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Daily News Egypt
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt hosts 3rd International Climate, Environment Conference to advance sustainable innovation
Egypt inaugurated the third edition of the International Conference on Climate and Environment on Tuesday, bringing together senior government officials, academics, religious leaders, and policy experts to address pressing environmental challenges and explore innovative solutions for sustainable development. Held under the auspices of the Prime Minister and the Arab League, the conference is organized by Nile University's School of Continuing Education in collaboration with the Engineers for Sustainable Egypt Foundation and is supported by several ministries. The event coincides with World Environment Day and centers on global climate action and environmental innovation. Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ayman Ashour, speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, emphasized the crucial role of universities and research institutions in developing policy-relevant innovations and fostering public engagement in environmental issues. 'Climate change stands among the most urgent threats to humanity,' Ashour stated, adding that higher education institutions are vital not only in generating scientific knowledge but also in nurturing environmental awareness among young people and encouraging responsible innovation. He reiterated Egypt's dedication to integrating climate and environmental goals into national research agendas while deepening international academic partnerships. The event drew a number of distinguished participants, including former Foreign Minister Amr Moussa; Grand Mufti Nazir Ayad; climate economist and COP representative Mahmoud Mohieldin (joining via video); and Mahmoud Fathallah from the Arab League's Department of Environmental Affairs. Minister of Religious Endowments Osama Al-Azhari expressed his ministry's full support for climate awareness initiatives, announcing a partnership with Nile University's faculties of Energy and Environmental Engineering and Water Sciences and Food Security to foster educational outreach on environmental stewardship. Nile University President Wael Akl highlighted the alignment of the conference with Egypt's higher education and national sustainability strategies. He outlined the university's contributions in fields such as renewable energy, smart agriculture, climate modeling, water resource management, and AI-based early warning systems—many of which have earned international recognition. Akl also proposed the establishment of a national 'Science Valley' to nurture the next generation of scientists and green entrepreneurs in line with Egypt's Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Mohamed Kamel, Chair of the Engineers for Sustainable Egypt Foundation, noted that the 2025 edition builds on the foundation laid by previous conferences since 2023, and supports the United Nations Environment Programme's call to end plastic pollution. He also announced the launch of new initiatives, including an award for the most impactful innovation in environmental protection. Nevine Abdel Khalek, Dean of Continuing Education at Nile University, stated that the conference aims to elevate public understanding of climate change, promote projects that drive sustainable development, and celebrate outstanding contributions to environmental innovation. The event features four core sessions focused on timely and critical topics: the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and equitable carbon pricing on imports; circular economy frameworks; green hydrogen technologies; and the application of artificial intelligence in water and environmental systems. In addition to plenary sessions, several panel discussions are planned on themes such as sustainable urban development, achieving Egypt's Vision 2030, promoting sustainable production and consumption, incentivizing green investment, and scaling the green economy. A special exhibition showcases green innovation projects, while a roundtable on plastic reduction highlights practical strategies for cutting waste. Further sessions explore the transformation of desert lands into eco-tourism destinations and sustainable agricultural zones, aimed at bolstering environmental resilience and advancing sustainable tourism models.
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Egypt launches ‘Sports Genome' phase of national DNA project
Egypt has launched the latest phase of its National Genome Project, turning its focus to athletes as part of a broader effort to harness genetic science for health improvement and sports development, officials announced Sunday. The announcement came during a high-level event marking the conclusion of the Sports Genome Project and the start of the 'Gene-Next' testing phase. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Health Khaled Abdel Ghaffar said the initiative represents a leap forward in preventive healthcare and personalized athletic training. 'By decoding the genetic blueprint of Egyptians, we can not only enhance athletic performance but also improve public health and reduce the burden of disease,' Abdel Ghaffar said. He was joined by the ministers of youth and sports, higher education, and senior representatives from the presidency and armed forces. The Sports Genome Program, he added, marks a strategic shift in how Egypt approaches health and human development—leveraging DNA analysis to tailor training, nutrition, and recovery programs based on an individual's unique physiological traits. Youth and Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhy said the 'NEXT GENE' initiative opens a new chapter in Egypt's athletic development. 'It allows for the creation of personalized training plans aligned with each athlete's genetic potential, helping to prevent injuries and optimize performance from an early age,' he said. Higher Education Minister Ayman Ashour described the project as the first of its kind in Africa and the Middle East, with government funding of EGP 2 billion. He called it a milestone in Egypt's transition to a knowledge-based economy and a cornerstone of the country's Vision 2030 strategy. Presidential Health Advisor Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din emphasized the national genome project's broader scientific significance, especially in the fight against diseases such as cancer. 'We are conducting this work with precision in collaboration with Egypt's leading universities and research institutions,' he said. Major General Mohamed El-Gohary, Director of the Armed Forces Center for Medical Research and Regenerative Medicine, reaffirmed the military's support for the project and its ongoing role in the implementation phase of the sports genome initiative. The event was attended by former ministers, university leaders, senior military officials, and prominent sports divs, including the president of Egypt's Paralympic Committee and the former president of Zamalek SC. The Sports Genome Project forms a core component of Egypt's broader National Genome Initiative, which aims to build a comprehensive genetic database to support early disease detection, personalized healthcare, and performance optimization. Officials say the initiative reflects a growing shift toward data-driven, individualized approaches in both medicine and elite sport.
Middle East
22-05-2025
- Health
- Middle East
OPEN// PM meets Oxford university delegation for talks on coop. in advanced cancer treatment
CAIRO, May 22 (MENA) - Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli met with a delegation from the University of Oxford at the government headquarters in the New Administrative Capital to discuss collaboration on advanced cancer treatment and medical research. Attendees included Egypt's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ayman Ashour, Cairo University President Mohamed Sami Abdel Sadek and Oxford's Pro-Vice Chancellor for Innovation Chas Bountra. The discussions centered on a new and advanced cancer treatment method developed by Oxford along with ways to transfer this technology to Egypt, particularly through partnerships with Cairo University and Hospital 500/500. Representatives from Caring Cross and GermFree, US-based organizations specializing in gene and cell therapies and cleanroom infrastructure, outlined plans for cooperation with Egypt to make cutting-edge cancer treatments more affordable and accessible. Brazil and India are already engaged in similar collaborations, they pointed out. The proposed project includes establishing Egypt's first applied research center for advanced medical products, training medical staff, and creating a national platform for gene and cell therapy development—positioning Egypt as a regional leader in this field. Madbouli expressed full support for the project and directed the preparation of an implementation plan. He also proposed adopting it as a national initiative, similar to Egypt's successful Hepatitis C treatment campaign, to expand access and reduce costs for cancer patients nationwide. (MENA) M H K/R E E
Egypt Today
19-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
Egypt, Australia talk cooperation in education
Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Ayman Ashour, received Axel Wabenhorst, Australian Ambassador to Cairo CAIRO - 19 May 2025: Egyptian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Dr. Ayman Ashour, received Axel Wabenhorst, Australian Ambassador to Cairo, in the presence of Dr. Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister for Strategic Planning, Training, and Rehabilitation for the Labor Market and Acting Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector, and Dr. Nevin Mohamed El-Saghir, Advisor to the Minister for Marketing and Public Relations. The meeting took place at the Private Education Building in New Cairo. Dr. Ayman Ashour emphasized the depth of relations between Egypt and Australia, particularly in the field of higher education and scientific research, through student and academic exchange. Dr. Ashour noted Egypt's aspirations to strengthen these relations and expand academic and research partnerships between the two countries. The Minister highlighted the significant expansion witnessed by the Egyptian higher education system in recent years, through the establishment of new universities, the opening of branches of foreign universities, and the granting of dual degrees in collaboration with prestigious international universities. He highlighted the diversity of the Egyptian higher education system, including public, private, national, and technological universities, as well as branches of foreign universities. He also highlighted the diversity of educational paths that meet the needs of the changing global labor market, encompassing 3.8 million male and female students, with a strong female representation of approximately 53 percent of the total student body. The Minister indicated that this comes within the framework of achieving the state's comprehensive vision for Egypt to be an attractive educational platform and a destination for those seeking distinguished educational services in the Arab region, the African continent, and the Middle East. He noted that the Egyptian higher education system offers diverse educational services in English alongside Arabic, in addition to extensive cooperation with France to offer programs in French to meet the needs of Francophone countries. The Minister noted the increasing number of international students studying in Egypt, coming from various countries, reaching 130,000 from 119 countries around the world. He explained that internationalization is one of the most important principles of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research, in which Egypt has achieved significant success through numerous successful partnerships with various countries in the fields of higher education and scientific research. He emphasized that Egyptian educational institutions have extensive experience in twinning programs and educational and research partnerships, and have a long history of cooperation with major international institutions from around the world. The two sides discussed a vision for expanding cooperation between the two countries. A proposal was also discussed to hold meetings bringing together the presidents of Egyptian and Australian universities and research institutions, as well as organizing virtual events between the two sides with the participation of the Supreme Council of Universities. This would facilitate cooperation, advance relations between the two countries, open horizons for academic partnerships and research projects in priority areas of common interest, and enhance the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two sides. The two sides emphasized advancing cooperation in the fields of basic sciences, particularly mathematics, physics, and agriculture. The Minister noted Egypt's establishment of the first academy for mathematics and physics to support the graduation of distinguished science specialists, serving the country's goals of achieving a qualitative leap in the fields of science and technology. He also discussed cooperation in interdisciplinary study programs. For his part, the Australian Ambassador to Cairo expressed his country's great appreciation for the strong relations that bind it to Egypt, particularly in the fields of higher education and scientific research. He noted that Australia is one of the largest countries offering scholarships to students and that it hosts a large number of Egyptian students and researchers. Wabenhorst also reviewed Australia's distinguished education system, particularly in the fields of physics, engineering, agriculture, medicine, and law, emphasizing his country's willingness to work to advance academic and research cooperation with Egypt, given its distinguished young human resource, as well as Egypt's regional role as a gateway to the African continent.
Zawya
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
An international coalition comprising UNDP, ICESCO and MBRF supports Egypt's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research of the Arab Republic of Egypt, in collaboration with an international coalition comprising the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), has officially launched the '1 Million Qualified Innovators' initiative. This initiative serves as a key implementation mechanism of Egypt's national presidential programme 'Alliance and Development', aiming to equip one million young people with future skills and connect them to meaningful employment opportunities. This landmark initiative provides access to high-quality training for Egyptian youth and learners. By leveraging the Future Skills Academy, a flagship programme of the Knowledge Project, the initiative offers specialized learning pathways that link innovation with labour market needs — a critical response to the accelerating pace of global change and increasing digitalization. The launch event, held in Cairo recently, convened government leaders, international partners, and youth representatives to celebrate this ambitious step toward building a new generation of 1 million qualified innovators. In his remarks during the launch ceremony, H.E. Prof. Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chair of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, outlined the key objectives and implementation phases of the initiative. He emphasized that it aligns with the goals of the presidential initiative 'Alliance and Development', noting that it will include the launch of an integrated digital platform offering diverse pathways for professional and innovation-driven skilling, along with training and employment opportunities for youth. The launch of the '1 Million Qualified Innovators' initiative marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to empowering Egypt's youth. By equipping them with essential skills, we are laying the foundation for their success and the prosperity of our countries. This milestone complements the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research launched in March, and represents a vital step towards achieving Egypt's Vision 2030. In a recorded statement, H.E. Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director General of ICESCO, noted: 'This initiative is an open invitation to every pure dream, every ambition, and every mind passionate about change. It aims to equip youth with the tools necessary for the future, the keys to leadership, and the instruments of the digital economy—serving as a bridge to a new world that recognizes only innovation and creativity.' H.E. Dr. AlMalik also commended the fruitful partnership that led to the launch of this pioneering initiative, describing it as exemplary in terms of the synergy between international and national efforts. He reaffirmed ICESCO's commitment to supporting the initiative and to mobilizing its full expertise and resources to help achieve its objectives. Dr. Abdallah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States, affirmed: ''1 Million Qualified Innovators' is not just a training project — it is a bold call to action. It is a declaration that youth are not merely recipients of development, but its primary catalysts. This initiative embodies our belief in the power of knowledge in creating opportunity and thus, delivering progress for all.' His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, stated that the world is currently experiencing an unprecedented knowledge and technological revolution. Studies indicate that more than 50% of today's workforce will need to reskill in the coming years, according to a report by the World Economic Forum. In response, the initiative '1 Million Qualified Innovators' was launched as a practical solution to these challenges by training a million youth in Egypt in future skills. We are honoured that the 'Future Skills Academy,' launched by MBRF in collaboration with the UNDP, serves as a key contributor to this ambitious project. The '1 Million Qualified Innovators' initiative builds on the success of the Future Skills Academy, which has already supported nearly 10,000 learners across the Arab States, delivering over 115,000 learning hours. With engagement and completion rates that exceed global benchmarks, the Academy reflects the region's strong appetite for self-development and digital learning. ICESCO and the Knowledge Project envision '1 Million Qualified Innovators' as a cornerstone for regional cooperation on future skills development, anchored in scalable digital platforms, cutting-edge content, and strong public-private partnerships. With the platform now active, learners from across Egypt can embark on their journey toward promising, future-ready careers, transforming the vision of 1 million qualified innovators into a shared reality across the region. For further information, please contact: Orient Planet Group (OPG) Email: media@ Website:
