As part of its leading role as an academic institution supporting innovation and development in legal and technical fields, the German University in Cairo (GUC) hosted the first international conference on "The Legal Framework for Aviation Accidents and the Regulation of the Civil Aviation Sector, Related Disputes, and the Role of Judiciary and Arbitration in Their Settlement," held from January 12 to 13, 2026. This conference came as a result of the joint cooperation between the Judicial Studies, Training, and International and Cultural Cooperation Center of the State Lawsuits Authority, chaired by Counselor Ahmed Saad, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It featured a distinguished group of judicial and executive leaders, as well as experts and specialists in civil aviation, international law, and arbitration.
The German University in Cairo, with its long history of strategic partnerships with Egyptian state institutions, reaffirmed its leadership in supporting dialogue between academia and the government sector by hosting this important event, which discussed the legal and regulatory issues facing the civil aviation sector and enhanced cooperation among various stakeholders.
The Role of the State Lawsuits Authority and Judicial Arbitration
For his part, Counselor Dr. Hussein Madkour, Chairman of the State Lawsuits Authority, emphasized that the conference coincides with the Authority’s 150th anniversary. He explained that the Authority is one of the oldest judicial institutions in Egypt and serves as the legal shield for the state both domestically and internationally. He also pointed out that political leadership gives significant attention to building capabilities in strategic sectors such as civil aviation, focusing on specialized fields and staying up to date with the latest international practices to develop the legislative and judicial system.
Counselor Madkour also announced the launch of a Master's program in Civil Aviation Law in collaboration with the Faculty of Law at Ain Shams University, aiming to train legal professionals specialized in this field according to the latest global standards.
Integration Between Academia and the Government Sector
Dr. Ashraf Mansour, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the German University in Cairo, emphasized that the university plays an active role in supporting the state’s judiciary and strengthening the legal framework for vital sectors like civil aviation, which is one of the most prominent sectors in the region. He clarified that the integration between universities, the judiciary, and government institutions is essential for providing practical solutions that support the national economy and enhance Egypt's competitiveness in strategic sectors.
Active Participation from the Ministry of Civil Aviation
A number of representatives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation participated in the conference, including Captain Rami Mansour, Head of the Central Department for Aviation Accidents; Captain Ayman Al-Muqaddim, Technical Advisor for Accident Investigations; Captain Karim Jamil, Advisor to the Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority; and Engineer Hazem Mohamed El-Sayed, General Manager for Accident Investigations. Aviation experts also provided presentations about the aviation facility and the importance of technical investigations into aviation accidents, as well as Egypt's international and local obligations in this field.
Closing of the Conference and Enhancing Cooperation
At the conclusion of the conference, all participants emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation among all relevant parties to develop legal and technical frameworks in the civil aviation sector. They also praised the significant role played by the German University in Cairo in providing a vital academic platform that strengthens this cooperation and supports the development of this vital sector at both the regional and international levels.