Brothers and Sisters,
First I would like to express, for myself and on behalf of the great people of Egypt, our
sincere congratulations for the loyal son of Egypt, Dr. Ahmed Zewail, on winning the
Nobel prize for chemistry, 1999. I think you agree with me that this precious occasion
gains much deeper connotations than just the winning by Dr. Ahmed Zewail of this prize,
as such success definitely supplements the chain of accomplishments characteristic of
the innovative civilized contributions of the great people of Egypt.
As you all know, this is not the first time, that Egyptians are awarded international
honours for their creative humane contributions. Earlier, President Anwar as-Sadat had
pioneered a peace making process in a region that was destined for long to pay a high
price for the scourge of a ferocious conflict imposed theron. This conflict had
relentlessly
drained off its energies. Hence, he was the first Egyptian to win the Nobel prize for his
endeavours to achieve peace for the sake of humanity at large.
Next was Egypt's great novelist Naguib Mahfouz whose splendid and comprehensive
literary vision delved into the depth of the Egyptian political and social reality. He,
thus,
soared high through vast horizons of elevated human values and connotations. Hence
came the worldwide recognition, of his value and magnificent literary standing.
With the winning by the distinguished scientist, Dr. Ahmed Zewail of the Nobel prize for
chemistry, the cycle of Egyptian contributions to civilization, and international
recognition thereof, is now complete and consummate in reality with its connotations for
the present and future.
Probably, the Egyptians and Arabs were deeply thrilled by the great event, because they
instantly realized its clear significance; we are capable with the help of God of coping
with the accelerating scientific revolution and its marvelous achievements.
Brothers and Sisters,
The splendid scientific achievement by Dr. Ahmed Zewail has completed world
recognition of the chain of comprehensive contributions of the Egyptian people along the
march of human civilization. On the other hand, it evidently underscores the continuing
progress of these contributions since early times. Ahmed Zewail is the offspring of this
ancient Egyptian civilization. The achievements of this civilization, that rose on a base
of
advanced sciences, involving some secrets which still remain inacessible by modern
science, have always astounded the world. He is also an offspring of the Arab Islamic
civilization, where scientific progress figured high, playing a leading role that can not
be
denied by any fair person in placing Europe, in early modern ages, on the track of
transition from backwardness to renaissance and take-off.
Brothers and Sisters,
What makes us more proud of this great event are a number of connotations where we
should dwell on in the following:
The first is that this scientist, whose unique and pioneering world has been recognized by
the whole world, had received his education up to his pre-MA studies at the Egyptian
educational institutions. I believe that it is an undeniable testimony, to the ability of
these
institutions to introduce generations of scientists whenever suitable circumstances are
available. I also believe that thousands of scientists who work in silence within Egypt or
those who contribute with their scientific efforts in making human progress outside their
homeland do present a further proof of the ability of this homeland to provide more
contributions.
Egypt had earlier expressed appreciation for the scientific accomplishments of Dr.
Ahmed Zewail and his keenness to maintain close ties with scientists and scientific
research institutions in Egypt, by conferring the medal of science and arts of the first
class at the celebration of the Scientific Research Day in 1995. This initiative was
indicative of my personal as well as the state's keenness to give due care to our
expatriate scientists and maintain strong ties between them and their homeland.
Secondly, the scientific career of Dr. Ahmed Zewail continued after completing his
university education in Egypt at a scientific and institutional environment of deep-rooted
traditions in university scientific research. This indicates that individual genius, no
matter how singular, can reach highest degrees of distinction only within the framework
of sound scientific and technological policies and institutions capable of implementing
such policies with effective cooperation among the government, businessmen and well-off
categories of the Egyptian society.
The third of these connotations is related with the true happiness that filled the hearts
of
all Egyptians on hearing the news that one of their compatriates has won such an
elevated science award. This happiness was actuated by the awareness by this faithful
people of the value and significance of the relationship between such achievement and
their country. However, I would be only stating a truth if I said that the belonging of
Egyptians transcend this country to cover their Arab nation of which Egypt has always
been the centre.
No wonder, then, that such feelings of pride and admiration for Dr. Ahmed Zewail have
prevailed all the Arab world with the same force and authenticity as expressed in Egypt.
This is an extension of our feeling of pride for the achievements of our Arab scientists
such as al-Khawarizmi the most famous scientist in mathematics and astronomy of his
time, al-Hassan Ibn al-Haytham in optics and physics, al-Razi, author of the first medical
encyclopedia, Ibn Sinaa, Ibn Rushd, and many others.
Brothers and Sisters,
Moreover, the real meaning we should dwell on this occasion is that we should not regard
the winning by Dr. Ahmed Zewail of the Noble Prize for chemistry at such young age just
an individual occurence to take pride in. But we should regard it as a starting-point for
enhancing national scientific research in Egypt, pursuing true and persistent efforts in
order to obtain a share of the current world scientific revolution. We should work for
solving problems and facing challenges that could hamper our progress towards our
aspired national goals. Here, we have to mention with all pride that one of the most
precious national achievements during the second half of the 20th Century, namely the
glorious October victory was built on a sound scientific base which we need to recall so
as to face our present challenges.
You may also recall that this connotation was taken into account in my vision of the
dimensions of change that should be made in the Egyptian national action. In my address
to the national conference on technology and information last September, I emphasized
that a new national project for a comprehensive technological revival is to be added to
Egypt's mega projects. This project provides for rapid and ongoing implementation of an
ambitious national programme to mobilize efforts by all sectors of the community to use,
produce and make indigenous technology for application in all production sites and all
walks of the Egyptian life. I also asserted in my address to the People's Assembly and
Shura (Consultative) Council last October, that I would personally follow up this vital
project. In the same month, I referred, in the letter of assignment to the new cabinet, to
the prerequisites for this project's success. These included to prepare the Egyptian
society with all its sectors to enter into the Hi-tech age, intensively reform and
continually upgrade the educational system and give special attention to high-flying and
innovative students and improve by all possible means scientific research.
Brothers and Sisters,
To succeed in attaining these ambitious goals, we need, in addition to clear-cut vision,
an
integrated policy for which I urge all competent bodies to collaborate in developing and
implementing. To attain this vital goal, this should include making the best use of the
energies of distinguished Egyptian scientists as well as the new generation of
researchers.
I call on the Egyptian scientists who migrated or left to work abroad to effectively
contribute to this giant project not only with their ideas and inventions but also by
transferring advanced technology and training their colleagues in Egypt.
I also call on them to sponsor, as supervising professors, young scientists and
researchers in Egypt to get their Ph.D. On my part, I will never hesitate a moment in
giving maximum possible support to render this ambitious project a success.
On the other hand, I seize this opportunity to call for a real Arab integration whereby
Arab countries can make wide strides on the way of the scientific research because no
one party can do this single handed. I am aware of difficulties and sensitivities involved
in putting this call into effect. But, the aspired fruits and the challenges facing us all
with
the advent of a new century are worthy of our maximum efforts. Egypt will be always
ready to provide its best ideas and expertises to proceed forward with this call.
Brothers and Sisters,
I repeat my congratulations to Egypt's faithful son and distinguished scientist Dr. Ahmed
Zewail for winning this elevated prize. I have confidence in the ability of this people
and
nation to attain the progress we deserve. I am sure that we will always meet in good faith
to celebrate the achievements of the faithful sons of Egypt for the sake of their homeland
and future of their sons. By so doing, they are fulfilling lofty human principles laid
down
by their ancestors since the dawn of human civilization.
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