Latest news with #ManalAwad
Watani
2 days ago
- Science
- Watani
Atlas of Egyptian Cities wins
Egypt's 'Atlas of Egyptian Cities' Geoportal has won the 2025 Special Achievement Award in GIS (SAG) granted by Esri, the California-based Environmental Systems Research Institute. GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems. The Atlas of Sustainable Egyptian Cities, which was launched at the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12) in November 2024 in Egypt, is a geoportal launched to guide cities in adapting to environmental risks and promoting sustainable urban planning. It is a collaborative effort highlighting Egypt's commitment to sustainable development, particularly in the face of climate change. The geoportal serves as a guide for cities to adapt to environmental risks and supports sustainability-conscious urban planning. It is intended to be a key tool for implementing national strategies such as 'Egypt Vision 2030' and the 'National Climate Change Strategy 2050'. The Atlas of [Sustainable] Egyptian Cities was created through a partnership among the Egyptian Ministry of Local Development, the World Bank, and Esri. The platform's database enables policymakers to assess the impacts of climate change, optimise service distribution, and plan projects more efficiently. Minister of Local Development Manal Awad received the 2025 SAG Award during the Esri International User Conference, held in San Diego, California. She was handed the award by Jack Dangermond, president and founder of Esri, the global leader in geographic information systems. On its Facebook page, Esri North Africa posted the news and mentioned that 'Location Intelligence plays a vital role in shaping the future of our planet, not only as an integral part in designing smarter cities, but also in driving digital transformation, and advancing sustainable development goals'. A congratulatory message was posted for Egypt's Ministry of Local Development on this unparalleled achievement. 'We are extremely proud of the remarkable outcomes of our collaboration, and look forward to continued success and greater GIS empowerment in support of the Ministry's digital transformation journey!' Dr Awad pointed out that Egypt's Ministry of Local Development is spearheading one of the most comprehensive spatial and economic development efforts across numerous Egyptian villages and cities, efforts that require advanced data-driven tools and technological capabilities. She noted that geographic information systems have become integral to planning, decision-making, evaluation, and local monitoring processes. She said Esri is a strategic partner capable of supporting the Ministry in building a robust knowledge infrastructure for managing development both locally and nationally. Dr Awad highlighted the 'Atlas of Egyptian Cities' as a national platform built on spatial data to track urban performance indicators, identify development gaps, and monitor climatic and demographic shifts. She noted the ministry's ambition to transform the platform into a dynamic tool that offers predictive analytics, periodic updates, and informed support for investment and policy decisions, leveraging Esri's advanced technologies. The Minister also expressed interest in strengthening collaboration with Esri across various strategic initiatives in Egypt's governorates, including solid waste management, land encroachment control, local asset management, and spatial change monitoring. Mr Dangermond praised the ministry's significant progress in integrating GIS into its development plans and reaffirmed Esri's commitment to supporting Egypt's efforts through tailored solutions, knowledge sharing, and institutional capacity-building. Esri is the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping. Established in 1969, it has supported customers with geographic science and geospatial analytics. On its website, Esri posted: 'We take a geographic approach to problem-solving, brought to life by modern, enterprise-grade GIS technology. We are committed to using science and technology to build a sustainable world. 'Our greatest challenges—including climate change, sustainability, and social and economic inequality—are interrelated and inherently tied to issues of geography. A science-based, geographic approach can help us understand these interconnected problems holistically by integrating all kinds of information.' Watani International 23 July 2025 Comments comments Tags: 2025 SAG award Esri GISAtlas of Egyptian Cities geoportalMariam Awad
Egypt Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- Egypt Independent
Local Development Minister discusses joint cooperation with Esri
Minister of Local Development Manal Awad met with Jack Dangermond, Founder and Chairman of Esri, on the sidelines of the Esri User Conference held in San Diego, California. During the talks, they discussed expanding cooperation in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Egypt's development programs. The meeting was attended by Hisham al-Helbawy, Assistant Minister for National Projects; Ambassador Hossam Al-Qawish, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation; and several representatives from Esri. This came during Awad's participation in the Esri User Conference in San Diego, where she received the 2025 SAG Award for the 'Atlas of Egyptian Cities' initiative, a data-driven platform for monitoring urban performance and development gaps. For her part, Awad said that GIS has become essential to local planning and policy decisions. She outlined the ministry's plans to upgrade the Atlas into a dynamic system that supports investment and decision-making using Esri's technology. She also proposed new areas for cooperation with Esri, including waste management, land monitoring, asset tracking, and spatial change detection across governorates. Meanwhile, Dangermond welcomed the progress made by the ministry and expressed readiness to support future initiatives through technical support, capacity building, and tailored solutions.
CairoScene
5 days ago
- Politics
- CairoScene
Egypt's Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad Resigns
Minister of Local Development Dr. Manal Awad will temporarily assume the duties of the Minister of Environment. Jul 20, 2025 Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has accepted the resignation of Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Egypt's Minister of Environment, and appointed Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development, to temporarily assume her duties in addition to her current role until a new minister is named. Fouad had served as environment minister since 2018, playing a key role in shaping Egypt's climate agenda, including hosting the COP27 climate summit in Sharm El-Sheikh in 2022.
Daily News Egypt
06-07-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Over 215,000 projects funded under Mashrouak, exceeding EGP 33bn in May: Minister
Minister of Local Development Manal Awad has reviewed a progress report on the National Project for Community, Human, and Local Development—known as Mashrouak—from its inception in 2015 through to the end of May 2025. The initiative is a central pillar of the Ministry's strategy to encourage young Egyptians to launch small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), generate sustainable employment opportunities, and reduce unemployment. Awad affirmed that Mashrouak has become one of the Ministry's most effective tools in promoting entrepreneurship, supporting youth and women, and enhancing local development. It contributes directly to the state's broader efforts to harness the potential of young people and raise living standards, particularly in underserved communities. The Minister highlighted that the project continues to deliver strong performance across all governorates, helping to build a resilient base of local economic activity. In May 2025 alone, 1,206 SMEs were launched nationwide with support from approximately EGP 374m in loans, generating 6,077 direct job opportunities. Since the programme's launch, total loans disbursed have exceeded EGP 33bn, financing more than 215,000 projects across Egypt. These ventures have collectively created over 1.43m direct employment opportunities, reinforcing the initiative's role as a driver of inclusive economic development. According to the report submitted to the Minister, lending in May increased by EGP 148m compared to April, with 952 additional projects approved. Micro-enterprises alone accounted for 2,421 direct jobs created in the same month. Awad underscored that Upper Egypt remains a priority for the programme, continuing to receive substantial financial and technical support. The region topped the national list in terms of project implementation during May. Sohag led with 121 projects funded by EGP 55m, followed by Assiut with 118 projects and EGP 54.6m, and Beni Suef with 74 projects receiving EGP 14.3m in loans. In Aswan, 72 projects were financed with loans totalling EGP 52m. Beyond Upper Egypt, several Delta governorates also reported strong activity. Dakahleya saw 118 projects launched with more than EGP 18m in funding, while Sharqeya registered 92 projects backed by EGP 17.5m. Beheira followed with 91 projects receiving EGP 10.6m in loans. Awad concluded by reiterating the Ministry's commitment to expanding the reach of Mashrouak, enhancing access to finance, and supporting Egypt's broader goals of empowering youth, strengthening local economies, and achieving sustainable development across all regions.
Zawya
18-06-2025
- General
- Zawya
Egypt advances integrated waste management city in 10th of Ramadan with World Bank support
Egypt's Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, and Minister of Local Development, Manal Awad, convened a joint meeting to review the progress of Egypt's first fully integrated waste management city, currently under construction in 10th of Ramadan City. The project is a key component of the World Bank-financed 'Cairo Greater Air Pollution and Climate Change Management Project.' The meeting, held at the Ministry of Environment headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, brought together senior officials from relevant ministries, World Bank representatives, and technical teams from the Ministries of Housing and Urban Communities. Fouad described the project as a 'model city' designed to handle all types of solid waste generated in the East Nile region, including Cairo, Qalyubeya, and surrounding new urban communities. She noted that the site is expected to serve as a strategic environmental facility for the next 30 years and is being developed in accordance with international best practices and governance standards. She added that over 65% of the project has been completed to date, with infrastructure construction—carried out by a private-sector contractor—reaching 80%. Once complete, the facility will be managed by the private sector. Minister Awad underscored the project's national and regional significance, calling it 'the first of its kind in Egypt and the Middle East.' She commended the World Bank for its financial and technical support and emphasised the importance of maintaining construction timelines while ensuring strong private sector participation in waste treatment and landfill operations. Spanning 1,228 feddans, the site will include specialised zones for various types of waste: 212 feddans designated for municipal waste from Cairo, 106 feddans for Qalyubeya, and additional areas for medical, industrial, and construction waste. Supporting infrastructure includes internal roads, perimeter fencing, and utilities such as water, electricity, and telecommunications networks. The project forms part of Egypt's broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance air quality across the Greater Cairo Region, and advance the objectives of the country's 'Egypt Vision 2030' sustainable development agenda. © 2024 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
