Minister of Local Development, Dr. Manal Awad, recently followed up on the outcomes of the first meeting of the Scientific Committee for the Local Development Training Center at Saqqara. The committee, chaired by Dr. Essam El-Gohary, Assistant Minister of Local Development for Development, Training, and Digital Transformation, was formed to define the framework for the upcoming phase of the center’s work, aligning with the strategic objectives to elevate the center’s role in training and capacity building.
A Clear Vision for Development
Dr. Manal Awad highlighted that the ministry has already begun implementing its plan to transform the Saqqara Training Center into a leading institution for developing the human resources of Egypt’s local administration. This development strategy is comprehensive and includes clear goals, updated training programs, and the introduction of specialized courses in local administration and strategic planning. These measures aim to enhance leadership skills, foster innovation, and utilize both national and international expertise in the training sector.
Scientific Committee’s Role and Composition
The Scientific Committee for the Saqqara Local Development Training Center comprises a distinguished group of experts, academic consultants, and former and current local administration specialists. Notable members include: General Dr. Reda Farhat, former governor of Alexandria and Qalyubia; Dr. Khaled Abdel-Aziz Atiya, Deputy Head of the National Planning Institute; Dr. Amany El-Rees, Chair of the Foresight Committee at the Academy of Scientific Research; Dr. Mostafa Hamed Radwan, Professor of Economics and Public Finance; Dr. Wael Zakaria El-Sawy, Professor of Business Administration at Port Said University; Dr. Riham Ansi Abdel-Aziz, Assistant Professor of Business Administration; Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim Mousa, Expert in Digital Transformation; and Dr. Mahmoud Yousef, Head of the Central Administration at the Saqqara Center.
The meeting began with Dr. Essam El-Gohary welcoming the committee members, conveying the greetings of the Minister of Local Development, Dr. Manal Awad. He praised the diverse academic and technical expertise brought together in the committee, wishing them success in achieving the center’s objectives. Dr. El-Gohary outlined the committee’s tasks, including reviewing the center’s scientific materials, updating training programs, and designing new materials tailored to the needs of local administration.
Key Tasks for the Scientific Committee
The committee’s responsibilities include preparing training proposals, seminars, workshops, policy papers, and research. They will also work on establishing intellectual property rights for training materials and ensuring that the most qualified trainers and experts are selected to enhance the center’s capabilities. The committee will also update and build a database of local and international experts to improve the quality and outcomes of training at the center.
Dr. El-Gohary also emphasized the importance of designing training solutions that directly address local administration challenges and improve performance across all levels of government. This aligns with the Ministry’s commitment to providing high-quality services to citizens and contributing to the development of the local administrative apparatus, ensuring the success of future local leadership.
Members’ Commitment to Achieving Transformation
The committee members expressed their excitement about being part of the scientific committee, reaffirming their commitment to leveraging their expertise to help achieve the center’s goals.
Dr. Awad concluded by stressing that these efforts will contribute to strengthening Egypt’s local governance framework, equipping local leaders with the skills necessary to address the challenges of the future.
