Fouad: Genuine community engagement is essential for a healthy environment and “Green Egypt” with the hands of its people

Adly: Environmental days are an opportunity to unify efforts locally and regionally and an annual competition to drive environmental action

Under the theme “The Nexus of Water, Energy, Food and Ecosystems: Foundations of Sustainable Development” the Arab Office for Youth and Environment, led by Dr. Emad Adly, organized the National Environment Day 2025 celebration, under the patronage and in the presence of Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, Dr. Ali Abou Sena, CEO of the Environmental Affairs Agency, Dr. Mona Essam, Assistant Minister of Planning and Economic Development for Sustainable Development Affairs, along with environmental experts, representatives of civil society organizations, youth and media professionals.

The celebration of National Environment Day, held annually on January 27 by the Arab Office for Youth and Environment, marks the anniversary of Egypt’s first environmental protection law, Law No. 4 of 1994. This initiative aligns with national efforts to raise environmental awareness and foster cooperation among various societal groups to balance development needs with the protection of natural resources.

Minister of Environment Dr. Yasmine Fouad began her speech by thanking Dr. Emad Adly, President of the Arab Office for Youth and Environment, noting that the office was the initiator of National Environment Day in 1997. She added that the Ministry of Environment adopted the idea and presented it to the Council of Ministers, which approved its recognition as an official national occasion in 2020. She praised the commitment of political leadership, particularly President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who has placed environmental issues at the heart of the country’s development agenda. She also noted that the Council of Ministers, under Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, has classified environmental concerns as a pillar of Egypt’s national security due to their significance.

Her Excellency highlighted the theme of the celebration, emphasizing the interconnection between water, energy, food and ecosystems, all of which contribute to ensuring Egypt’s food security. She stated that the integration of these sectors is being implemented through the National Climate Change Strategy and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Plan. She further explained that while the energy sector remains profitable, the agriculture and water sectors suffer from the impacts of climate change and face challenges in securing financing and private sector involvement. However, she affirmed that Egypt has the political will and commitment to addressing these sectors to ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.

Fouad also announced ongoing collaboration with a national bank to establish the “Nature Fund” to promote protected areas and called for exploring the creation of a similar fund encompassing the energy, water and agriculture sectors. She stressed that without genuine community participation — including media, civil society, experts, and other stakeholders—there can be no safe, healthy, and stable environment. She emphasized that the goal of a green and sustainable Egypt will be achieved by the efforts of its people, particularly women.

Dr. Emad Adly expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Environment for her continued support of National Environment Day, acknowledging her role in establishing it as an official occasion in Egypt. He highlighted that environmental days—whether National Environment Day on January 27, Arab Environment Day on October 14, or World Environment Day on June 5—serve as opportunities to unify and advance environmental efforts locally, regionally, and internationally. He also announced the launch of an annual competition for various environmental stakeholders, organized by the Arab Office for Youth and Environment. The competition’s theme will align with World Environment Day, and winners will be honored during the National Environment Day celebrations.

The event included a panel discussion on the interconnections between water, energy, food and ecosystems as fundamental pillars of sustainable development, bringing together environmental and sustainability experts with youth and representatives of civil society organizations to exchange ideas and explore innovative solutions. Following the discussion, Dr. Yasmine Fouad and Dr. Emad Adly presented awards to the winners of this year’s competition, which recognized three categories of environmental stakeholders: media professionals, youth, and civil society organizations.

In the media professionals’ category, Sherine Sami, journalist at Al-Alam Al-Youm, won first place for a comprehensive investigative report highlighting the importance of integrating water, energy, and food to address environmental challenges. Hind Said, journalist at Middle East News Agency, won second place for a feature report showcasing success stories of environmental projects achieving sustainability. Mohannad Diab, an independent filmmaker, won third place for a documentary showcasing the role of civil society in addressing environmental challenges.

In the youth category, the first place was shared between Ziad Abdel Aal for a promotional campaign on resource sustainability, and Sama Wael and Bishoy Zareef for developing awareness materials using artificial intelligence technologies. Second place was also shared between the “Rowad Al-Taqa” team for a project combining wind and solar energy, and Heba Allah Magdy for a research project linking energy and food for sustainability. Third place went to Omnia Salem for a project utilizing ocean energy for desalination and agriculture, along with Sama Suleiman and Alaa Raafat for designing climate change awareness posters.

In the civil society organizations category, Rowad Al-Mostaqbal Association from Luxor won first place for a sustainable sugarcane farming project. Sonaa El-Amal Association from Minya won second place for an initiative converting agricultural waste into alternative fuel. The Egyptian Sea Scouts Association won third place for a project on plastic waste recycling and environmental awareness.