Egypt’s Minister of Local Development, Dr. Manal Awad, met with Maggy Nassif, Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission in Egypt, and her accompanying delegation at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The meeting, which was also attended by Ambassador Hossam El-Kawish, the Ministry’s Assistant for International Cooperation, focused on expanding collaboration between the Ministry and Fulbright across a range of critical sectors.
Fostering Education and Professional Development
Awad began by emphasizing the vital role of the Fulbright Commission in advancing educational exchange and supporting various programs and grants for graduate students, researchers, professionals, and faculty members. She commended the diversity of training programs offered by Fulbright, particularly those aimed at professional development, leadership preparation, and the management of technical institutions and community colleges.
Strategic Projects to Boost Tourism and Local Infrastructure
During the meeting, the two parties agreed to move forward with two major projects: the development of the Holy Family Trail and the enhancement of the Ministry’s communication strategy. For the first project, Fulbright experts in marketing and urban development will help improve infrastructure and services at 25 sites along the trail across Egypt’s targeted governorates, positioning these areas as key religious tourism destinations. In parallel, the second initiative will focus on developing the communication and international cooperation skills of Ministry staff, further boosting the effectiveness of these departments at both the central and provincial levels.
Expanding Areas of Collaboration
Discussions also covered other important areas of potential cooperation, including the visual identity of Egypt’s governorates, digital transformation, solid waste management, climate change adaptation, and the management of economic zones and investment areas. The Ministry and Fulbright also identified the need to strengthen support for small- and medium-sized enterprises, economic empowerment for women, and the promotion of Egyptian handicrafts.
Training and Capacity-Building Initiatives
A significant portion of the conversation revolved around enhancing the Ministry’s training programs for local government staff. The Ministry’s Local Development Training Center in Saqqara, which serves as a cornerstone for capacity-building in local governance, will collaborate with Fulbright Egypt to develop training programs tailored to the needs of local officials across Egypt. These programs will be designed to address critical issues such as strategic planning, project management, and digital governance.
Collaborating for Sustainable Growth
Maggy Nassif expressed Fulbright’s eagerness to support the Ministry’s ongoing efforts by contributing to capacity-building initiatives and offering access to the rich array of academic and professional development opportunities the Commission provides. She also discussed the potential to organize informational events in each governorate, allowing local trainees and stakeholders to better understand Fulbright’s role and how to apply for its grants and programs.
As the meeting concluded, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fostering deeper collaboration through a range of initiatives aimed at enhancing local governance, improving professional skills, and advancing sustainable development across Egypt.
