The prestigious “Athar Award,” celebrating the best practices in sustainable development and humanitarian efforts, was launched last Thursday, March 13, at the Nile Ritz Carlton Hotel. This year’s ceremony was held under the esteemed patronage of the Egyptian Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the Ministry of Social Solidarity, and the Ministry of Environment. The award ceremony, organized by the Annual Forum for Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development, honored key companies, institutions, and individuals who have made significant contributions to sustainability and social development in Egypt and the Arab world. The awards also recognize those whose efforts have created positive, tangible impacts on Egypt’s development journey in alignment with Egypt Vision 2030, aiming to improve the lives of Egyptians.
The event took place in a vibrant celebratory atmosphere, with an impressive attendance of public figures, government officials, business leaders, and sustainability experts. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the continued promotion of Egypt’s sustainability agenda and its broader development goals.
A Milestone for Sustainable Business Practices and Social Impact
Since its inception in 2014, the Annual Forum for Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development has grown to become the largest development platform in Egypt. For over a decade, the forum has brought together leaders from the private sector, government bodies, and NGOs to share insights and foster collaborations aimed at driving real change. The Athar Award, under the supervision of the forum, has continuously recognized outstanding contributions across multiple sectors, helping to shape sustainable practices across Egypt and the broader MENA region.
This year’s Athar Award focuses on honoring those who are pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity in sustainable practices. The award celebrates efforts towards creating a better future for generations to come. Organizations and individuals leading the way in corporate responsibility, environmental sustainability, and social impact were acknowledged for their pivotal role in Egypt’s ongoing development.
The event, which was strategically supported by prominent partners such as Commercial International Bank (CIB), Canal Sugar Company, and others, saw many leading figures in the sustainability and corporate responsibility sectors recognized for their efforts.
Notable Winners of the Athar Award 2025
The list of honorees included some of the most influential individuals and companies in Egypt’s development landscape. Among the winners were:
- Hisham Badr, National Coordinator of the National Initiative for Smart Projects and General Supervisor of the Egyptian Government Excellence Award, representing the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.
- Dr. Ghada Tawfik, Senior Advisor to the Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt for Corporate Social Responsibility.
- Ms. Lamise Negm , Senior Advisor to the Chairman of the Egyptian Financial Supervisory Authority.
- Dr. Hatem Metwally, Deputy Secretary-General of the Egyptian Sustainable Development Alliance.
- Ambassador Nada El-Agez, Director of Sustainable Development and International Cooperation at the Arab League.
In the Development Icon Category, winners included:
- Dr. Niazi Salam, Chairman of the Egyptian Food Bank.
- Dr. Nawal El-Degwy, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees at October University for Modern Sciences and Arts.
The Sustainability and Development Leadership category celebrated corporate giants who have been pioneers in the field of sustainability, including:
- CIB Egypt, with award received by Mr. Moawia El-Sakly, Managing Director.
- Nestlé Egypt, with award received by Mr. Tarek Kamel, Chairman and CEO.
- Unilever Egypt, represented by Mr. Gam Tarek Yuksel, General Manager for North Africa, Levant, and Iraq.
- PepsiCo Egypt, with award received by Eng. Karim Khodr, Chairman and Managing Director.
- Beyti, represented by Mr. Chris Aboud, General Manager.
- L’Oréal Egypt, with award received by Mr. Mohamed El-Arabi, General Manager.
- Microsoft Egypt, with award received by Mirna Aref, General Manager.
- Redcon Group, with award received by Eng. Tarek El-Gamal, Chairman.
- Canal Sugar, with award received by Dr. Kamel Abdullah, Managing Director and CEO.
- Lafarge Egypt, with award received by Mr. Khaled El-Dakani, CEO.
Additionally, in the Most Impactful Development Institutions category, the following organizations were recognized:
- Misr El Kheir Foundation, with award received by Dr. Mohamed Refai, CEO.
- Bahya Foundation, with award received by Ms. Laila Salem, Board Member.
- Haya Karima Foundation, with awards received by Dr. Ahood Wafi, Board Chair, and Ms. Buthaina Mostafa, Official Spokesperson.
- Sona’a El Kheir Foundation, with award received by Dr. Mostafa Zamzam, Board Chair.
- Orman Association, with award received by Mr. Mahmoud Foad, CEO.
- Youth Leaders Foundation (YLF), with award received by MP Ahmed Fathi, Board Chair.
- El-Garhy Foundation for Community Development, with award received by MP Mohamed El-Garhy, CEO and Secretary-General.
In the Most Rapidly Growing Companies category, winners included:
- National Bank of Egypt, with award received by Ms. Dina Abu Taleb, Head of Marketing and Social Development.
- Commercial International Bank (CIB), with award received by Dr. Dalia Abdelkader, Head of Sustainable Finance.
- Swedy Electric, with award received by Ms. Manal Hassan, Head of Sustainability.
- Vodafone Egypt, with award received by Ms. Yasmin El-Dessouki, Head of Sustainable Business.
- Telecom Egypt, with award received by Ms. Mayar Negm, Head of Media and Corporate Social Responsibility.
- e& Egypt, with award received by Mr. Ahmed Embaby, Head of Corporate Communications and Branding.
The event marked a significant step toward achieving Egypt’s Vision 2030, as each honoree contributes to realizing the goal of a sustainable, prosperous future for Egypt and the region.
About the Athar Award
The Athar Award is an annual recognition program organized by the Annual Forum for Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development, which seeks to recognize and honor the contributions of individuals, institutions, and organizations in Egypt and the Arab world who have made an extraordinary impact in the fields of sustainable development, corporate responsibility, and social impact.
