Egypt inaugurated the third edition of the International Conference on Climate and Environment on Tuesday, bringing together senior government officials, academics, religious leaders, and policy experts to address pressing environmental challenges and explore innovative solutions for sustainable development. Held under the auspices of the Prime Minister and the Arab League, the conference is organized by Nile University's School of Continuing Education in collaboration with the Engineers for Sustainable Egypt Foundation and is supported by several ministries. The event coincides with World Environment Day and centers on global climate action and environmental innovation. Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ayman Ashour, speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, emphasized the crucial role of universities and research institutions in developing policy-relevant innovations and fostering public engagement in environmental issues. "Climate change stands among the most urgent threats to humanity," Ashour stated, adding that higher education institutions are vital not only in generating scientific knowledge but also in nurturing environmental awareness among young people and encouraging responsible innovation. He reiterated Egypt's dedication to integrating climate and environmental goals into national research agendas while deepening international academic partnerships. The event drew a number of distinguished participants, including former Foreign Minister Amr Moussa; Grand Mufti Nazir Ayad; climate economist and COP representative Mahmoud Mohieldin (joining via video); and Mahmoud Fathallah from the Arab League's Department of Environmental Affairs. Minister of Religious Endowments Osama Al-Azhari expressed his ministry's full support for climate awareness initiatives, announcing a partnership with Nile University's faculties of Energy and Environmental Engineering and Water Sciences and Food Security to foster educational outreach on environmental stewardship. Nile University President Wael Akl highlighted the alignment of the conference with Egypt's higher education and national sustainability strategies. He outlined the university's contributions in fields such as renewable energy, smart agriculture, climate modeling, water resource management, and AI-based early warning systems—many of which have earned international recognition. Akl also proposed the establishment of a national "Science Valley" to nurture the next generation of scientists and green entrepreneurs in line with Egypt's Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Mohamed Kamel, Chair of the Engineers for Sustainable Egypt Foundation, noted that the 2025 edition builds on the foundation laid by previous conferences since 2023, and supports the United Nations Environment Programme's call to end plastic pollution. He also announced the launch of new initiatives, including an award for the most impactful innovation in environmental protection. Nevine Abdel Khalek, Dean of Continuing Education at Nile University, stated that the conference aims to elevate public understanding of climate change, promote projects that drive sustainable development, and celebrate outstanding contributions to environmental innovation. The event features four core sessions focused on timely and critical topics: the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and equitable carbon pricing on imports; circular economy frameworks; green hydrogen technologies; and the application of artificial intelligence in water and environmental systems. In addition to plenary sessions, several panel discussions are planned on themes such as sustainable urban development, achieving Egypt's Vision 2030, promoting sustainable production and consumption, incentivizing green investment, and scaling the green economy. A special exhibition showcases green innovation projects, while a roundtable on plastic reduction highlights practical strategies for cutting waste. Further sessions explore the transformation of desert lands into eco-tourism destinations and sustainable agricultural zones, aimed at bolstering environmental resilience and advancing sustainable tourism models.
