Foundation of The Egyptian Association for Globalization and Language Solutions

Cairo – Monday, 12th December 2018. After about 18 months of persistent work and ongoing meetings, a group of Egyptian companies managed to receive approval and registration of the first Egyptian association focusing on language services, solutions and technologies. The association aims at consolidating efforts in order to strengthen the language services sector on the local and regional levels, as well as supporting companies and individuals working in this field to compete globally.

“The language services sector witnessed significant growth over the past 20 years and therefore, it was inevitable to establish an entity that brings stakeholders together in order to sustain this growth and put it on the right track” said Manal Amin, CEO of Arabize and first elected Chairman of the Association. “This association was one of my personal dreams for many years as I realized –throughout my visits to events and meetings with foreign professional associations- how these gatherings and entities are crucial to the growth and the development of the field as a whole”, Manal added.

The idea of establishing EAGLS emerged when a group of Egyptian companies gathered during a local networking event sponsored by GALA (Globalization and Localization Association) where the idea was introduced. Accordingly, this small group held a series of extended meetings to discuss details such as; vision, mission and goals of the Association. Furthermore, they formed an organizational structure, followed by assignment of operational roles among the members of that small group. Afterwards, the members started to communicate with more companies and individuals working in the field to get their input/ideas and in order to form a core team that represents different sectors in the industry of language services and solutions in Egypt.

Throughout that period, GALA was always providing support and advice for this group of Egyptian companies/individuals. “GALA is always mindful of workers in the field of language services and solutions all over the world, and it is normal that GALA is providing Egyptian companies with the necessary support, which will definitely benefit the industry on the long run.” said Wafaa Mohie, Board Member of GALA and the General Manager of SaudiSoft-Egypt. She also noted “GALA’s support was provided in the form of sponsoring local networking events and meetings as well as providing practical and technical advice… we are glad that GALA will be the first international partner to the emerging EAGLS”.

EAGLS agenda for the next few months is witnessing many activities such as; EAGLS launch event with introduction to its goals, vision and mission as well as accepting memberships from interested parties. This will be followed by preparation for the most significant event in Q2 of 2019’ which is AUC’s 1st Conference on Localization, Translation and Interpreting on 15-16th April. The conference will be sponsored by both GALA and EAGLS who will be contributing to the conference’s program, marketing the event and engaging members as speakers.

EAGLS’ objectives from these 2 events are to inform the language community about its goals, objectives and membership benefits for all the industry professionals.

 EAGLS Objectives

1- Networking the companies working in the industry in order to exchange knowledge and expertise.

2- Training individuals/companies working in the industry.

3- Helping member companies to promote and improve their business.

4- Raising the awareness of colleges that graduate linguists, translators, and programmers about the importance of the industry and developing curricula meeting needs of the market.

5- Protecting the industry and its personnel.

6- Developing a code of ethics.

7- Holding scientific seminars and conferences related to the industry topics.

8- Provision of training courses in different areas.

9- Creating databases for industry workers including translators localizers and providers related services for the purpose of networking and providing job opportunities.

10- Subscribing to, communicating and collaborating with peer local and international organizations, and entities supporting the activities of EAGLS (upon approval from the competent authorities), as well as joining the specialized federations that are consistent with the activities of the EAGLS.

11- Conducting research/studies in fields relevant to the industry and publishing them through newsletters, magazines, specialized publications and available channels (upon approval of the competent authorities).

12- Provision of health care to all members as well as other social and economic benefits while negotiating with competent authorities for other advantages and benefits.