On 11 May 2022, the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) Egypt National Centre launch ceremony was successfully held. The event was jointly organised by UNESCO-ICHEI, UNESCO Cairo Office, the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities and Ain Shams University (ASU). Over 100 representatives from over 20 higher education institutions (HEIs) in Egypt, governmental agencies, enterprises, and international organisations participated in the ceremony.

Prof. Mahmoud EI-Meteini, President of Ain Shams University (ASU), reviewed ASU's cooperation with UNESCO-ICHEI and expressed gratitude for UNESCO-ICHEI's unwavering support and cooperation over the years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasised that Ain Shams University is committed to serving HEIs nationwide through the IIOE National Centre, striving for quality higher education in the post-COVID-19 era.

Prof. Mohamed Lotayef, Executive Secretary of the Supreme Council of Egyptian Universities, said that the Supreme Council of Universities will fully support the IIOE Egypt National Centre. He emphasised the importance of developing blended learning in Egypt and suggested that more courses, especially in Arabic and English, could be added to the IIOE platform.

Mr. QIN Changwei, Secretary-General of National Commission of the People's Republic of China for UNESCO, congratulated the launch of IIOE Egypt National Centre and appreciated the efforts of UNESCO-ICHEI and ASU. He said that the National Commission of the People's Republic of China for UNESCO will continue supporting IIOE and the IIOE Egypt National Centre, contributing to the realisation of the Education 2030 Agenda.

Ms. Mary Anne Therese Manuson, Education Programme Specialist of UNESCO Cairo Office also congratulated the launch of the IIOE Egypt National Centre and hoped that it would promote the digital transformation of higher education in Egypt, in line with the SDGs and Egypt Vision 2030.

Prof. LI Ming, Director of UNESCO-ICHEI, highlighted the important role ASU played as the first IIOE Rotating Presidency Unit for 2020 and its outstanding contribution to IIOE's development throughout the years. The IIOE Egypt National Centre will support capacity building of online and blended teaching and learning at HEIs, not only in Egypt and but also across the region. In particular, he suggested that UNESCO-ICHEI would pilot the construction of a supportive ecosystem for digital transformation of higher education teaching and learning in Egypt, through the integrated application of research outcomes, educational resources and training programmes. He also hoped that the IIOE Egypt National Centre could contribute to developing local talent suited to development needs by customising IIOE's digital educational resources according to local contexts.