The 2025 UNICON Directors’ Conference, hosted by Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo (AUC), brought together over 90 leaders from 29 countries to reimagine the future of executive education. Representatives from globally renowned institutions, including Stanford, MIT Sloan, INSEAD, and Yale, gathered in Cairo for three days of transformative discussions held across AUC’s Tahrir Campus, the New Cairo Campus, and the Grand Egyptian Museum.

UNICON 2025 created an essential space for addressing the key questions shaping the future of executive education: How can artificial intelligence (AI) enhance learning while maintaining the human connection? How can business schools design programs that balance global expertise with local relevance? What role do partnerships play in scaling impact?

Collaboration emerged as a central theme throughout the conference. Participants emphasized how partnerships can amplify the reach and impact of executive education. Real-world examples, such as programs co-created with industry leaders, demonstrated how collaboration can address organizational and societal challenges alike.

Another key focus was the transformative role of technology. Sessions explored how AI is reshaping executive education, from improving program design to increasing learner engagement. Participants also emphasized the importance of ethical governance and maintaining the human element in leadership development, ensuring that technology complements rather than replaces human creativity.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of localization in program design. In culturally diverse regions like the Middle East and Africa, tailoring programs to address specific market needs is critical.

The conference showcased the role of executive education as a driver of innovation. Institutions were encouraged to think beyond traditional models, leveraging tools like data analytics, AI, and leadership frameworks such as The GC Index to deliver personalized and impactful learning experiences.

“This conference was a call to action,” said Sherif Kamel, Professor and Dean of the Onsi Sawiris School of Business. “It challenged us to think differently, collaborate more effectively and innovate continuously in how we prepare leaders for the complex challenges ahead.”

Watch the highlights of the UNICON Directors’ Conference 2025 here.

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