Ashraf AboArafe
The New Cairo Institutes concluded the 2nd International Conference, “Sustainable Digital Transformation: Realities and Challenges,” in Ismailia. The event gathered researchers and academics from 13 countries alongside a strong turnout of faculty members from Egyptian universities and institutes.
The conference featured prominent Russian participation, most notably in the accompanying fine arts exhibition, where six Russian artists displayed their work—marking the largest international delegation in the showcase.
Dr. Soheir Othman, Dean of the Higher Institute of Applied Arts in Fifth Settlement and President of the conference, emphasized that the event aligns with the world’s rapid advancements in digital transformation and artificial intelligence. Selecting “Sustainable Digital Transformation” as the central theme reflects the vital link between technology and innovation on one hand, and resource conservation and sustainable development on the other.
She added that the conference serves as a scientific and intellectual space for specialists to exchange insights on AI and modern technology, particularly their roles in advancing applied arts, engineering, and business administration.
Vadim Zaytsekov, Director of Russian Cultural Centers in Egypt, expressed his delight at the strong showcase of Russian fine artists, noting that their creative contributions reflect the deep human and cultural bond between the two nations.
Sherif Gad, President of the Egyptian Association of Graduates from Russian and Soviet Universities and Director of Cultural Activities at the Russian House in Cairo, congratulated Dr. Othman on the conference’s success. He highlighted education as a cornerstone of Egyptian-Russian relations, noting that Russia has helped train over 100,000 Egyptian graduates who contributed significantly to national development. He also pointed out that joint efforts have birthed 98 major projects—ranging from the High Dam to the current El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant and the upcoming Russian Industrial Zone.
Artist Ahmed Ghouiba added that his collaboration with the Russian artists resulted in an exceptional showcase, underscoring the deep historical and friendly ties between the creators.
The conference agenda featured specialized scientific sessions covering AI, sustainability, design, and applied arts. Research papers explored AI integration in production, photography, cinema, and design, alongside eco-friendly recycling, machine learning applications for electrical fault detection, and the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM), IoT, and Virtual Reality.
A key highlight was a roundtable discussion titled “The Role of Egyptian Intangible Heritage in Preserving Egyptian Identity,” which examined cultural preservation amid rapid global modernization.
Ultimately, the conference succeeded in opening new horizons for academic collaboration, fostering applied research to solve digital transformation challenges in line with sustainable development goals and Egypt’s future vision.
