On Wednesday 19 th February, I had the privilege of delivering a keynote presentation at the EEP Innova8 Competition, and it was an incredible experience, especially following on from Prof. Dr. Sherif Sedky, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency and Chair of the 67th Session of UN COPUOS, was a very hard act to follow. My talk, titled "Engineering the Future with thePast," focused on two themes I hold close to myheart: representation and the power of positivity in shaping the future of innovation.
As part of my session, I explored the rich history of innovation in the Middle East, with a special focus on one of the region’s greatest minds: Al-Jazari, often referred to as the father of robotics. Living in the 12th century, Al-Jazari was a true pioneer, creating some of the earliest known examples of programmable machines. His ingenious devices, from automated water clocks to mechanical serving systems, weren’t just groundbreaking for their time—they laid the foundations for modern robotics.
From Al-Khwarizmi’s pioneering work on algorithms to the earliest concepts of automation, this region has always been at the forefront of engineering and technology.
Recognising this heritage is so important because it shows young people that they can be part of this story—they can write the next chapter.
I also emphasised the importance of positivity—a mindset that allows us to tackle challenges with optimism and resilience.
It was such an honour to share this message with the next generation of thinkers and creators. Their history is a testament to what’s possible when we merge history, innovation, and a positive outlook—and I hope it inspired the students as much as it inspires me.
Let’s keep building on this incredible legacy, engineering a future that combines the
wisdom of the past with the possibilities of tomorrow!