As Minister Dr. Yasmine Fouad, who departs to serve as Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, Dr. Manal Awad Mikhail, currently Minister of Local Development, has been entrusted with the environmental portfolio on an interim basis—highlighting a deliberate decision to maintain momentum in Egypt’s sustainability agenda.
Merging Governance with Ecology
Dr. Awad conveyed her sincere appreciation to President Abdel Fattah El‑Sisi for entrusting her with this additional mandate. She pledged to align closely with the political leadership’s strategy—positioning climate action and environmental protection as foundational to Egypt’s sustainable development goals.
In her first public statement in this expanded role, she emphasized preserving recent environmental gains—strengthening Egypt’s natural resource management, improving quality of life, and advancing national development for future generations. She also underscored Egypt’s elevated regional and global presence in climate policy and biodiversity preservation.
Local Empowerment & Integrated Coordination
Key priorities highlighted by Dr. Awad include:
- Strengthening local councils to lead environmental policy implementation—tackling pollution, promoting green industries, and supporting Sustainable Development Goals integration.
- Enhancing cross-ministerial coordination, particularly between the Local Development and Environment ministries, on interlinked areas such as waste management and rural advancement.
Global Projects and Legacy Acknowledgment
Dr. Awad reaffirmed ongoing collaboration with international partners on flagship environmental initiatives. Among these is the Kitchener Drain treatment project, aimed at improving water quality and ecological conditions.
She formally recognized her predecessor, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, for her substantial contributions to Egypt’s environmental policy landscape and extended best wishes for her success in her new UN role. Under her leadership, Damietta and Giza became UNESCO Learning Cities (2016 & 2021). Recognized with Egypt’s State Encouragement Award in Agricultural Sciences and multiple government excellence awards. Developed Safe City zones—violence-free spaces for women and girls—in collaboration with UN agencies.
Shaping Egypt’s Green Transformation
As Dr. Awad embarks on her dual responsibilities, her strategic focus centers on:
- Enhancing infrastructure to meet environmental and climate-change challenges.
- Empowering local administrations to deliver sustainable policy at the grassroots.
- Encouraging smart, eco‑friendly enterprises and investments aligned with environmental goals.
- Expanding international cooperation to attract funding and expertise for green initiatives.
This transition marks a pivotal moment in Egypt’s environmental stewardship. Dr. Mikhail’s proven leadership, interdisciplinary experience, and strategic partnerships position her as a central figure in advancing Egypt’s transformation toward a green and resilient future.
