Universities As Agents of Change? A Close Look at Recent Developments in Egypt and Tunisia

25 June, 2:00 p.m., Room Suessmuth
Hosted by German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

Democratic Change in Egypt and Tunisia will only be successful if people are able to participate directly in collective decision-making processes and if an improvement of their living conditions can be achieved.

They therefore need good education und real job opportunities. The young generation is extremely dissatisfied and demands a better future. Unemployment among young university graduates is constantly growing; chances of gaining employment after graduation are small. Universities are accordingly carrying out an important, historic task: They are picking up on the political demands and transferring them into science and research. The panel will analyze the new situation and discuss the chances and challenges they perceive for universities in Egypt and Tunisia.

Panelists:

Dhouib, Dr. Sarhan
Research Associate, Institute of Philosophy, University of Kassel, Germany

Kassem, Prof. Abdel Meguid
Professor, Department of Endemic Diseases, Cairo University, Egypt

Kohstall, Dr., Florian
Head, Freie Universität Berlin Cairo Office at the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Egypt

Lüders, Dr. Michael (Moderator)
Political and Economic Consultant, Journalist and Middle East Specialist, Berlin Germany

Schäfer, Dr. Isabel
Senior Researcher, Lecturer in Mediterranean Studies and International Relations, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany

Schrembs, Robert
Project Coordinator, German-Arab Master’s Program for International Education Management, PH Ludwigsburg University, Germany

Soliman, Doaa
Egyptian Journalist, Essen, Germany