In a robust display of Egypt’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, opened a transformative seminar on “Youth and Environmental and Development Sustainability: Pillars for Shaping the Future” at the Canadian Higher Institute of Modern Media Technology (CIC) in Cairo. The event brought together students, faculty, and key stakeholders to discuss how the younger generation can actively contribute to solving the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.
Alongside Dr. Fouad, notable figures such as Dr. Magdy El-Qadi, the founder of CIC, and Dr. Magy El Helwani, Chairperson of CIC Media, participated in the event. The gathering highlighted the growing role of youth in shaping Egypt’s environmental policies and provided a platform for students to showcase their innovative ideas for sustainability.
Turning Awareness into Action
Dr. Fouad emphasized that the key to addressing Egypt’s environmental challenges lies in transforming awareness into actionable solutions. She noted that, historically, the environment has often been viewed as a barrier to economic growth. However, over the last few years, the government has made strides in shifting this narrative, presenting environmental issues as investment opportunities — particularly in the renewable energy sector.
“Environmental concerns have moved beyond being seen as obstacles to investment. Today, we see them as chances to foster new opportunities in sectors like renewable energy,” said Dr. Fouad during her opening remarks. She also pointed to the success of Egypt’s hosting of COP27, the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, as a critical moment that helped reshape this perception both locally and internationally.
The Post-COP27 Era: Building on Momentum
The COP27 conference, which Egypt hosted in 2022, has catalyzed several environmental initiatives aimed at ensuring Egypt meets its climate goals while also creating new avenues for sustainable business. Dr. Fouad outlined several key programs that have emerged from the conference:
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Energy, Water, and Food Nexus Program: This initiative aims to connect renewable energy projects with agriculture and water management, facilitating investments that tackle climate change while ensuring food and water security.
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Loss and Damage Fund: A global fund designed to assist countries suffering the brunt of climate impacts. The fund was activated at COP28 in the UAE, and initial contributions are expected at COP29.
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Nature-Based Solutions Initiative: Egypt continues to take a leading role in promoting nature-based solutions to combat climate change, with a particular focus on initiatives that support biodiversity and ecosystem restoration.
“The momentum created by COP27 is not just about hosting a conference,” Dr. Fouad said. “It’s about implementing long-term solutions that connect economic growth with environmental sustainability.”
Youth-Led Innovations for the Environment
The seminar also showcased the creative and innovative projects led by young Egyptians, proving that youth are not just passive recipients of environmental policy but active participants in shaping the future. Among the highlighted projects were:
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Electronic Waste Recycling: A group of students from CIC has spearheaded a project to collect electronic waste, a major environmental hazard, and send it to specialized recycling facilities. Their work addresses the growing issue of e-waste while recovering valuable resources.
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Agricultural Waste to Organic Fertilizers: Another initiative focuses on converting agricultural waste into organic fertilizers, helping to reduce pollution while promoting sustainable farming practices.
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Upcycling Fashion: A group of young women has turned discarded clothing into fashionable, modern garments, tackling textile waste and encouraging sustainable consumerism.
Dr. Fouad commended these initiatives, highlighting how they reflect a growing societal willingness to embrace environmentally sustainable practices. “These projects show that youth are not only aware of environmental issues but are also finding innovative solutions to address them,” she said.
Ministerial Support and Future Collaboration
The Ministry of Environment, Dr. Fouad reiterated, is committed to providing the resources, training, and platforms necessary for these projects to flourish. She encouraged students to continue innovating, ensuring that Egypt’s youth are equipped to address the country’s environmental needs.
She also announced new initiatives to support students in their environmental endeavors, including opportunities for internships within the Ministry and its natural reserves. These initiatives aim to foster a closer connection between students and environmental policy-making.
“We must empower our youth with the right tools to bring their ideas to life,” Dr. Fouad stated. “When youth engage with these problems, we will see a real shift in how we approach environmental sustainability in Egypt.”
Closing Remarks: A Call to Action
Before closing the seminar, Dr. Fouad shared an inspirational message with the students, urging them to pursue their dreams with determination. “The more you persist in your dreams, the closer you get to achieving them,” she said.
She also emphasized that Egypt, with its rich academic institutions and growing green economy, offers ample opportunities for young people to make a meaningful impact without the need to look abroad. “The future of Egypt’s environment is in your hands,” Dr. Fouad told the students.
The seminar concluded with a ceremonial acknowledgment of the Minister’s efforts. CIC awarded Dr. Fouad a commemorative plaque for her continuous work in advancing environmental sustainability and supporting Egypt’s development agenda.
