TWAS Arab Regional Office Launched at the BA

In the midst of another action-packed week at the BA, Ismail Serageldin and Dr. Mohamed Hassan welcomed TWAS members from the Arab region to the launch of the Arab Regional Office of the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS-ARO) at the BA.

Serageldin Gets Second Term

Ismail Serageldin has been re-elected to his second term as Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The BA Board of Trustees unanimously decided to ask Dr. Ismail Serageldin to serve for a second five year term starting in May 2006.

BA Joins DLF

The Board of Trustees of the Digital Library Federation (DLF) today announced that the Bibliotheca Alexandrina has joined the DLF as its first strategic partner from outside the United States or Europe.

Serageldin Joins Nobel Laureates in Petra to Challenge Global Concerns

On the occasion of the inaugural Petra Conference of Nobel Laureates, HM King Abdullah of Jordan and Elie Wiesel hosted an exceptional gathering of Nobel prize-winners and world-renowned figures, among them, Ismail Serageldin, former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Hollywood actor and activist Richard Gere.

Promoting a Culture of Peace in Sharm El Sheikh

At the 69th meeting of district 2450 of the Rotary International, Ismail Serageldin put in a stimulating address in which he spoke of the importance of forging peace partnerships and of how Rotary International can help bring about such an initiative.

Partnerships for Peace

- An Address Delivered at the 69^th Meeting of District 2450 of The Rotary International, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

With the eloquent words of HE the first lady still ringing in our ears, and the soaring vista that her vision of a better future has opened for all of us firmly before our eyes, allow me to focus my remarks on the important topic of building partnerships for peace.

Revisiting Corals

Ismail Serageldin enjoyed a well-deserved weekend away in Sharm El-Sheikh to revisit the fascinating corals of the Red Sea. Serageldin is known to be a keen scuba diver and a strong supporter of coral reefs and actions to conserve them.

The Tides of Change: Reflections on Arab Reform

Dag Hammarskjld Centenary Lecture at the BA

In a celebration marking the centenary of Dag Hammarskjld, Ismail Serageldin delivered a memorable speech commemorating the life and work of the late U.N. Secretary General.

The Official Inauguration of the Anna Lindh Foundation in Alexandria

Ismail Serageldin addressed the inaugural ceremony of the Anna Lindh Foundation at the official three-day inauguration event held at the BA under the auspices of H.E. Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak.

The Knowledge-based Economy of the Information Age

- Cairo, Egypt

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “The Knowledge-based Economy of the Information Age” in Cairo.

Inauguration of the Anna Lindh Foundation

- Inaugural Ceremony of the Anna Lindh Foundation, Alexandria, Egypt

Arab Competitiveness Takes Center Stage

More than 200 Arab and world business, academic and political figures came together in Doha for a roundtable meeting on Arab competitiveness. The meeting was organized around the release of the World Economic Forum's Arab world competitiveness report.

Speculations on the Future of Water and Food Security

- International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Speculations on the Future of Water and Food Security” at the International Food Policy Research Institute.

Reflections on the Future of Water and Food Security

IFPRI welcomed Ismail Serageldin to a Policy Seminar where he shared his insights on the future of water and food security. Serageldin delivered a thoughtful presentation in which he stressed the need for a collaborative approach among science organizations for a systematic attention to water issues.

ESSD Week Brings Serageldin to the World Bank

On a cold and rainy Monday morning, Ismail Serageldin delivered the keynote address at the Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development Week, at the Headquarters of the World Bank.

Human Security And Sustainable Development

- Washington, DC

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Human Security And Sustainable Development” in Washington, DC.

Serageldin Earns Standing Ovation for Reform Speech

Ismail Serageldin brought his audience to a standing ovation as he delivered a spellbinding speech on Arab reform on the occasion of the inaugural Freeman address.

University of Minnesota Awards Serageldin its Highest Honor

In a celebratory gathering, Ismail Serageldin received a Doctor of Laws degree, honoris causa, from the University of Minnesota for his acknowledged eminence in cultural affairs and public service, in the field of knowledge and scholarship and in recognition of his remarkable contribution to international development.

Three Lectures, One Day - A Great Hit!

Under the auspices of the Freeman Forum and the University of Minnesota, Ismail Serageldin delivered three exceptional lectures over the course of a single day on the occasion of the official inauguration of the Freeman Forum lecture series.

In Memoriam: Dag Hammarskjöld (July 29, 1905-September 18, 1961)

- Alexandria, Egypt

A hundred years ago, Dag Hjalmar Agne Carl Hammarskjöld was born. The youngest of four sons of Agnes Almquist and Hjalmar Hammarskjöld, prime minister of Sweden, member of the Hague Tribunal, governor of Uppland, chairman of the Board of the Nobel Foundation.

Agricultural Science & Technology: A World Divided?

- University of Minnesota

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Agricultural Science & Technology: A World Divided?” at the University of Minnesota.

The Digital Future: Producers and consumers in the new Knowledge Economy

- University of Minnesota

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “The Digital Future: Producers and consumers in the new Knowledge Economy” at the University of Minnesota.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina: The Rebirth of the Library of Alexandria

- University of Minnesota

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Bibliotheca Alexandrina: The Rebirth of the Library of Alexandria” at the University of Minnesota.

President Mubarak Inaugurates the Second Conference on Reform in the Arab World at the BA

For the second year in a row, President Mubarak came to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina to inaugurate the Arab Reform Conference, as an additional indication to his committed support to this initiative.

Serageldin Directs the Conference Mission to Focus on the Civil Society

At a press conference that followed the special inaugural session that heard President Mubarak, Serageldin talked to media and press representatives of the importance to forge partnerships between governments and civil society organizations, in order for them to work together harmoniously to pilot the reform process.

A Stronger Civil Society for Egypt's Future

Ismail Serageldin kept the rapt attention of his audience for an hour as he delivered the keynote address at an event to promote a stronger civil society for Egypts future. His speech, accompanied by his trademark slides, mapped out the importance of human capital in playing a key role towards social, economic, and political development.

Supporting NGOs:The Promotion Of Effective Development

- Cairo

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Supporting NGOs:The Promotion Of Effective Development” in Cairo.

A Task Group Meeting of the Japan-Arab Dialogue Forum

During the course of a single day, Ismail Serageldin chaired an expert group meeting of the Japan-Arab Dialogue Forum to assess the situation in Iraq, and in Palestine after the election. The members of the expert group reviewed and exchanged views on the recent developments in the Middle East.

Information Technology at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina

- Alexandria, Egypt

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Information Technology at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina” at the Library of Alexandria.

Two Intensive Days with the Press

In response to the repeated requests by the Egyptian mass media community, Serageldin met with various press and media representatives, over two successive days, to speak about and discuss many of todays critical issues.

Serageldin Calls for a Mediterranean of the 21st Century

At the closing of an event celebrating the history and culture of the Mediterranean cities, Serageldin gave a highly inspirational talk, during which he illustrated the pivotal role of the Mediterranean cities in empowering their communities towards the betterment of their societies.

On Air

Ismail Serageldin appeared on national television as a special guest of the widely popular TV show El Beit Beitak. The hour long interview aired on Channel 2 of Egypts TV. During the interview, Serageldin expressed optimism as to the performance of the newly appointed government...

Einstein Lecture Series Begins

In light of the upcoming Einstein Symposium to be held at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in June 2005, Ismail Serageldin today started the first of a series of lectures intended to introduce the topic and lead up to the big event in June.

Serageldin Ends Knowledge Society Symposium on a High Note

Serageldin gave the concluding address to the Knowledge Society Symposium, in which he effectively summarized the proceedings of two full days in an eloquent 30-minute statement. He left the eminent participants inspired to pursue the challenges that they had been discussing over the course of a two-day international symposium on Building a Knowledge Society in the Arab World.

The Future of Sustainable Development in Rome

Ismail Serageldin and the members of the High Level Panel on Sustainable Development met together in Rome to assess the role of the Sustainable Development Department (SDD) within FAO and how it could be strengthened to enable FAO to better meet the challenges of promoting sustainable development in the policies and programs of its member states.

Serageldin Articulates Link Between Productivity and Governance

In a thoughtful article on Governance, Competitiveness and the Arab Future, Serageldin spelled out the case of the Arab World and illustrated the aspects and steps towards political, social, and cultural reforms while listing a number of recommendations that Arab governments must take to affect change. These include, among others, the establishment of credible macro-management of the economy...

Arab Reform Issues Stirred at Davos

Ismail Serageldin today addressed an eminent gathering of world leaders, politicians, scholars and economists, on the timely issue of reform in the Arab world. He focused his talk on the policy priorities of the Arab world, the mechanisms that enable the Arab world to transform ideas into action and the key obstacles that will face the reform agenda in the coming years.

STS Preparatory Meeting in Washington D.C.

Ismail Serageldin and forty-six founding members of the Science & Technology in Society Forum, convened together at the National Academy of Sciences, to exchange feedback on the outcome of the first forum which took place in November 2004, and to lay out the directions of the upcoming 2nd annual meeting of the STS forum scheduled to take place in Kyoto during the coming month of September.

Serageldin Named Ambassador for the Hans Christian Andersen Bi-centennial

HRH Prince Joachim of Denmark named Ismail Serageldin ambassador for the 2005 bi-centennial celebrations for Hans Christian Andersen. In his acceptance remarks, Ismail Serageldin recalled Andersens literary achievements beyond the childrens tales and reflected on the difficulty of the genre and its enduring appeal.

BA Staff Meet with Mrs. Mubarak

Today a long awaited meeting took place: Mrs. Mubarak met in an informal for a one hour discussion with many of the management staff of the BA. The staff was delighted by her direct and candid manner, and her simplicity and charm created a wonderful atmosphere.

Celebrating the Legacy of Hans Christian Andersen

- Hans Christian Andersen Bi-centennial Celebration by HRH Prince Joachim of Denmark, Alexandria, Egypt

Thank you for the honor you do me. I am delighted to join you in advancing the cause of spreading the joy and happiness that Hans Christian Andersen has brought to the world’s children of all ages.

Scientific Thinking at the Supreme Council for Culture

Starting at 7:30 PM, Serageldin delivered a long and exceptionally rich lecture on Scientific Thinking which was followed by over 90 minutes of debate. It was part of a formidable show of endurance and concentration.

A Magisterial Lecture on Social Capital

In an impressive show of erudition and technique, Serageldin delivered a long and exceptionally lucid lecture on Social capital. It was the keynote address for a special conference by the same title meeting at the Cairo Conference Center.

Tsunamis and the BA Staff

Responding to staff requests, Ismail Serageldin devoted the Tuesday morning lecture to the topic of the scientific basis for Tsunamis. He gratefully acknowledged the material provided by Ali Ardalan, Ron laporte and others, but presented the lecture in his own distinctive style. A lively discussion ensued

Serageldin Meets Young Egyptian Scientists

The BA was host to some promising scientific talent today. Organized by Dr. Mohamed Fahham of the CSSP center of the BA, it was the occasion to salute the new generation on the occasion of announcing the first set of awards by the BA for research grants...

Serageldin Heads Delegation to Third Meeting of the Japan Arab Dialogue

Ismail Serageldin, Head of the Egyptian Delegation to the Japan Arab Dialogue involving Japan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, declared himself satisfied by the outcome. The joint overview statement reaffirmed earlier agreements arrived at in Alexandria in March 2004.

An Eloquent Summation on the Role of Women and Peace

At the closing of the outstanding international panel discussion organized by the Suzanne Mubarak International Women for Peace Movement, Ismail Serageldin delivered an impromptu summation of the activities that was widely appreciated.

An Intense Managerial Retreat

At the end of a two-and-a-half day retreat for the BA managers, in which Serageldin delivered no less than six lectures and moderated the debate among the 120 participants, both staff and director declared themselves satisfied with the results.

Islam, Science and Values

 Ismail Serageldin    Download

Consider the paradoxes of our times. We live in a world of plenty, of dazzling scientific advances and technological breakthroughs. Adventures in cyberspace are at hand. The Cold War is over, and with that we were offered the hope of global stability. Yet, our times are marred by conflict, violence, debilitating economic uncertainties and tragic poverty. Globalization and the assertion of local group specificity seem to be everywhere. Worse, we live in a world where the rising inequities between the rich and the poor are everywhere, nationally and internationally. But these inequities are probably even more acute in the domain of knowledge, at the time when the world is hurtling towards the information-based society.