Under the Theme “Strengthening Resilience” ESDF Launches the 12th National Week for Sustainable Development
The Egyptian Sustainable Development Forum (ESDF) will launch the 12th National Week for Sustainable Development from 1 to 10 June 2026, under the theme “Just and Sustainable Solutions for Strengthening Resilience.” The event will bring together a wide range of government entities, civil society organizations, the private sector, universities, experts and young people, as part of efforts to promote community dialogue on climate, energy, water and food security issues, and to support sustainable development pathways in Egypt.
This year’s National Week for Sustainable Development comes at a particularly critical time, amid rapid global transformations and interconnected crises related to climate, energy and water. These challenges are placing growing pressure on national economies and development pathways, making sustainable development a strategic necessity that is closely linked to the protection of natural resources and the strengthening of economic, social and environmental security.
Dr. Emad El-Din Adly, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of ESDF, affirmed that the 12th edition of the National Week for Sustainable Development is based on the need to adopt more integrated and equitable solutions to address the challenges of climate change and enhance the ability of the state and society to adapt and build resilience. He noted that the event is aligned with Egypt Vision 2030 and the National Climate Change Strategy 2050, and coincides with the celebration of World Environment Day.
This year, the National Week will focus on several vital issues that are at the forefront of the national development agenda, including the just energy transition, water security, food security, climate-smart agriculture, and the role of modern technology and artificial intelligence in the management of natural resources.
The National Week places the concept of a just energy transition at the heart of its discussions, as a framework that links environmental transformation with social justice. This includes creating green job opportunities, supporting local manufacturing, empowering youth and women, and ensuring access to clean energy at fair and secure prices for all citizens.
Regarding water, the National Week will discuss challenges related to water scarcity, the impacts of climate change, rising temperatures, drought waves and the degradation of agricultural land, considering Egypt’s primary dependence on the Nile River as its main source of water. It will also highlight the state’s efforts to rationalize water use, expand reuse and treatment, develop modern irrigation systems, and promote nature-based solutions.
The National Week for Sustainable Development will also address food security as a strategic issue directly linked to water, energy and climate. It will review the role of major national agricultural projects in strengthening the country’s capacity to provide food, reduce the food gap, and enhance the agricultural sector’s resilience to climate change.
A significant part of the National Week will be dedicated to discussing the opportunities offered by modern technology and artificial intelligence in the smart management of water and agricultural resources. This includes improving irrigation efficiency, forecasting drought waves, analyzing climate data, and increasing agricultural productivity, alongside expanding sustainable and climate-smart farming practices, including soilless agriculture and low-water-consuming crops. Local Sustainable Development Forums across various governorates will be invited to implement field activities and awareness campaigns as part of the National Week’s activities.
Two main consultative meetings are also scheduled to take place on 8 and 9 June, with the participation of representatives from ministries, national authorities, civil society organizations, the private sector, experts, academics and media professionals.
The first day will focus on the theme “The Just Energy Transition towards a Sustainable Green Economy.” Discussions will cover the current state of Egypt’s energy sector, the role of civil society in promoting renewable energy concepts, legislation and policies supporting the green transition, and the role of digital media in raising public awareness of climate and sustainable development issues.
The second day will focus on “Water and Food Security: Towards More Sustainable and Well-Governed Systems that Strengthen Resilience.” Sessions will address national projects supporting water and food security, the use of artificial intelligence in water and agricultural management, modern climate-smart agriculture, water resource governance, and legislation regulating the sustainable use of water.
Through the activities of the 12th National Week for Sustainable Development, ESDF aims to develop a set of recommendations to support sustainable development in the energy, water and agriculture sectors; strengthen partnerships between government, civil society, the private sector, academic institutions and the media; and support the development of the environmental policies and legislation needed to advance the green transition.