Sohag University organized an educational seminar titled “Ending Plastic Pollution” to mark the celebration of World Environment Day, in cooperation with the Community Service and Environmental Development Sector and the Center for Sustainable Development. The event was attended by Dr. Khaled Omran, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, Dr. Hamdy Hassanein, Director of the Sustainability Unit, along with a group of faculty members and representatives from community institutions and governmental and civil organizations.
Dr. Hassan Al-Numani, President of Sohag University, affirmed the university administration’s keenness to participate annually in World Environment Day celebrations by organizing various environmental activities, initiatives, and awareness campaigns aimed at promoting environmental consciousness, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and supporting Egypt’s Vision 2030. He highlighted the Egyptian government’s strong commitment to addressing environmental challenges and tackling urgent ecological issues. Dr. Al-Numani praised this year’s celebration, noting that the seminar successfully shed light on the harmful impacts of plastic pollution and the need to reduce plastic use, promote recycling, and preserve biodiversity and ecosystems.
Dr. Khaled Omran stated that Sohag University serves as a remarkable model of community engagement for educational institutions, extending its role beyond academics to address the needs of society. He emphasized the university’s efforts to raise public awareness and foster dialogue on pressing environmental issues in collaboration with public and private civil society partners.
Dr. Hamdy Hassanein explained that the celebration included a seminar discussing the dangers of single-use plastics to both the environment and public health, encouraging the shift toward using fabric or paper bags and recycling plastic products. The session also showcased available eco-friendly alternatives that can be used in daily life to help protect the environment and conserve natural resources.
The celebration also featured an exhibition of eco-friendly products made from sustainable alternatives to plastic and from recycled materials, including paper bags, textiles, tableware, and decorative art pieces. Participants demonstrated creativity by transforming waste materials into artistic and functional products that combined beauty with environmental awareness. The exhibition underscored the message of protecting the environment, promoting recycling, and embracing sustainable development practices to ensure a better future for coming generations.