Under the patronage of Prof. Tamer Samir, President of Benha National University, the University organized a seminar entitled “Religious Tolerance and Societal Values” in cooperation with the Egyptian Family House, as part of its role in promoting awareness and fostering the values of tolerance and mutual respect. The event also reflects the activation of the cooperation protocol previously signed between the University and the Egyptian Family House.
The seminar was attended by Prof. Tamer Samir, President of the University; Prof. Mahmoud Shakal, Vice President for Employment, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship; Prof. Mostafa Abdel Ghani, Vice President of Al-Azhar University for the Girls’ Branch and International Students Affairs and Secretary-General of the Egyptian Family House; and His Grace Bishop Ermia, General Bishop, President of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center, and Assistant Secretary of the Egyptian Family House.
Prof. Tamer Samir emphasized that intellectual development is intrinsically linked to the reinforcement of value systems, noting that divine religions promote the principles of compassion and coexistence. He added that the University is committed to developing well-rounded students through academic and extracurricular activities, enabling graduates to compete effectively while demonstrating mature awareness and enlightened thinking.
In the same context, Prof. Mostafa Abdel Ghani highlighted that the message of Islam is grounded in compassion and acceptance of others, underscoring the role of Al-Azhar in promoting moderate thought and a sound understanding of religion. He further noted that the Egyptian Family House represents a leading national model in fostering dialogue, strengthening citizenship values, and countering extremist ideologies.
His Grace Bishop Ermia affirmed that the values of love and peace lie at the core of humanity, emphasizing that the strength of societies resides in their ability to coexist despite differences, and that promoting a culture of tolerance is essential to achieving stability and building a secure future.
Prof. Mahmoud Shakal underscored that developing students’ competitiveness is inseparable from reinforcing societal values, noting that today’s labor market requires discipline, responsibility, and teamwork alongside technical competencies.
The seminar featured a comprehensive panel discussion addressing the role of religious tolerance in reinforcing societal ethics, the importance of accepting diversity, and the contribution of the Egyptian Family House to promoting stability and countering extremist narratives.
At the conclusion of the event, participants emphasized the importance of sustaining such intellectual engagements in raising youth awareness, strengthening national identity, and reinforcing Egypt’s position as a model of coexistence grounded in mutual respect and shared human values. They also recommended enhancing the role of educational, religious, and media institutions in promoting a culture of tolerance and constructive dialogue, stressing the need for coordinated efforts to counter hate speech and extremism.
