Global Solidarity Network Concludes African Union Simulation Training for 120 Egyptian STEM Students
The Global Solidarity Network has concluded its 2026 African Union Simulation Model training programme, bringing together 120 students from Schools of Excellence in Science and Technology (STEM) across Egypt.
The programme, which was held throughout August 2026, was designed to give young Egyptians a deeper understanding of African Union institutions, decision-making processes and cooperation among African countries.
The training combined academic sessions with practical simulation exercises, allowing participants to explore contemporary African issues while developing skills in dialogue, negotiation, analysis, position formulation and decision-making.
The programme was organised around three major areas: Peace and Security, Intra-African Trade, and African Civil Society. A range of diplomats, researchers, academics and specialists in African affairs participated in the various sessions.
The opening lecture was delivered by Ambassador Amr El Gawaly, Director of the Directorate of African Diaspora Organizations and Civil Society at the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa. His presentation examined the economic contribution of the African diaspora to development across Africa and introduced students to broader aspects of joint African action.
The Peace and Security track focused on conflict management, peacebuilding and governance challenges on the continent.
Hassnaa Tammam, African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace for the North Africa Region, led a session on conflict, violence and peace. Hager Azzouz also introduced participants to the African Governance Architecture and African Peace and Security Architecture, explaining their importance in conflict prevention and promoting stability.
Dr. Heba Assem, a governance and peacebuilding specialist at the African Union Commission, addressed the role of young people in peace and development during a session titled “Silencing the Guns… Building the Future: How Can Youth Contribute to Achieving the Vision of Agenda 2063?” Political researcher Ibrahim Tantawy also contributed to discussions on African peace and security issues.
The economic component of the programme examined efforts to strengthen economic integration and intra-African trade.
Dr. Mohamed Hassan Khodairy discussed the African Continental Free Trade Area and its role in expanding trade and economic cooperation among African countries. Dr. Samar El Bagoury examined the resilience of African economies in the face of geopolitical developments, while Dr. Raed Salama, founder of Orbit Research and Economic Studies Company, discussed the effects of geopolitical changes on African and global economies and supply chains.
Another major component focused on the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) and the role of civil society and young people in continental affairs.
Ambassador Mohamed Haroun, Vice President of ECOSOCC, delivered a session on African leadership and the work of the council, while Farouk Deif, a researcher at the Information and Decision Support Center of the Egyptian Cabinet, examined ECOSOCC’s contribution to development and stakeholder participation.
Dr. Abdel Latif Gouda also addressed the accreditation of civil society organisations and their participation in African Union institutions.
Speaking about the programme, Global Solidarity Network founder Hassan Ghazaly said the initiative was intended to strengthen Egyptian youth awareness of African issues and give participants a practical understanding of how African institutions operate.
According to Ghazaly, the simulation model is designed to go beyond classroom learning by allowing young people to experience aspects of African Union decision-making while developing skills in negotiation, dialogue and analysis.
He said the programme also seeks to encourage participants to view Africa through the continent’s own realities, priorities and challenges while exploring opportunities for cooperation and integration.
Ghazaly congratulated the team responsible for implementing the programme, including researcher and translator Mervat Sakr, African affairs researcher Abdullah Qazzaz and Teyam Mohamed, President of the Students of STEM Schools for Science and Technology.
The African Union Simulation Model was established in 2012 as one of the programmes of the Global Solidarity Network. It seeks to familiarise Egyptian youth with African Union institutions and continental cooperation while combining academic knowledge with practical simulation exercises.
The 2026 programme therefore provided participating STEM students with an opportunity to engage with issues surrounding Africa’s peace, development, economic integration and civil society while gaining practical skills relevant to continental cooperation.
Source: Thepressradio.com
