In the framework of advancing climate action initiatives through Egyptian universities, the online workshop for the UniGreen project, "Promoting the Role of Egyptian Universities to Advance Youth Participation in Climate Change Mitigation," was inaugurated. The event was opened by Prof. Ismail Abdel Ghafar, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), and Minister Major General Mohsen El Nomaney, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Life Makers Foundation, on Saturday, July 15, 2023. Participants included distinguished presidents, vice-presidents, deans, faculty, and support staff from the ten Egyptian universities involved in the project.
The participating universities were:
The universities represent diverse geographical regions across Egypt, emphasizing the project's national reach and impact.
Prof. Ismail Abdel Ghafar welcomed attendees and commended the training efforts made for faculty members, extending gratitude to Life Makers Foundation and Major General Mohsen El Nomaney for their leadership in this essential project. He highlighted that the project aligns with the objectives of COP27, held in Sharm El Sheikh, and the upcoming COP28 in Dubai.
Minister Major General Mohsen El Nomaney emphasized the strategic partnership with AASTMT, acknowledging its fundamental role in the project and thanking Prof. Ismail Abdel Ghafar for the academy's full support of all project activities.
The session included presentations detailing the project's achievements and upcoming steps, with a presentation from AASTMT led by Dr. Hanan Gouda, Dean of the Arab Institute for Leadership Development, and a complementary presentation by Mr. Bolla Ibrahim from Life Makers Foundation.
University leaders expressed their appreciation for the project’s achievements, especially in representation at COP27. They shared that many trainees have applied their knowledge from the training at COP27 and other environmental conferences, particularly in Kenya, and have transferred this expertise to students at their respective universities.
Prof. Alaa Abdel Wahid Abdel Bari, Vice President of AASTMT for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, announced that the next project phase would involve student competitions, encouraging innovative solutions to climate challenges, with top initiatives funded by the project’s budget.
Additionally, to broaden the project's impact among youth, it was agreed to increase the number of participants from each university by including an additional support staff member who is closely connected to students and researchers. A refresher course for all participants is scheduled for July 24-25, where they will review progress and outline the project’s upcoming steps.
This initiative demonstrates AASTMT’s commitment to climate action, engaging academia in greenhouse gas reduction and adaptation strategies while fostering a new generation of climate-conscious leaders.
