Under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Khaled El-Darnadli, President of Zagazig University, and the leadership of Prof. Dr. Ehab El-Beblawy, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies, and under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Shaimaa Abdel-Ghany Attallah, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Law, and Prof. Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim Dahshan, Vice Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Research, the Faculty of Law at Zagazig University witnessed today the inauguration of the First Scientific Conference of the Department of Private International Law, titled “Critical Readings in Private International Law,” with wide participation from faculty members, researchers, and specialists.
The conference opened with the Egyptian national anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by student Ahmed Sami Al-Farjani.
The proceedings began with a welcoming address by Prof. Dr. Shaimaa Abdel-Ghany Attallah – Acting Dean of the Faculty of Law – who greeted the attendees and emphasized that this first scientific conference of the Department of Private International Law marks a strategic step that reflects the faculty’s genuine commitment to supporting specialized scientific research and empowering academic departments to address contemporary issues intertwined with the international and regional legal landscape.
She stressed that the Faculty of Law at Zagazig University places at the forefront of its priorities the creation of a serious academic environment capable of producing rigorous legal knowledge that responds to global transformations, particularly given the rapid developments in private international law in the areas of investment, arbitration, and artificial intelligence.
She also praised the tremendous efforts exerted by the Department of Private International Law in preparing this conference and presenting it in such an impressive manner. She commended the active and dynamic role of the Faculty Student Union, describing their organizational participation as a model to be followed.
The conference was presented by Dr. Sabrin Mohamed Sabry, Teaching Assistant in the Department of Private International Law, who professionally managed and organized the sessions.
Dr. Mostafa Galal, Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Private International Law, delivered the opening remarks, stressing that this conference represents an important step in advancing scientific research within the department and enriching specialized legal dialogue.
The conference featured three scientific panels:
First Panel – Solutions to Conflict of Laws and the Arab Investment Agreements
Presented by Prof. Dr. Ahmed Mohamed El-Hawary, Professor and Head of the Department of Private International Law, covering:
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A critical reading of the solutions to conflict of laws in Egypt.
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A critical reading of the Unified Agreement for the Investment of Arab Capital in Arab States, with application to the “Kharafi Arbitration Saga” ruling.
Second Panel – Arbitration in International Private Relations
Presented by Prof. Dr. Mohamed Hamdy Bahensi, Professor of Private International Law and Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs, discussing recent developments in international arbitration, its nature and challenges, as well as issues of enforcement and conflicts between applicable laws.
Third Panel – Private International Law, Digital Transformation, and Artificial Intelligence
Presented by Dr. Nadia Ismail, Lecturer in the Department of Private International Law, examining the impact of the digital revolution and intelligent systems on the rules of private international law, AI liability, and digital nationality.
The conference concluded with closing remarks and recommendations delivered by Dr. Shaza Saeed, Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Private International Law, emphasizing the importance of sustaining such scientific conferences and reinforcing the connection between legal research and contemporary global developments.
Prof. Dr. Shaimaa Abdel-Ghany Attallah then reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to supporting scientific conferences and research activities that serve the legal community. She invited researchers and students to benefit from these academic platforms to develop their skills and engage with legal issues in all their challenges and opportunities.
The conference received high praise from attendees for its excellent organization, strong academic content, and productive collaboration between faculty members and the Faculty Student Union—reflecting the distinguished standing of the Faculty of Law at Zagazig University.