From January 11 to 26, 2026, the 2nd Fudan–Arab League Excellence Internship Program and the China–Egypt University Students Dialogue on Culture and Global Governance were successfully held in Cairo, the capital of Egypt. The program was jointly initiated by Fudan University and the Secretariat of the League of Arab States (LAS). It was co-organized by the Institute for Global Public Policy (IGPP) at Fudan University and the Training Department of the LAS, supported by The American University in Cairo, and implemented by the General Secretariat of the LAS–Fudan Centre for Global Leadership Development (currently in preparation). 21 Chinese students from Fudan University, Peking University, and other leading universities participated in the program, representing diverse academic backgrounds.

During the program, students undertook internships in relevant departments while participating in thematic lectures and cultural visits. Through systematic exposure to the LAS’s organizational structure and operational mechanisms, as well as close observation of Egypt’s history, culture, and contemporary society, participants deepened their understanding of the development landscape and practical challenges facing the Arab world. They also gained a more concrete appreciation of China–Arab cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Opening Ceremony

Under the overall coordination of the Secretariat, interns were assigned to departments including Education and Scientific Research, and Development and Social Policies. Through active participation in daily departmental work and professional exchanges, students developed a clearer understanding of policy priorities and institutional responsibilities. Guided by senior officials, they became familiar with the structure, functions, and procedures of the LAS, enhancing their policy analysis and cross-cultural communication skills through drafting documents, preparing materials, and supporting meetings.

Department Internship Group Photo

To strengthen their understanding of the LAS’s core functions, six thematic lectures were organized. Director Tarek El Nabulsi of the Department of Development and Social Policies delivered a lecture providing an overview of the LAS. Director Zeid Al Sabban of the Horn of Africa and Sudan Affairs Department shared insights on international law and regional coordination. Mostafa M. Hesham from the Legal Affairs Department explained the organization’s legal framework. Director Fadi H. Achaia of the Arms Control and Disarmament Department discussed the LAS’s role in arms control and regional security. Director Malek Mousli of the Gulf and Yemen Affairs Department analyzed security challenges and cooperation in the Middle East. Yasmine Ibrahim from the Population Policies Department spoke on youth, peace, and security in Arab policymaking. Together, these lectures broadened the interns’ academic horizons and deepened their understanding of China–Arab cooperation and global governance in practice.

Series of Lectures Organized by the Arab League

During the internship, students organized a Chinese culture–themed presentation and interactive event at the LAS headquarters auditorium. The activity highlighted traditional Chinese medicine, tea culture, and calligraphy. Through demonstrations of herbal sachet making, tea classification and brewing techniques, and calligraphy practice, LAS officials engaged in hands-on experiences such as crafting sachets, tasting tea, and writing their Chinese names and festive greetings. The event fostered meaningful cultural exchange and strengthened mutual understanding between Chinese and Arab youth.

Event Site and Group Photo

The program also featured extensive cultural visits. Participants visited the Cairo Tower, the Pyramids of Giza, and the Grand Egyptian Museum to experience the splendor of ancient Egyptian civilization and the vitality of modern urban life. In Alexandria, the delegation visited the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, toured its planetarium and library, and held discussions with university leaders to learn about its strategic development and regional educational role. Visits to the Citadel of Qaitbay and the Greco-Roman Museum further enriched students’ understanding of Mediterranean history and cross-civilizational exchange.

Cultural Visits

On January 22, the closing ceremony of the 2nd Fudan–Arab League Excellence Internship Program was held at the LAS Secretariat. Minister Plenipotentiary Dina Seif delivered concluding remarks, commending the interns for their dedication and engagement, and expressing hope that the program would continue to enhance students’ understanding of the LAS’s operations as well as Arab history and culture. Student representatives shared reflections on their experiences and expressed appreciation to both the LAS and IGPP for the valuable opportunity.

Closing Ceremony and Exchange Activities

Minister Plenipotentiary Seif then presented certificates of completion to all participants.

Certificate Distribution Ceremony

From January 23 to 24, the inaugural China–Egypt University Students Dialogue on Culture and Global Governance was held at The American University in Cairo, bringing together more than 40 Chinese and Egyptian students. Faculty members delivered lectures under the theme “Pathways Beyond Neoliberalism: Voices from the Middle East and North Africa.” Students engaged in discussions on economic development, education, urban governance, energy, and social policy, proposing innovative ideas for cooperation.

The inaugural China–Egypt University Students Dialogue on Culture and Global Governance

Chinese participants also introduced elements of traditional medicine, tea culture, and calligraphy, further enhancing cultural understanding.

At the conclusion of the program, the delegation visited the Embassy of China in Egypt, where they were warmly received by Minister Counselor Jie Li and officials from the education and science section. Discussions focused on long-term China–Arab cooperation in education and technology, key projects, and future priorities, further strengthening participants’ understanding of bilateral collaboration.

Interns Visit the Chinese Embassy in Egypt

IGPP serves as the Chinese planning and organizing institution for the program. It maintains multi-level cooperation with the Secretariat of the League of Arab States and universities across China and the Arab world. As the Chinese lead institution in public policy under the China–Arab University “10+10 Cooperation Plan,” it initiated the China–Arab Network of Schools of Public Policy and Administration (CANSPPA), comprising 20 member institutions. IGPP hosts the annual China–Arab Forum on Global Development and Governance, organizes the China–Arab Youth Summit and academic training programs for mid-career LAS officials, and enrolls Arab officials annually in its International Master of Public Administration program. On November 20, 2025, Fudan University conferred an honorary doctorate upon Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the LAS, marking a new milestone in bilateral cooperation.