Under the patronage of Dr. Khaled Abdel Halim, Governor of Qena, and as part of a partnership between the Egyptian Sustainable Development Forum (ESDF), the Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED) and the Community Development Association in Dandara, the local coordinator for the Sustainable Development Forum in Qena Governorate, a discussion session was held to explore opportunities and challenges in achieving sustainability at the local level. This event was organized in celebration of National Environment Day 2025, an initiative launched by the Arab Office for Youth and Environment, held this year under the theme: “The Water, Energy, Food and Ecosystems Nexus (WEFE NEXUS): Foundations of Sustainability.”

The event featured the participation of distinguished officials and experts, including Dr. Abbas Mansour, former President of South Valley University; Dr. Hoda El-Saadi, Rapporteur of the National Council for Women’s Branch in Qena; Dr. Ahmed Shoury, former Dean of the Higher Institute for Social Work; Dr. Youssef Mohamed Ragab, Director of Qena Media Center; and Dr. Asaad Mohamed Ahmed, Head of Awareness and Media at the Environmental Affairs Agency in Qena, alongside members of the local Sustainable Development Forum in Qena Governorate.

The discussions addressed various topics, including waste management in Qena and mechanisms for achieving sustainable development. The Environmental Affairs Agency highlighted the challenges and solutions related to solid, agricultural, and single-use plastic waste. Speakers emphasized the important role of civil society in tackling waste management issues, particularly amidst increasing environmental challenges and their impact on sustainable development. The importance of raising community awareness and fostering collaboration among institutions to achieve environmentally friendly waste management practices was also underscored.

Additionally, the session spotlighted key environmental issues, focusing on the central theme of National Environment Day 2025: the critical interconnections between water, food, energy and ecosystems as primary pillars for achieving sustainable development.

The event concluded with several recommendations aimed at improving waste management in the governorate. These included calls for the active engagement of all stakeholders in developing innovative and sustainable solutions to protect the environment and advance sustainable development goals.