Social Solidarity Ministry Highlights Economic Empowerment Initiatives at Green Innovation Contest

The fourth edition of the “Daira for Green Innovation” competition concluded with the participation of Engineer Margret Saroufim, Deputy Minister of Social Solidarity. The event was organized by the Future Lights Development Foundation under the auspices of the Ministries of Social Solidarity, Environment, and Petroleum and Mineral Resources, with support from Energean Oil & Gas.

Among the attendees were Dr. Saber Osman, Head of the Central Administration for Climate Change at the Ministry of Environment; Engy El Yamani, Executive Director of the Rural and Environmental Industries Support Fund; Evelyn Suleiman, Chairperson of the Future Lights Development Foundation; and Dr. Samah Edward, General Director of the foundation. The event also saw participation from representatives of government ministries and agencies, public figures, university professors, diplomats, and private sector representatives.

Engineer Margret Saroufim expressed her delight in attending an event that celebrates creativity and innovation in contemporary development issues such as green economy and recycling. She emphasized that the competition represents a successful model for supporting innovative youth ideas and projects while building a more sustainable future for upcoming generations.

She thanked the Future Lights Development Foundation for organizing this distinguished initiative for the fourth consecutive year, highlighting the vital role of civil society organizations as key partners in achieving sustainable development goals and supporting state efforts to address environmental and economic challenges.

The Deputy Minister pointed out that Egypt has taken significant steps to support sustainable development pathways and enhance the transition to a green economy. This is in recognition of the environmental and economic challenges facing the world today that necessitate adopting new developmental models focused on optimal resource utilization, reducing waste, and maximizing benefits from recycling and reuse to create new economic opportunities while mitigating negative environmental impacts.

She added that circular economy principles are fundamental to sustainable development by transforming waste into economically valuable resources, extending product lifecycles, and encouraging responsible production and consumption patterns. Saroufim noted that youth entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in this transition, stating that investing in youth capabilities and supporting their ideas is a direct investment in a more sustainable future.

The Ministry of Social Solidarity places great importance on economically empowering youth and marginalized groups through supporting entrepreneurship initiatives and small-scale projects while providing training opportunities to build capacities. The ministry encourages projects that optimize environmental resource use while utilizing local materials to produce eco-friendly products.

This approach is reflected in many products showcased at “Diarna” exhibitions which represent a successful model for utilizing local resources innovatively to enhance handicraft industries and open new horizons for sustainable economic empowerment.

Furthermore, Saroufim highlighted that the “Azra'” initiative stands as a pioneering model for strategic partnership between government entities and civil society. It is implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, the National Alliance for Civil Development Action, and the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services. This reflects integrated efforts to achieve sustainable development in rural Egypt while economically empowering farmers.

The initiative not only provides production support but also enhances small farmers’ capacities to adapt to climate changes by adopting climate-smart agricultural practices that reduce harmful emissions while achieving optimal efficiency in natural resource use. This aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and its sustainable development strategy which places environmental considerations at the heart of development processes.

Saroufim reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to continue supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainable development while empowering youth to transform their innovative ideas into scalable projects contributing to desired economic, social, and environmental growth.

Dr. Samah Edward emphasized that this competition is part of initiatives supporting President Sisi’s “Prepare for Green” initiative aimed at preparing a new generation capable of leading the transition towards a green economy by discovering and supporting innovative ideas in environmental fields such as circular economy and sustainable development while enabling youth to actively contribute solutions to environmental challenges.

Edward noted that this year’s edition saw participation from 402 young men and women across three main areas: plastic recycling, renewable energy, and agricultural waste recycling. Participants underwent several evaluation stages leading up to selecting 45 finalists who received specialized training programs in entrepreneurship along with presentation skills.

The judging process resulted in selecting nine winners representing the best innovations among participating green projects. He confirmed that support for these winners extends beyond mere recognition; it includes ongoing project follow-up along with necessary technical assistance.

The event concluded with an announcement honoring outstanding project owners amid widespread acclaim for innovative ideas presented by participating youth.