On the sidelines of TRENDS Research & Advisory’s fourth participation in the Cairo International Book Fair 2025, the TRENDS Youth Council hosted a discussion session with H.E. Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports. The session explored the significance of empowering youth, enhancing their capabilities, and developing their skills in various scientific, research, and knowledge fields while safeguarding them from misleading and extremist ideologies.
The session emphasized the need for specialized training programs in leadership and scientific research, as well as improving communication channels between young professionals in both the public and private sectors. Participants also underscored the importance of collaboration between relevant institutions to foster an environment that encourages innovation and initiative.
Participants in the session included Dr. Abdullah Al-Batish, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports for Youth Centers Affairs, Dr. Manal Gamal, Undersecretary of the Ministry and Head of the Central Administration for Youth Empowerment, and members of the TRENDS Youth Council.
Leadership Skill Development
H.E. Dr. Ashraf Sobhy praised the pivotal role of TRENDS Research & Advisory in various research fields and its strong presence among global think tanks. He highlighted TRENDS’ outstanding experience in empowering young researchers and affirmed the Ministry’s openness to collaboration with TRENDS in different areas, particularly youth empowerment and training programs. He also noted the Ministry’s ongoing training initiatives at youth development centers, which aim to counter extremist ideologies and misinformation.

Combating Extremist Thought
Dr. Sobhy emphasized that both parties are also eager to collaborate in the fields of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, leveraging these technologies to support youth development and community progress. Additionally, he stressed the importance of sharing expertise in countering extremist ideologies and addressing societal changes among young people.
He commended TRENDS’ efforts in training young researchers and equipping them with the necessary tools to advance scientific research, stating: “Scientific research is a fundamental pillar of the Ministry’s youth empowerment strategy. We are committed to supporting young researchers through training programs and initiatives that foster innovation, enabling them to play a leading role in the future.”
Empowering Young Researchers
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, affirmed that TRENDS places great emphasis on youth development and has prioritized training, qualifying, and empowering young researchers since its inception. This approach ensures that they enter the field of scientific research with the necessary skills and innovative tools to enhance this critical sector.
He emphasized that preparing a new generation of future leaders requires clear strategic plans for youth empowerment, including specialized training programs and workshops to enhance their capabilities and provide them with practical and scientific expertise. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of leveraging digital technology to foster sustainable learning and effective communication.
Gaining New Skills
Members of the TRENDS Youth Council expressed their appreciation for the opportunities provided by TRENDS to actively participate in scientific and research activities as well as international events. They emphasized that these opportunities enhance their skills, equip them with innovation tools, and enable them to contribute to societal progress on multiple levels.
They also highlighted the importance of an enriched educational environment, which serves as a primary catalyst for skill development, critical thinking, and creativity. Additionally, they noted that living in an era of rapid digital transformation, driven by artificial intelligence, presents both challenges and opportunities. As such, they stressed the need to raise awareness among youth about digital threats and provide them with the skills necessary to navigate and mitigate these risks.
At the conclusion of the session, both parties agreed to launch a series of joint programs between the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and the TRENDS Youth Council. These initiatives aim to support youth empowerment mechanisms and strengthen their active participation in community development and shaping the future.
