Cape Breton University Celebrates CIC Graduates in Cairo and Honours Global Leader Dr. Rania Al-Mashat

Cape Breton University (CBU) celebrated the achievements of more than 180 graduates from the Canadian International College (CIC) during its annual convocation ceremony on Sunday, September 13, 2026, in Cairo, Egypt.

The ceremony also recognized the extraordinary career and international contributions of Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), who was presented with an honorary degree from CBU.

“We are incredibly proud of our CIC graduates and of the strong partnership that has made a Cape Breton University education accessible to students in Egypt for more than two decades,” says President and Vice-Chancellor, David C. Dingwall. “It is also a tremendous privilege to recognize Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, whose extraordinary record of public service, international leadership and commitment to sustainable development reflects the kind of global impact we hope to inspire in every CBU graduate.”

An internationally recognized Egyptian economist and policymaker, Dr. Al-Mashat has held senior leadership positions spanning government, international finance and multilateral development. Her distinguished career includes service as Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, Minister of International Cooperation and Minister of Tourism, as well as senior roles with the International Monetary Fund and Central Bank of Egypt. In 2026, she was appointed Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA).

Dr. Al-Mashat’s leadership in economic policy, development finance, international cooperation and sustainable development has earned her recognition on the global stage. Her work closely reflects CBU’s commitment to sustainability, international engagement and impactful public service.

“I thank the Board of Governors of Cape Breton University for this honorary doctorate, which I receive with gratitude and pride. This honour recognises my career in public service, economic development and international cooperation, says Dr. Al-Mashat. “Throughout that career, knowledge has travelled both ways. International experience has informed my work in Egypt, and the lessons of implementing policy at home have shaped my contribution to international institutions. The purpose of that work remains the same – to turn economic stability into lasting opportunity. Education gives people knowledge and skills, and our responsibility is to create the conditions in which they can put them to work and contribute to their communities. No one builds a future alone. That conviction connects my service to Egypt with my work across the Arab region and at the United Nations. It means building a shared regional narrative around what our countries can achieve together, and working with governments, international institutions and the private sector so that cooperation yields tangible dividends: better education, more jobs and reliable public services.”

For more than 20 years, CBU and CIC have built a strong academic partnership that provides students in Egypt with access to a high-quality Canadian university education. The partnership has become an important part of CBU’s international presence, creating opportunities for international learning while preparing graduates to contribute as leaders in their professions and communities.

This year’s convocation celebrates another cohort of CIC students joining the global CBU alumni community and underscores the strength of a strong partnership.

“Over more than two decades, our partnership with Cape Breton University has played an important role in the development and success of CIC. CBU has brought to Egypt its academic experience, quality and commitment to excellence, giving thousands of Egyptian students the privilege of earning a Canadian degree and, for many, the opportunity to continue part of their educational and professional journey in Canada, says Dr. Magdy Elkady, Canwell President and CIC Founder. “Today, we are particularly proud when we see our CBU graduates succeeding across Egypt, Canada and the wider region. Many have built distinguished careers, while others have made Canada their home and become Canadian citizens, contributing professionally and socially to the country. Their achievements are among the strongest reflections of what this partnership has accomplished.”

Dr. Tanya Brann-Barrett, Associate Vice-President of Research and Innovation, represented Cape Breton University at the ceremony which was also attended by Mr. Redouane Mekideche, Counsellor and Senior Trade Commissioner for Egypt – Global Affairs Canada at the Embassy of Canada in Cairo.