Conference on “Hegemony and Identity in the age of Globalization” Launched at the BA

Jointly sponsored by the Academy of the Latinity and the BA, a conference on “Hegemony And Identity In The Age Of Globalization” was launched at the BA. Inaugurated by a long slide-supported presentation by Serageldin who presented an analysis of the cultural dynamics in the world of Muslim societies undergoing rapid transformations, the conference brought together many of the most eminent names in the field of the social sceines and the humanities ...

BioVision Conference Concludes with an Impassioned Defense of the Scientific Enterprise

Three days of high-level discussions at the BA were capped by Serageldin’s closing statement, which was an impassioned defense of the scientific enterprise. The conference was organized in partnership with BioVision (Lyon) the initiator of the world life sciences forum since 1999. The conference as a whole was lauded by the participants, who found the frank and in-depth discussions to be very useful.

BA’s Board of Trustees Commends Progress at the BA

Meetings of the BA’s Board of Trustees were held in Alexandria and reflected well on the enormous progress achieved in establishing the BA and pushing it towards becoming a true Center of excellence. The Board also authorized the release of the first Annual Report of the BA.

Nobel Day Held at the BA

Nobel Day was inaugurated by the Prime Minister and featured lectures by four eminent Nobel Laureates: Profs. Zewail, Lehn, Noyori and Rowland. The day was capped by a roundtable discussion moderated by Ismail Serageldin, who got the laureates into the discussion of the nature of science and the type of imagination that goes into scientific discovery as well as the responsibility of scientists to society.

Experts Brainstorm about the Future of IT

A two-day brainstorming conference organized by William A. Wulf, President of the National Academy of Engineering and comprising such luminaries as Michael Keller of Stanford and Sid Karin of San Diego, spent two days building scenarios for the future of digital libraries and where the BA should be positioned in such a future.

Shakespeare Comes to Life – again – at the BA

The annual conference celebrating the Bard of Avon included film showings in Arabic and English, and a superb one day symposium featuring Prof. Kiernan Ryan, who delivered two spectacular lectures, Dr. Azza Karrara who participated by video and read sonnet 66 in Arabic and English with a brief commentary and visuals, and finally Ismail Serageldin who delivered a wide-ranging discussion of Hamlet, tribal story telling, Imru’u Al-Qais classic Arabic poem and even Racine’s Phaedra in French.

Serageldin Speaks at the Inauguration of the Millennium Assessment Conference Held in Alexandria

Conventional economic analysis came in for a thorough critique in the opening speech of Ismail Serageldin, who quoted chapter and verse and showed many compelling graphs to highlight the need for a thorough revision of conventional economic analysis methodologies to incorporate the insights of the leading thinkers in environmental economics. The speech was very well received by the participants.

National Women’s Council Meetings Conclude on a High Note

The Conference of the National Women’s Council concluded on a high note as Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak gave a rousing endorsement of the NWC’s declaration as well as the Alexandria Document of the Arab Reform Forum (ARF). She specifically thanked Ismail Serageldin for his efforts on that forum and generally in support of women’s issues.

The BA’s First Children’s Book Fair is Launched

The First Lady inaugurated the Book Fair of the BA. The fair which is launched in collaboration with the Arab Publishers’ Union. Serageldin approved he cultural program and delegated the responsibility to colleagues at the BA. He declared himself delighted with the results.

Arab Reform Forum is Born

The Conference on Arab reform came to an end with a proposing a follow-up mechanism involving the creation of an Arab Reform Forum at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Ismail Serageldin immediately surprised all the participants by declaring his immediate adherence to this recommendation, and the young and dynamic team at the BA immediately implemented the action by launching the website www.arabreformforum.org ...

Serageldin speaks at the Meeting of CEDIMES

The Directors of the leading research institutes of the francophone world met at the Senghor University auditorium for a two day conference and Ismail Serageldin delivered an eloquent critique of the prevalent analytical methodologies used in social science research in relation to development issues. The participants were very interested by the long and thoughtful presentation and engaged in a lively Q&A after the presentation.

“The Alexandria Document – March 2004” is Endorsed by Acclamation

The Conference on Arab reform came to an end with a resounding endorsement of the "The Alexandria Document March 2004" . In an unprecedented process of participatory democratic decision-making, all 170 participants in the conference actively joined in the discussions and drafting of the document. A committee of 28 persons did the final drafting, most of whom appeared on stage as Serageldin read the final version which was approved by acclamation.

President Mubarak Delivers Opening Address to the Arab Reform Conference Organized by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina

In a surprise move to many, President Mohamed Hosny Mubarak came to inaugurate The on Arab Reform Conference organized by Ismail Serageldin and his colleagues at the Library of Alexandria with the co-sponsorship of the Arab Business Council, the Arab Academy for Science and Technology (AAST), The Arab Womens Council, and the Economic Research Forum, and the Arab Organization fro Human Rights.

Washington Meetings Reflect Great International Interest in the Arab Reform Conference

While in Washington to discuss joint programs with the Academies of Science and of Engineering, Serageldin – at the behest of Ambassador Nabil Fahmy -- met with many members of the Washington Establishment. Ambassador Fahmy knew of the widespread interest of many in Washington to know more about the Arab Reform Conference being organized for the 12-14 March 2004 at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

Serageldin Becomes Member of Oldest Scientific Institution Outside of Europe

The Institut d’Egypte, founded in1798 by Napoleon Bonaparte, and the oldest scientific academy outside of Europe, today welcomed into its ranks Ismail Serageldin and several other new members. At 59, Ismail Serageldin is one of the youngest members of this venerable academy. Addressing a packed hall, Serageldin gave a magisterial lecture on the new scientific revolution and the challenges it posed, illustrating his theme with the many slides we have become accustomed to see him deploy, but reinforcing his words with the important InterAcademy Council report on capacity building.

A Very Busy 48 Hours

In a whirlwind of activity, fast and furious even by the standards of Ismail Serageldin’s usual diversified and packed schedule, Serageldin went from management reviews within the library, to speaking at a celebration on the Arabic language with the minister of education and the governor of Alexandria, to giving awards to children who excelled in Arabic, to a meeting with the President and eminent persons of Alexandria University to present a lengthy lecture to engage them more fully with the upcoming biology conference in April, to a meeting with the Arab organizing committee for the Arab Reform Conference ...

A Lively Debate "On the Air"

Appearing as the sole guest on the important Arab TV program “On the Air” with distinguished media personality Emad Eddin Adeeb as host, Ismail Serageldin fielded questions form Adeeb and telephone callers for 90 minutes. The topic was as expected, the Alexandria Arab Reform Conference.

Serageldin Lays out his Vision of the Arab Reform Process

The Al-Ahram Weekly yesterday published an article by Ismail Serageldin, entitled "Arab Reform: from Rhetoric to Reality".

Happy Ending to Controversy on the Protocols of the Elders of Zion

The Al-Ahram Weekly yesterday published an article by the name “More than a building”, which reviews the story of the controversy of “the Protocols of the Elders of Zion” noting the remarkable and happy ending to this sad tale, which showed that the Library was in its short existence (barely a year old, inaugurated in October 2002) had become the key focal point that rallied many voices of tolerance and rationality in Egypt.

Alexandria Hosts Egyptian Civil Society

After two days of hectic meetings and impassioned discussion, participants in the preparatory meeting involving the Egyptian civil society activists writers and intellectuals came to a broad consensus on how to amend the first outline of the paper circulated by Ismail Serageldin in preparation to the Arab civil society meeting to take place in 12-14 March 2004 at the Library of Alexandria.

Science and Technology Take Center Stage at the UN

Ismail Serageldin and Jacob Palis, co-chairs of the IAC panel on capacity building in S&T, presented their panel’s report to a large audience at the UN’s meeting room no.1. Secretary-General Kofi Anan presided over an hour-long session with the UN ambassadors in which the inter-Academy Council Report on “Inventing a better future” was presented by Serageldin, Palis and Mamphela Ramphele.

Anesthesia and Intensive Care at the Start of the New Millennium

- Egypt, Alexandria

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Anesthesia and Intensive Care at the Start of the New Millennium” at the Library of Alexandria.

Library of Alexandria to Host Arab Reform Meeting

In a major announcement made in Al-Ahram (Friday 30 January 2004) Serageldin announced that the Library was convening a major conference of Arab reformers to discuss the needed changes in the Arab World on the economic, social and political fonts. The meeting would be for civil society leaders and for writers and intellectuals, but no governments or non-Arabs would be invited.

Turning Brain Drain into Brain Gain

The discussions on the role of the universities were attended by extremely eminent panelists and resulted in the presentation of many innovative ideas. Ismail Serageldin, having just completed the inter-academy report on capacity building in Science and technology, focused his remarks on three aspects learned from that large-scale review.

Serageldin Chairs Davos Panel on Heritage at Risk

A distinguished panel of experts on the issues of heritage and protection of heritage in time so strife and conflict. The discussion was lively and elicited valuable inputs from such distinguished personalities as Nobel Laureate Nadine Gordimer, who was in the audience.

The C-100 to Develop Programs in Culture

The Committee of 100 members (the C-100) who meet under the auspices of the WEF at Davos and elsewhere, met again to develop particular programs of action as the group moves from rhetoric to action. Several themes were selected, and Serageldin co-chaired the culture work-group with Lord David Putnam.

Serageldin Speaks at Davos

Ismail Serageldin will be speaking at Davos again this year. He will address the participants at two panels dealing with “Universities and the brain drain”, and with “protecting cultural heritage in times of conflict”. In addition, as an active member of the C-100, he will participate in the day-long dialogue of civilizations organized by the C-100 on the 21st of January.

Serageldin Joins in the Planning of the Science and Technology for Society Event in Japan

The founding members of the group planning the big event on Science and Technology for Society (STS) to be held in November in Japan, met in London at the Royal Society, hosted by Lord Sainsbury, the UK minister for Science and Technology. The meeting was co-chaired by the four convenors of the group of some thirty persons world-wide: Lord May (President of the Royal Society), Bruce Alberts (President, US National Academy of Sciences), Kiyoshi Kurakawa (President of the Japan Science Council) and Former Minister Koji Omi of Japan.

Suzanne Mubarak International Women for Peace Movement (SMIWPM) Launched

The SMIWPM was launched today, holding its first Board meeting and adopting an ambitious program for action that would ensure an important presence for this first movement for women for peace that is initiated in the Arab world. Mrs. Mubarak announced the program of the movement, and presented the Board of Trustees, which included Ismail Serageldin as Treasurer.

Historic Cities

- Alexandria

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Historic Cities” at the Library of Alexandria.

التنمية و القيم: مناقشات حرة لنخبة من خبراء البنك الدولي

 تأليف: ديفيد بينان- رامجوبال أجاراوالا سفن بيير ميستر- إسماعيل سراج الدين    Download

العمالة والتنمية: عمالة الشباب

 محسن يوسف و إسماعيل سراج الدين    Download

وثيقة الإسكندرية

 إسماعيل سراج الدين    Download

Reflections on Evolution

- Alexandria

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Reflections on Evolution” at the Library of Alexandria.

Capacity Building in Science and Technology Featured at University of Alexandria

At the Geodetic and structural engineering conference held at the Faculty of Engineering of Alexandria University, Ismail Serageldin gave a special lecture on the issues of capacity building in science and technology. A topic of great relevance to the engineering as well as the medical professions, the presentation was well received.

Egyptian Social Research

- Cairo

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Egyptian Social Research” in Cairo.

Serageldin Addresses Social Scientists

Ismail Serageldin gave a stirring keynote address on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Social Research Center of the AUC. Before hundreds of social scientists, he gave a stinging critique of the state of social research in Egypt, challenged the current analytical framework of the non-economic social sciences, and discussed technical issues of study deign, measurement and interpretation.

YES Hyderabad Forum ... An Enormous Success

The Hyderabad YES regional Forum was concluded with a valedictory closing ceremony that included thousands of youths from the region in addition to the 1200 persons who had attended the five day event. Ismail Serageldin gave the closing statement on behalf of the conference and read “The Hyderabad Blueprint” adopted by the participating delegations.

Historians of Water Meet in Alexandria

The International Water History Association launched its third international conference at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina today. Ismail Serageldin gave the opening keynote address, a sweeping survey of the issues with a link from the past to the future. The PowerPoint presentation was very well received.

Emerging Humanisms Discussed at the Library of Alexandria

UNESCO held a special conference on Emerging Humanisms on 9-10 December 2003 at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Ismail Serageldin gave a special presentation to the participants dealing with the self-image and opening to the other. Using his trademark technique of hundreds of carefully selected pictures, he made a convincing case for the importance of universal values in the definition of cultural identities.

The Past and Future of Alexandria Brings French and Egyptian Scholars Together

The BA’s Center for Alexandrian and Mediterranean studies (ALEXMED) and the French research center CEDEJ organized a conference on the past, present and future of the city of Alexandria. Ismail Serageldin surprised everyone by articulating a vision for the future of Alexandria and describing the urban design issues that needed to be addressed in the context of a future scenario for the transformation of Alexandria.

A Thoughtful Closing Statement at the Conference on Computer Translation

Ismail Serageldin delivered a thoughtful and evocative closing address to the conference on “Convergences 03” organized by the UNU and the UNDL foundation at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA), which started on 2 December 2003. The address combining reflections on language, culture and the meaning of meaning and reviewing the current state of work on machine-based translation was well received by the distinguished audience.

Serageldin Issues a Public Statement about "Protocols of the Elders of Zion" Controversy

In response to the enormous public outcry concerning the presence of a copy of the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion" in an exhibition at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) and the alleged remarks made by a senior official of the BA, Ismail Seraeldin, with characteristic directness issued the following public statement ...

Serageldin Addresses Inter-Academy Meeting about Capacity Building

Ismail Serageldin joined Professor Jacob Palis of Brazil on the podium of the inter-academy meeting in Mexico City today. The two, co-chairs of the International Panel on Capacity Building In Science And Technology (S&T) presented their panel’s final report to the assembled heads and representatives of academies from around the world.

Agriculture, Food Security and International Trade

- Wageningen

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Agriculture, Food Security and International Trade” in Wageningen.

Serageldin Addresses 75th Meeting of ICAD

Ismail Serageldin addressed the 75th meeting of the International Conference on Agriculture and Development. Before a packed audience he articulated his views about the problems of international trade and agriculture in relation to the needs of developing countries.

Frontiers of the New Biology

- Alexandria

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Frontiers of the New Biology” at the Library of Alexandria.

A Magisterial Lecture on American History and Current Diplomacy

Addressing the Egyptian Council for Foreign Relations, Ismail Serageldin gave a sweeping account of the history of American diplomacy over 200 years, supported by a wide array of lively pictures. He went on to suggest that contemporary relations with the US should be based on a clearly articulated sense of Egyptian interests and that this would yield a stronger relationship, based on clearly defined areas of collaboration and areas where we agree to disagree, and then move on.

The Biotechnology Revolution

- Alexandria

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “The Biotechnology Revolution” at the Library of Alexandria.

Loss of a Friend - Dr. Adel Abu Zahra Passes Away

Dr. Adel Abu Zahra, one of the foremost leaders of the NGO movement passed away on the 30 October 2003 after a difficult illness. Dr. Abu Zahra was a world famous campaigner for righteous causes, who was elected one of the ten most effective NGO leaders in the world.