Minister Manal Awad Reports 1,884 Population Activities Benefiting 150,000 Citizens in May

Minister of Local Development and Environment.

Dr. Manal Awad, the Minister of Local Development and Environment, received a report today from the Central Population Unit of the ministry detailing efforts and activities conducted by population units across various governorates in May 2026. This report is part of the implementation of the executive plan for population initiatives aimed at achieving the objectives set out in the National Population and Development Strategy 2030. It includes performance indicators, achievement rates, and highlights of activities and initiatives carried out in collaboration with partner entities in the governorates.

Dr. Awad emphasized that the report from the Central Population Unit, led by Dr. Fatma El-Zahraa Gil, revealed that a total of 1,884 diverse activities were implemented in May across 26 governorates. These included training programs, awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, population caravans, job fairs, and community projects that benefited approximately 150,000 citizens from various age groups.

The Minister noted that the implementation rate of population unit initiatives across governorates from January to the end of May 2026 reached 43.5% of the overall targeted plan. She highlighted significant progress in several key areas of the National Population and Development Strategy: a completion rate of 51% in ensuring reproductive rights; 48% in education; 47% in promoting women’s roles; and 45% in media and communication for development. Additionally, investment in human resources achieved a completion rate of 39%, while governance reached 31% of its target for this year.

Dr. Awad pointed out that initiatives from population units focused on several main areas: empowering youth and preparing them for the labor market along with psychological and social support accounted for 36% of total initiatives; economic and community empowerment for women represented 25%; while educational support to combat dropout rates and illiteracy made up 20%. The initiatives also included programs aimed at raising awareness about reproductive health and family planning while addressing related rumors and reducing cesarean birth rates. Furthermore, activities targeted enhancing community awareness about population issues, promoting family stability values, combating violence against women, as well as anti-smoking and addiction campaigns.

The Minister also noted ongoing efforts by her ministry to provide technical and institutional support to population units. Regular meetings have been held to monitor implementation rates and discuss directives outlined in circulars from the Central Population Unit while reinforcing support for the “Lifelong Learning” initiative and reviewing unit achievements at executive councils focused on population issues.

In collaboration with Good Makers Foundation and Banque Misr, Dr. Awad revealed that population units in 14 governorates continued implementing entrepreneurship programs aimed at financial inclusion within the “Decent Life” initiative centers. More than 17,000 trainees benefited from these training programs during May alone, bringing the total number of beneficiaries since the current phase began to approximately 25,000—achieving a completion rate of 31% against targets. Additionally, population units continued to support the “Values and Life” program alongside Misr El Kheir Foundation and Egypt’s Generations Foundation by executing 52 community activities across four governorates benefiting a total of 4,320 citizens aimed at spreading positive values and enhancing constructive community behaviors within schools and workplaces.

Dr. Manal Awad affirmed that her ministry will continue providing full support to population units across governorates while strengthening partnerships with governmental entities and civil society organizations to contribute towards achieving sustainable development goals and improving citizens’ quality of life throughout Egypt. Efforts will persist in enhancing demographic characteristics while boosting investment in human capital through awareness programs as well as economic and social empowerment initiatives.