The Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University organizes a seminar titled: “Modern Trends in Water and Climate: The Importance of Integrated Water Resources Management for Specialists.”
In collaboration with World Water Day events, the Faculty of Engineering – Mansoura University hosted a prestigious scientific seminar entitled “Modern Trends in Water and Climate: The Importance of Integrated Water Resources Management for Specialists.” The event aimed to raise awareness of water and climate issues while preparing qualified national cadres to tackle future challenges in the water and climate sector. Dr. Reda Diab, Associate Professor at Mansoura Engineering and a member of the iWater team, led the organization of the seminar.
The seminar kicked off with a meeting featuring Prof. Dr. Cherif Khater, President of Mansoura University. He stressed the importance of supporting sustainable education and developing scientific expertise to address water and climate challenges, in line with Egypt Vision 2030 goals.
The university president noted that Mansoura University's win as “Best Environmentally Friendly University” for the second year running reflects its commitment to sustainability standards and strengthens its role in preparing a new generation of water experts capable of innovation and effective resource management.
Prof. Sherif El-Badawy, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, opened the proceedings with welcoming remarks: “We are committed to training a new generation of engineers and experts equipped to handle water and climate challenges with high efficiency, through interdisciplinary programs blending engineering, management, and environment. This gives our graduates a competitive edge locally and internationally.”
Dr. Hassan Abul-Naga, General Coordinator of the iWater program and Chair of the Water Security Working Group at the International Water Resources Organization, moderated the seminar. He reviewed the global water and climate situation, praised Egypt's prominent role in the field, and emphasized adopting non-traditional solutions to meet water challenges, aligning with national directions and the second-generation Water System 2.0 plan.
Dr. Abul-Naga stated: “The iWater program serves as a national and international platform to qualify young cadres, localize global expertise in the Egyptian context, and prepare specialists ready to confront complex water and climate challenges on an international level.”
He added that the shift to the second water generation relies on capacity building, integrating modern technology, water reuse and treatment, and expanding seawater desalination—reflecting innovation and the ability to deliver non-traditional solutions.
Integration of Education and Society
The seminar featured Minister Plenipotentiary Dr. Mahmoud Fathallah, Director of Environment and Meteorology Affairs at the League of Arab States and Head of the Technical Secretariat for the Arab Council of Ministers Responsible for Environment. He underscored the need for regional cooperation between universities and scientific institutions to bolster Arab water security, outlining challenges, opportunities, and viable solutions for integrated water resources management.
Dr. Hala Yousry, Professor of Sociology and Acting Rapporteur of the Rural Women Committee at the National Council for Women, also participated. She highlighted the importance of cultivating new minds, raising societal awareness, and involving women and farmers to ensure water resource sustainability and achieve sustainable development.
The seminar concluded that investing in a new generation of integrated water resources management experts is the optimal path to support Egypt's second-generation water system, turning water and climate challenges into opportunities for development and innovation. It praised Egypt's outstanding regional and international role.
