Lord Mayor of Ulm: “I Came to Cairo to Share the Joy of GIU Graduates… What We Witness Today Goes Beyond a Graduation Ceremony to Building Bridges Between Egypt and Germany”
Martin Ansbacher, Lord Mayor of the City of Ulm, Germany, affirmed that his participation in the 2026 graduation ceremony of the German International University (GIU) in the New Administrative Capital represents an exceptional occasion, noting that the city of Ulm has a deep and historic relationship with Egypt, and that this relationship has developed over the years into genuine bridges between people, ideas, and institutions in the two countries.
Ansbacher said that he came to Cairo specifically to share the joy of the graduates of the German International University on this special day. He expressed his pride in what he witnessed in terms of the students’ level, the excellent organization, and the musical performances, emphasizing that the ceremony was not merely a celebration of graduation, but reflected a genuine bridge between Egyptian and German cultures, bringing together science, music, and friendship.
Lord Mayor of the City of Ulm Congratulates GIU Graduates: “Your Degree Is Not Merely a Personal Achievement, but a Responsibility Toward Society”
The Lord Mayor of the City of Ulm congratulated the graduates of the Class of 2026, affirming that graduation marks the culmination of years of learning, hard work, overcoming challenges, and gaining valuable experience.
He explained that a university
degree represents not only a personal achievement for the graduate, but also a responsibility to put knowledge and capabilities to good use in serving society and addressing the challenges facing the world.
Ansbacher noted that education and science in today’s world no longer stop at national borders, emphasizing that the relationship between Ulm, the German University in Cairo, and the German International University has developed over the years beyond the concept of institutional partnerships, becoming bonds that connect people and ideas across two countries separated by thousands of kilometers.
Ansbacher Highlights Ashraf Mansour’s Role in Strengthening the Cairo–Ulm Bridge
The Lord Mayor of Ulm expressed his appreciation for Prof. Dr. Ashraf Mansour, highlighting his role in shaping and developing the German University in Cairo and the German International University, as well as his commitment to strengthening their relations with the city of Ulm.
Ansbacher described Prof. Dr. Ashraf Mansour as an important bridge between Egypt and Germany, and between Cairo and Ulm, emphasizing that the relationship between the two sides has become part of a broader network of human, academic, and cultural ties.
“The World Is Changing Rapidly” – Ansbacher Calls on Graduates to Combine Innovation with Responsibility
The Lord Mayor of the City of Ulm addressed the nature of the world the graduates are entering after university, noting that artificial intelligence and digitalization are reshaping businesses and societies, while the challenges of climate change require new solutions in the fields of energy and mobility, alongside the growing importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.
He said that graduates in computer science and business economics possess knowledge that is increasingly needed by the world, and that combining data-driven technology with economic vision provides broad opportunities to contribute to shaping the future.
At the same time, he stressed that building the future depends not only on technical knowledge, but also requires people who combine innovation, responsibility, and values, and who ask not only what can be achieved, but also what is right and what serves people and the public good.
Lord Mayor of Ulm : International Universities Create Spaces for Encounter and Open New Horizons
Ansbacher affirmed that international universities play a vital role in creating spaces that bring together people from different cultures and backgrounds, opening new horizons for thinking and enabling solutions that individuals may not be able to reach on their own.
He pointed out that cooperation among people with different expertise and perspectives is an important element in addressing contemporary challenges, explaining that diverse experiences and cultures can serve as a source of innovation and new solutions.
Ulm… A City of Science and Innovation
The Lord Mayor of Ulm highlighted the position of his city as an international city of science and innovation, explaining that the university, the university of applied sciences, the university hospital, research institutes, and companies work closely together in fields including artificial intelligence, medical technology, life sciences, quantum technology, energy, and battery technology.
He said that the future is one of the central concerns of the city of Ulm, expressing his hope that some graduates of the German International University will one day come to Ulm to study, conduct research, or work.
From the Pyramids of Giza to Ulm Minster… “Great Achievements Take Time”
Ansbacher drew a connection between his visit to the Pyramids of Giza, which stand as a testament to what humanity can achieve, and the iconic landmark of his city, Ulm Minster, whose tower was once the tallest church tower in the world. He emphasized that major achievements require knowledge, organization, determination, and sustained work across generations.
He explained that successive generations contributed over centuries to the construction of the cathedral, with each generation making its own contribution to a project whose final form was not known at the beginning. He considered this experience to offer a beautiful link between Cairo and Ulm.
He affirmed that great achievements take time, and that the future is not built by individuals alone, but collectively, noting that receiving a university degree on graduation day does not represent an endpoint, but can be the beginning of something truly great.
A Message to Graduates: “Be Courageous… Ask Questions and Challenge Conventional Thinking.
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The Lord Mayor of the City of Ulm called on GIU graduates to use their knowledge with courage and curiosity, remain open to perspectives different from their own, ask questions, be willing to step outside familiar paths, challenge conventional thinking, and look beyond the boundaries of what is already known.
He emphasized that success is not measured only by job titles or financial achievement, but also by one’s ability to create opportunities for others, build trust, take responsibility, and contribute to finding answers to the fundamental questions facing the world.
A Tribute to the German Universities, Educated Youth, and International Friendship
At the conclusion of his speech, The Lord Mayor of the City of Ulm expressed his sincere thanks to the German International University for inviting him and the Ulm delegation, as well as for the warm hospitality they received in Cairo.
He also thanked the professors, faculty members, staff, graduates’ families, and friends for their role in supporting the students throughout their academic journey.
Martin Ansbacher concluded his speech by extending a tribute to the German International University, the German University in Cairo, educated youth, and international friendship.
