Goncourt Prize Celebrates Centennial at BA

Ismail Serageldin Welcomed Edmonde Charles-Roux and the members of the academie Gongourt and Prof Kopp the historian/biographer of the Goncourt brothers in a celebration of the centennial of the academie Gongourt and its prize (1904-2004).

Educational Reform in Egypt Provokes a Lively Debate

Ismail Serageldin invited the Ministers concerned and the key intellectuals of Egypt to meet in a special conference on the reform of Egyptian education (all levels, including research and S&T).

Aspects of Educational Reform: Some International examples

- Alexandria

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Aspects of Educational Reform: Some International examples” at the BA.

Serageldin Outlines Plan for Egypt's Economic Reform

Ismail Serageldin gave a masterful presentation to the Society of Political economy in which he laid out a ten-point program for the reform of the Egyptian economy. The lecture was very well attended and provoked a lively discussion. Serageldin's full understanding of the issues was evident in both the presentation and the discussion.

The Egyptian economy at the beginning of the new century: an analytical perspective (Presentation in Arabic)

- Cairo

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “The Egyptian economy at the beginning of the new century: an analytical perspective” in Cairo.

Water Again Takes Center Stage

Ismail Serageldin inaugurated the Ahram Centerss g-20 consultation on water with a series of incisive comments. The Consultation was being held at he BA. Serageldin reminded the participants of the many other urgent issues tat should also be adopted by the g-20 especially in terms of the negotiations of the Doha round.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina Wins Aga Khan Award for Architecture

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina (BA) was selected as a winner of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA), one of the most prestigious architectural prizes a building project can win. This particular prize was especially pleasing to Ismail Serageldin who had personally chaired two previous AKAA juries (1983 and 1992). He had also served on three steering committees in the early days of the AKAA and helped set the course of the world-famous triennial prize.

Women Defending Peace Conference in Geneva

The Suzanne Mubarak Womens International Peace Movement (SMWIPM) and the Swiss government hosted a major conference on the topic of women defending peace. Ismail Serageldin, a member of the Board of the SMWIPM, participated in the conference, which was chaired by Mrs. Mubarak, and which featured many eminent personalities including Dr. Boutros Ghaly and Nobel Laureate Jody Williams.

Ismail Serageldin Elected Fellow of the AAAS

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), one of the world's largest general scientific societies, has awarded the distinction of Fellow to Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Library of Alexandria. Election as a Fellow of AAAS is an honor bestowed upon members by their peers.

Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum in Kyoto Charts Future Course

Ismail Serageldin was one of forty founding members of this outstanding event that brought together decision-makers, scientists and business leaders to discuss the issues of S&T in Society. The STS forum was a great success, especially given the enormous attention the Japanese government has been giving it. Prime Minister Koizumi spoke at the inaugural session and Former Minister Koji Omi was the driving force behind the whole exercise, ably supported by Dr. Kurakawa, President of the Japan Science Council.

Serageldin Serves on Special Advisory Group on Africa

Ismail Serageldin Joined a group of distinguished individuals to serve on an advisory committee organized by UN Secretary General (SG) Kofi Annan. The SG met the group for about two hours to discuss the progress of their deliberations. Their primary mandate is to advise the SG on how to strengthen the effectiveness of the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD).

An Alexandrian Celebration and an Egyptian Opera

Ismail Serageldin welcomed some 650 persons for a gala dinner and an evening show to celebrate the second year of the BA. The reception was given to the many partners of the BA in Alexandria and Egypt as well as the representatives of the 35 international associations of friends who came from all over the world.

Library of Alexandria Celebrates its Second Year

On October 10, Ismail Serageldin welcomed the ambassadors of over 20 nations and the representatives of the Associations of friends of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina for a business like review of the achievements of the BA in the past two years and the forward design of the next two years. Mrs. Mubarak, who had been detained on official business abroad, sent a message to the participants that was delivered by Ismail Serageldin.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina : The Rebirth of the Library of Alexandria

- Frankfurt

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Bibliotheca Alexandrina: The Rebirth of the Library of Alexandria” in Frankfurt.

Serageldin Presents the BA at the Frankfurt Book Fair

The Arab World being the special guest of the Frankfurt Book Fair, the BA had an important part it eh special; wing devoted to the Arab Theme. The BA had organized the spectacular Culturama of the CULTNAT center, and had a special series of distinguished guests in its special auditorium. This was in addition to the work done on manuscripts and for the digital heritage generally.

Youth Delegates Meet in Mexico to Discuss Next Stages in the Youth Employment Summit Campaign

At the youth Employment Summit meeting today, Ismail Serageldin moderated an open discussion with about 200 persons in the room, including over ten ministers from various countries. In the process he helped develop a consensus over the next stage of the campaign to create 500 million sustainable livelihoods for youth in a decade.

Arab Contributions to the History of Science Featured at the BA

Serageldin could not attend the inauguration of the conference on Unknown Aspects Of Arab Contributions To The History Of Science. He expressed deep regret that urgent duties required his attendance in Cairo. He specifically mentioned that this was a topic of particular interest for which he had prepared with a disquisition on the nature of evolving scientific paradigms and the contributions of Arabs specifically and Muslims generally to the structure of scientific thought in the Middle Ages.

Who Destroyed the Ancient Library of Alexandria?

The fate of the ancient library was the topic of discussion by about forty of the worlds most eminent authorities. The conference organized by the Library of Alexandria as part of its Alexandria project is to produce the most comprehensive and authoritative discussion of that topic. Ismail Serageldin welcomed the distinguished scholars, and the eminent historian Mustapha Abbady chaired the conference proceedings.

Thousand-year-old Manuscripts Discussed at the BA

Millenary Manuscripts took center stage at the library Alexandria, as the manuscript center of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina held its first scientific conference. Serageldin delivered an opening address that spelled out the new Alexandria librarys approach to the question of heritage conservation and management. He advocated a proactive approach that encouraged the use of contemporary tools as much for preservation as for study.

Development, Human Rights and Poverty

- Cairo, Egypt

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Development, Human Rights and Poverty” in Cairo.

Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo as Special Guests at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina

The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo were the special guests of Ismail Serageldin at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. They held a special seminar presenting their experience, when from 1977, by their sheer presence and tenacity they inspired the Argentinean nation to stand up to the military dictatorship that was waging the dirty war against its own citizens, with tens of thousands of persons simply disappearing.

Underwater Archeology at the BA

Underwater archeology brought together rival researchers for an exhibition of their marvelous findings in a special display at the Library of Alexandria. Serageldin inaugurated the seminar that saw several specialists present learned findings, and showcased the work of Jean-Yves Empereur and his team (working mostly on the old Pharos and the area round the Qait Bay Fort) and the work of Frank Goddio and his team (from the eastern harbor to the bay of Abu Kir).

Opening Address: The First Freedom

- International Conference on the Beacon for Freedom of Expression, Alexandria, Egypt

Today, The Library of Alexandria lives again. By our gathering and our commitment, we represent the values that the great Library stood for, by our presence and our actions we give content to the slogans and take firm steps on the path of asserting the principles we stand for.

Serageldin Addresses Freedom of Expression Conference

Addressing inaugural session of the international conference on Freedom of Expression held at the library of Alexandria, Ismail Serageldin delivered a thoughtful and tempered address that does not leave much doubt as to his personal positions on the subject. In fact, he referred to it as the first freedom, from which all other freedoms flow, and the guarantor of democracy and human rights.

Intellectuals Annual Meeting in Alexandria Hears Progress Report by Serageldin

In his now traditional annual meeting of the Intellectuals, Serageldin presented his report to the General Assembly of Egyptian intellectuals. Serageldin reiterated that he considered this report a moral obligation, as they were the primary constituency of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. His report was comprehensive and drew a very positive response on the enormous amount of activities that had taken place.

Understanding Environmental Issues

- Alexandria

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Understanding Environmental Issues” at the BA.

Ethics and Social Responsibilities in Science and Technology

- Cairo

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Ethics and Social Responsibilities in Science and Technology” in Cairo.

Scientific Thinking

- Cairo

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Scientific Thinking” in Cairo.

Tomorrow’s Promises

- ARS Electronica 2004

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Tomorrow’s Promises” at ARS Electronica 2004.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina The Rebirth of the Library of Alexandria

- IFLA

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

IFLA Keynote Address Brings the BA to Center Stage

Delivering an impassioned keynote address to a packed plenary hall of the International Federation of Library Associations, Ismail Serageldin, the Librarian of Alexandria and Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, reviewed the glorious past, attacked the current challenges and surveyed the possibilities of the digital future for the library world if we have the courage to dream and the ability to embrace this exciting future.

Tomorrow’s Digital Libraries

- Kuwait

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Tomorrow’s Digital Libraries” in Kuwait.

Scientific Thinking: Part 2

- Alexandria

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Scientific Thinking: Part 2” at the Library of Alexandria.

Science and Math Take Center Stage

Over the period 18-21 July 2004 Ismail Serageldin addressed the BA staff in a series of three long lectures covering much about math and science. The six hour mini-course was very well received by those who attended it, and may lay the ground for more such events in the future.

Serageldin Addresses Egyptian Intellectuals

Ismail Serageldin addressed the closing session of a roundtable of distinguished Egyptian intellectuals discussing the challenges of the knowledge society. He emphasized that the culture of science and the values of scientific inquiry must be broadly embraced throughout society, and that the scientific method must be the only authority recognized in the magisterium of science.

Scientific Thinking: Part 1

- Alexandria

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Scientific Thinking: Part 1” at the Library of Alexandria.

Thinking about Mathematics

- Alexandria

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Thinking about Mathematics” at the Library of Alexandria.

Serageldin Receives Neruda Medal from the Government of Chile

On the occasion of the centennial of the birth of the Nobel Laureate poet, Chile honored 100 persons world-wide, of whom Ismail Serageldin was one. A special event was organized at the BA where the Library also received a bust/medal of Neruda. Ismail Serageldin gave a short word of appreciation in which he lauded the eminent writer/poet.

Water and Agriculture Loom Large for Egypt's Future

Ismail Serageldin addressed a distinguished group of experts including the Minister of water Resources, sketching out a vision of high-value agriculture to make better use of the sector that consumes about 85% of water withdrawals in Egypt. The meeting was one of the activities sponsored by the committee on sustainable development of the BA.

DNA Exhibition Inaugurated

Ismail Serageldin delivered the inaugural lecture in a the launch of a special exhibition and lecture series celebrating over a half century of the Watson-Crick discovery of the double Helix. The series of events is jointly sponsored by the British Council and the BA. There are many special exhibitions and experiments designed specially for youth and children.

Towards a New Water Strategy for Egypt

- Alexandria

Dr. Serageldin delivered this presentation entitled “Towards a New Water Strategy for Egypt” at the Library of Alexandria.

Board Meetings of BA Centers End on a High Note

In a marathon few days, Ismail Serageldin successively chaired the Board meetings of all the centers affiliated with the BA and the overall tone of the meetings was a very upbeat one. Despite the brevity of their existence the centers and museums are well on their way to implementing many ambitious plans n their respective domains, ensuring that the BA will be a lively place and a true producer of knowledge as well.

Serageldin Addresses International Publishers

Ismail Serageldin today addressed the International Publishers Association, on the topic of free expression, censorship and the Muslim World. His remarks sparked a lively debate in the panel and led a number of participants to comment afterwards that they had not had this kind of perspective from the Muslim world before.

Keynote Speech of Ali Gomaa, Ismail Serageldin & William Vendley

Serageldin Speaks in Dutch Senate

Ismail Serageldin gave an opening keynote address to a developmentally minded gathering held in the Senate chamber of the Dutch Parliament. The topic was the risk society from the perspective of the developing countries. On the big picture, Serageldin impressed the audience with the needs of the developing countries and their problems. But he also addressed methodological issues and analytical techniques.

Michel Rocard Speaks at the Institut d'Egypte and the BA

Ismail Serageldin introduced Michel Rocard, former PM of France to a packed audience in the Middle Auditorium of the BA for the second lecture in two days, the first having been delivered at the Institut d'Egypte in Cairo the night before. Mr. Rocard explained the construction of the new Europe and reflected on the likely role of Europe, the US and the Middle East.

Arab Workshop on Free Expression Starts in the BA

Ismail Serageldin today welcomed some 50 eminent writers, journalists, artists and intellectuals from the Arab world for a workshop on the promotion of free expression. He emphasized that this was part of deepening the discussion of reform in the Arab World that the Alexandria Declaration had helped crystallize. He also posed some challenging philosophical questions for the participants to consider in their deliberations.

First Ever Cooperation Agreement Signed between French Academy of Sciences and an Arab Institution

At the historic Institut de France, Prof. Emile-Etienne Beaulieu, President of the French Academy of Sciences, and Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, signed the first ever cooperation agreement between the prestigious academy and an Arab Institution. The agreement covers the collaboration of the two institutions in the international program, "la main a la pate", a hands-on approach to teaching science to children.

French Minitser of Culture Hosts Ceremony to Honor Serageldin

In the gilded Jerome room of the premises of the French Ministry of Culture, a small group gathered to witness the Minister of Culture, Donnedieu de Vabre, give a laudatory speech about Ismail Serageldin, and bestow upon him the order of Officer of Arts and Letters. The small ceremony was attended by a few eminent persons from the French cultural scene and Egypt's ambassador to France, Hatem Seif-el-Nasr.

Serageldin Speaks at Foundation for Political Innovation

The newly established Foundation for Political Innovation welcomed Ismail Serageldin who delivered a speech about "Mirrors and Windows: Contemporary Views of the Self and the Other for the Dialogue of Cultures", which was followed by an active debate that lasted quite a while. Overall the lecture had a good impact on the audience, and many participants promised to follow up by E-mail and by other means on the many questions raised by the presentation and the debate that followed.