Cooperation Protocol between the Ministries of Education and Water Resources

Mr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education, and Eng. Hani Sweilem, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, signed a joint cooperation protocol during World Water Day activities, organized in cooperation with the European Union.

The event was attended by Counselor Adnan El-Fangary, Minister of Justice, Dr. Osama El-Azhary, Minister of Endowments, and Counselor Mahmoud Fawzy, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Political Communication.

The protocol aims to integrate the concepts of water awareness and natural resource conservation into school curricula, enhancing future generations' awareness of the importance of water as a fundamental element of life and sustainable development in Egypt.

In his speech at the event, Mr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education, emphasized that this day is not only an occasion to celebrate water, but also a crucial moment to confront the growing global crisis represented by the rapid disappearance of glaciers and its disastrous consequences. Although this crisis may seem distant from Egypt, its impacts affect everyone.

The Minister expressed his deep appreciation to the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and the European Union Delegation to Egypt for organizing this important event and for their unwavering commitment to water security and enhancing climate resilience.

He explained that this year's theme, "Protecting Glaciers," serves as a vital reminder of the fragility of ecosystems around the world. Although Egypt has no glaciers, their rapid melting due to climate change is leading to sea level rise, threatening the densely populated Nile Delta, home to nearly a quarter of Egypt's population. These coastal communities face increased risks of flooding and soil instability, impacting livelihoods and food security.

The Minister of Education and Technical Education also noted that climate change is affecting the flow of the Nile River, with studies predicting a 13% decline in water levels by 2050, exacerbating Egypt's water scarcity challenges.

He emphasized that this crisis requires immediate action through the adoption of effective policies, fostering innovation, and investing in education to ensure a sustainable water future.

The Minister emphasized that education is the most powerful tool for addressing these challenges, as it contributes to shaping students' awareness of the importance of natural resources and motivates them to adopt responsible behaviors that contribute to their protection.

He pointed out that the Ministry of Education and Technical Education, in cooperation with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, is working to comprehensively integrate water and climate education into the national curriculum, with the aim of equipping students with the knowledge and capacity to innovate, adapt, and lead in this field.

He added that the Ministry has already begun integrating climate awareness, water conservation, and sustainability principles into science, geography, and civics curricula, to ensure that the next generation understands the importance and urgent impact of these issues.

He emphasized that education should not be limited to textbooks; rather, schools should be transformed into centers of innovation, where students participate in research, field experiments, and initiatives to solve environmental problems.

In this context, he explained the Ministry's strong support for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) projects, as well as innovation competitions and scientific initiatives aimed at developing sustainable solutions for water resource management. Through these programs, students are empowered not only to study environmental challenges, but also to actively work to find real solutions.

The Minister added that today marks a pivotal moment with the signing of two memoranda of understanding between the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Endowments, which represents a true turning point.

The Minister emphasized that this cooperation establishes a comprehensive approach that promotes environmental responsibility, intersecting the fields of education, policy, community awareness, and religion to instill values ​​of sustainability across generations.

He explained that combining these three sectors ensures that students learn the importance of water conservation not only in the classroom, but also in their communities and through their religious teachings, contributing to building a strong and sustainable environmental awareness.

The Minister pointed out that Egypt, whose ancient civilization flourished thanks to its deep understanding of the importance of water, is today drawing on this legacy to conserve its water resources and address modern climate challenges with wisdom and foresight. He emphasized that World Water Day is not just an opportunity for reflection, but a call for serious and responsible action.

He emphasized that every drop of water has value, and every decision made today will shape the future of future generations. He called on everyone to commit to taking action and working to build a future led by science, driven by knowledge, and inspired by new generations to ensure a water-safe world for their children and grandchildren.

In concluding his remarks, the Minister expressed his sincere gratitude to all participants and organizers of this important event, emphasizing the importance of concerted efforts between ministries, various sectors, and society as a whole to protect the environment, conserve water resources, and ensure a sustainable future for Egypt.

In his speech, Professor Dr. Hani Sweilem, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, commended the European Union for its constructive and ongoing cooperation with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation in the water sector. He noted that today we celebrate World Water Day to reaffirm our collective commitment to water, its preservation, and its protection from pollution. The Minister reviewed the current water situation, with Egypt's water needs amounting to approximately 114 billion cubic meters of water annually, while its water resources are estimated at approximately 60 billion cubic meters annually. This includes the reuse of approximately 21 billion cubic meters of water annually, and the import of agricultural crops from abroad, which meets an estimated annual water consumption of approximately 33.50 billion cubic meters. The per capita water share has declined to approximately 500 cubic meters annually at present. This has prompted the Ministry to implement several major projects, policies, and procedures under the umbrella of the second generation of the Egyptian Irrigation System 2.0, which relies on modern technology and scientific research to maximize the use of our water resources, while developing the capabilities of those responsible for managing the water system and increasing citizen awareness of water issues. The second generation of the irrigation system relies on nine main axes. Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, the European Union Ambassador to Egypt, affirmed the EU's full support for initiatives that promote water awareness and the importance of engaging younger generations in environmental protection efforts. She noted that education is the cornerstone of ensuring a safe and sustainable water future.

The event also included a presentation on Cairo Water Week 2025, which discussed global water challenges and opportunities for Egypt to enhance the sustainability of water resources through international cooperation.