnic University is one of the few Ukrainian universities officially recognized by Egypt’s Supreme Council of Universities, ensuring students can equate their degrees smoothly upon returning home, especially in engineering, energy, and medicine.
Education: A Bridge for Scientific and Cultural Rapprochement
Dr. Shahin believes that education is the fastest and most genuine way to build bridges between peoples. Its benefits go beyond the transfer of scientific knowledge—it broadens the circle of human and cultural understanding, creating a framework for love and peace.
He adds: “Academic relations that initiate rapprochement between peoples provide opportunities for the exchange of expertise and accelerate scientific and societal progress on both sides.”
The partnership goes beyond just the Egyptian student; the university seeks to boost ties with Egyptian universities and research institutions through conferences, reciprocal visits, and opportunities for graduate studies and joint research in critical fields such as energy and food security, modern technology, and sustainable development.
Energy and Specialized Fields: The Bet on the Future
Kharkiv Polytechnic University is the leading institution in Eastern Ukraine for renewable energy, oil, and gas specializations, the sectors most in demand in the Egyptian and Arab labor markets.
Dr. Shahin explains that the university has developed robust partnerships with global companies—most notably Schlumberger—providing training and employment opportunities both inside and outside Ukraine.
“We have scientific and academic agreements with several companies and European universities; the core of these partnerships is student exchanges and giving our Egyptian and Arab students the chance to work and train in the leading companies.”
The university has also become a primary incubator for renewable energy research, offering students and researchers labs and creative frameworks rarely found in traditional educational environments.
The Arab Student Experience and Community Support
Dr. Shahin points out the creation of an integrated Arab-Ukrainian cultural center within the university whose primary role is to serve Arab students. It addresses their living, housing, and academic or even social issues, with ongoing academic supervision from specialized staff.
He praises the Ukrainian people as friendly and supportive, emphasizing that the Ukrainian climate is safe and welcoming, helping Egyptian students to integrate easily and gain valuable human experiences.
Crisis Management and Geopolitical Effects
Shahin believes that crises and wars have never—and will never—halt the movement of science. He states that the university has established what it calls a “Crisis Council” to handle student affairs in emergencies, providing secure technological alternatives through distance learning.
He stresses: “During periods of conflict in Ukraine, not a single Arab student was harmed; we were quick to evacuate those who wanted to leave and ensured the utmost safety for those who stayed. The right to education is never suspended, no matter how circumstances change.”
He reassures Egyptian students that studying at the university is recognized in Egypt and protected legally and administratively, applying to all undergraduate and graduate programs under the official agreements updated annually between the two countries.
Research Partnership and Student/Researcher Exchange
Dr. Shahin reveals future plans to send university researchers to Egyptian universities, organize joint conferences, and facilitate student exchanges between the two countries under the sponsorship of embassies and cultural attachés. He notes that all partnerships are based on comprehensive cooperation protocols and serve development in both countries.
Shahin stresses the importance of establishing an association for Ukrainian university graduates in Egypt, “so they can become ambassadors for science and a source of expertise and development, as well as ease the integration of our alumni into the workforce quickly and professionally.”
Specialized Subjects and the Power of Language
Shahin explains that there are serious plans to establish permanent Arabic language departments and chairs in Ukrainian universities, as well as to strengthen Ukrainian language and translation departments in Egyptian universities, ultimately supporting academic exchange and achievement for both sides and helping students transition confidently into the international labor market.
Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity: A Future Without Barriers
The university pays great attention to advanced curricula in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, applying them in engineering and management fields, and running sub-programs to encourage foreign student innovation and research projects.
He adds: “What distinguishes us is equal scientific supervision for all students, regardless of gender or nationality, except for language requirements. We give female Egyptian and Arab students the care and support necessary for their success in an environment that respects their privacy.”
The University’s Distinction: Two Degrees with One Opportunity
Regarding the university degree, Dr. Shahin confirms that students enrolled in Kharkiv can, through exchange and partnership programs with major European universities, obtain two official degrees at the end of their studies: one from Kharkiv Polytechnic University and another from a partner German or French university, enabling them to pursue work or further studies in Europe unimpeded by degree recognition or accreditation issues.
Educational Fairs and Direct Engagement
Shahin views participation in academic exhibitions as a strategic tool to strengthen Ukraine’s presence in Egypt’s education market.
“We have detailed plans to showcase our programs at every official exhibition in Egypt, and we work under the embassy’s supervision to leverage this presence in expanding the number of Egyptian students at our university.”
Final Words: Egypt... Mother of the World
Dr. Shahin concludes the interview about Egypt by saying: “Every visit to Egypt reconfirms its standing as the cradle of human civilization, with kind and wise people. I will always return as a tourist and an ambassador for science. Egypt is the grandest bridge in cooperation between Ukraine and the Arab world.”
Follow the latest news on Google News
