The activities of Sohag University’s Ninth Environmental Week officially commenced today. Organized by the Sector of Community Service and Environmental Development under the theme “Empowerment for Sustainability… An Inclusive Environment for a Greener Future,” the event is being held at the Grand Conference Hall on the university’s old campus.
The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Khaled Omran, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development and Chairman of the Environmental Week; Dr. Sabah Saber, Professor at the Faculty of Science and Secretary-General of the Environmental Week; and Dr. Asmaa Mahmoud Kadry, Director of the Sustainable Development Center and Coordinator of the Environmental Week. The event also welcomed a distinguished group of deans, faculty members, university staff, and senior university officials, in addition to representatives of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) in Sohag Governorate, the Environmental Affairs Agency, the General Authority for Adult Education, as well as representatives from factories, companies, and governmental and civil organizations across Sohag.
Dr. Hassan El-Noumani, President of Sohag University, expressed his sincere appreciation to Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, for his continued support and patronage of the university’s community service initiatives and activities, which benefit students and all members of the university community.
He emphasized that the university is committed to organizing the Environmental Week annually as a reflection of its dedication to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Egypt Vision 2030 through strengthening scientific research and fostering local and community partnerships. He noted that this year’s theme reflects a profound understanding of the importance of empowering all members of society in the fields of environmental sustainability and green projects in order to promote sustainable development, provide innovative solutions to climate change challenges, preserve natural resources, and support the transition toward environmentally friendly communities.
For his part, Dr. Khaled Omran stated that the Environmental Week is one of the university’s most significant annual events, serving as a comprehensive awareness campaign designed to promote environmental consciousness, encourage environmental protection, and strengthen community participation in preserving natural resources and achieving sustainable development.
He added that the week’s activities highlight the university’s continuous efforts to protect the environment and reinforce positive environmental attitudes while addressing contemporary environmental challenges. This is achieved by showcasing students’ innovative projects, initiatives, and scientific research that contribute to improving quality of life and expanding green projects to create a healthy, integrated environment that supports the green economy and sustainable development.
In her address, Dr. Sabah Saber welcomed all participants in the Ninth Environmental Week and thanked everyone who contributed to organizing and implementing the event. She explained that the week’s program includes a wide range of activities designed to raise environmental awareness and encourage environmental responsibility. These activities include tree planting and expanding green spaces, awareness seminars, educational lectures, interactive training workshops, a first-aid tent, environmental exhibitions, initiatives supporting recycling and the green economy, as well as campus-wide cleaning and beautification campaigns. These initiatives reflect the university’s vision of placing environmental sustainability at the heart of its development plans and mission to promote environmental awareness.
Dr. Asmaa Mahmoud Kadry explained that the opening ceremony featured a presentation outlining the Environmental Week’s program, followed by a video produced by the University’s Media Center showcasing the achievements of the Community Service and Environmental Development Sector during the Eighth Environmental Week. The ceremony also included the recognition of outstanding and talented students for their achievements in environmental fields.
The opening activities concluded with a keynote lecture delivered by Dr. Hamdy Hassanein, Dean of the Faculty of Biotechnology at Merit University, entitled “Egypt Vision 2030 and the Road to a Sustainable Green Future.”