On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, al-Azhar Conference Hall hosted the inauguration ceremony of the “Imam at-Tayyeb Scholarship for the International Program for the Preparation of Women Leaders Worldwide.” Launched under the gracious patronage of His Eminence the Grand Imam, Prof. Ahmad al-Tayyeb, Grand Imam of al-Azhar, the event was jointly organized by the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates, the Faculty of Islamic Sciences for International Students, and the “Arkan” Foundation for Sustainable Development under the slogan “With Knowledge and Leadership… We Create a Generation that Changes the World.”
The event featured speeches from Prof. Abbas Shouman, President of the World Organization for al-Azhar Graduates and Secretary-General of al-Azhar Council of Senior Scholars; Prof. Nahla al-Saidi, Founder of the Program, Advisor to the Grand Imam for Expatriates’ Affairs, and Dean of the Faculty of Islamic Sciences for Expatriates; and Prof. Salama Dawood, President of al-Azhar University and Vice-President of the Organization.
Also speaking at the event were Prof. Nazir Ayyad, Mufti of the Republic and Member of the Board of Directors of the Organization; Dr. Amr El-Wardany, Chairman of the Religious Affairs and Endowments Committee of the Egyptian House of Representatives; Mr. Ahmad Abu El-Shouk, Secretary-General of the Arkan Foundation for Sustainable Development; Dr. Iman Karim, General Supervisor of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities; and Dr. Marianne Magdy, Member of the House of Representatives and Member of the National Council for Women.
The inauguration ceremony drew a high-level audience, led by Major General Wael Bekhit, Vice-President of the Board of Directors of the Organization, and Prof. Abdul-Dayyem Nusseir, Advisor to His Eminence the Grand Imam and Secretary-General of the Organization. The event also saw the participation of senior al-Azhar officials, public figures, dignitaries, and ambassadors, alongside university deans and an elite group of executive, academic, and religious leaders—reflecting the program’s profound significance and its vital role in empowering and qualifying women on both local and international levels.
Notably, this international program aligns with al-Azhar’s vision to empower women and equip them with the scientific, intellectual, and leadership skills necessary to prepare a new generation of female leaders capable of making a positive impact on their societies.
The ceremony commenced with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem. Opening remarks delivered by key dignitaries highlighted the program’s profound significance and its core objective: developing conscious, qualified female leaders capable of carrying the message of moderation while enhancing the values of sustainable development and social stability.
The “Imam at-Tayyeb Scholarship” aims to prepare and qualify international female leaders by refining their leadership, intellectual, and advocacy skills through a comprehensive academic and training program. This initiative firmly instills the values of moderation and awareness, enhancing the pivotal role of women in community building and sustainable development. Ultimately, the program embodies al-Azhar’s global mission to cultivate human potential and champion cognitive and humanitarian empowerment worldwide.
