Egypt’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, visited Kafr El Sheikh Governorate on Monday, where she was warmly welcomed by Maj. Gen. Dr. Alaa Abdel-Mati, the Governor of Kafr El Sheikh, at the Governorate’s headquarters. This visit marked the start of the “Innovation for a Green Future” Conference, which is being held in collaboration with the National Solid Waste Management Program and the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ), with the participation of the European Union. The event was attended by Yasser Abdullah, Head of the Waste Management Regulatory Authority, Dr. Hazem El-Dannan, Director of the National Solid Waste Program, and Major General Mohamed Shawki Badr, the Secretary-General of Kafr El Sheikh Governorate.
During her visit, Minister Fouad expressed her pleasure at being in Kafr El Sheikh, commending the governorate’s efforts in supporting environmental initiatives and promoting sustainability. She stressed that the conference serves as an important platform for fostering innovation and empowering youth to address environmental challenges.
Commitment to Expanding Integrated Waste Management Infrastructure
In her remarks, Dr. Yasmine Fouad reaffirmed the Ministry’s ongoing efforts, in collaboration with relevant ministries and authorities, to continue implementing the infrastructure for the new waste management system, in line with the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to improve waste management across the governorate. She emphasized the Ministry’s support for the governorate’s waste management efforts and highlighted that the Ministry maintains a list of licensed companies in Egypt that operate across all stages of the waste management process, from collection and transport to recycling.
The Minister also noted that the National Solid Waste Program has been providing technical support to the governorate to develop its waste management system and enhance its efficiency. This includes the development of a master plan for waste management, operational plans for equipment, and assistance in preparing specifications for service areas to be tendered to the private sector under the new waste management system. The initiative aims to restructure the sector, stimulate investment, and enhance the capabilities of the workforce through specialized training in integrated waste management.
Kafr El Sheikh’s Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation
In his welcoming address, Governor Alaa Abdel-Mati expressed his appreciation for Minister Fouad’s visit and reiterated the governorate’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with the Ministry of Environment in areas such as natural resource protection, innovative waste management solutions, and climate change adaptation.
He shared updates on the governorate’s efforts to address waste accumulation, including the laying of the foundation for three new factories aimed at waste treatment. These factories are part of a comprehensive plan to improve the environment, safeguard public health, and enhance the quality of life for citizens, in line with the governorate’s pursuit of sustainable development. Governor Abdel-Mati also mentioned that other infrastructure projects are underway to further enhance the region’s environmental and waste management capabilities.
Recognition for Environmental Efforts
As a gesture of appreciation for his contributions to environmental conservation in Kafr El Sheikh, Minister Fouad presented Governor Alaa Abdel-Mati with a commemorative plaque. In turn, the Governor honored the Minister for her dedicated efforts in advancing environmental issues in Egypt, acknowledging her tireless work in supporting the country’s environmental initiatives and sustainable development projects.
