Minister of Planning and Economic Development Ahmed Rustom praised the advisory services provided by the Institute of National Planning at the local, regional and international levels, saying they reflect the institute’s evolving role as a national center of expertise supporting decision-making.
The remarks came during a board meeting chaired by the minister in his capacity as chairman of the institute’s board, in the presence of institute president Ashraf El-Araby and board members. The meeting reviewed the proposed work plan for the 2026/2027 academic year, including its key research priorities and 11 collective research projects addressing development and planning issues.
Rustom commended the diversity of the institute’s activities, training and academic programs, as well as its digital and audio knowledge initiatives, stressing the institute’s role as the research arm of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development. He said the institute has established itself as a leading national and regional think tank with a distinguished international presence through evidence-based research, training, educational and advisory services that support policymaking and development planning.
The minister also underlined the importance of expanding advisory services and strengthening partnerships with local and international institutions to support decision-making, future foresight and institutional sustainability. For his part, Ashraf El-Araby reviewed efforts to implement the institute’s vision as an influential think tank at the national, regional and international levels.
He noted that the institute has increasingly relied on advisory services at the local, regional and international levels after previously focusing mainly on academic programs such as master’s degrees and professional diplomas, reflecting its growing competitiveness and expanding role as a national and regional center of expertise.