H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, witnessed the launch of the "EU 4 Water Preneurs" training camp for entrepreneurs in the water sector. 

The event was held at Alexandria University within the framework of the strategic partnership between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the European Union, and in partnership with the PRIMA Foundation. The launch was attended by Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, the European Union Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt, and Lieutenant General Ahmed Khaled Hassan, Governor of Alexandria.

The initiative aims to stimulate the young energies of Egyptian innovators, researchers, and students, and encourage them to develop scientific and realistic solutions applicable on the ground to address the increasing and interconnected challenges facing Egypt in the fields of water, energy, and food.

During her speech, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated that this competition represents a model to be emulated for fruitful cooperation between international development partners and national institutions. It also reflects a firm commitment from both sides to support innovation and entrepreneurship as key means to achieve sustainable development and build more resilient and responsive economies in the face of climate change and the multiple environmental challenges we all face.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that the Arab Republic of Egypt, within the framework of its National Vision 2030, attaches paramount importance to the issue of water security, considering it one of the most important pillars of sustainable development and adaptation to climate change. 

Through the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, we are keen on full coordination between our national development priorities and international development and partnership agendas, with the aim of maximizing the benefit from available resources and enhancing opportunities for cooperation with our international partners, foremost among them the European Union.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat added that water is not only a vital element for life, agriculture, or industry, but also represents a fundamental basis for stability and social peace. Water security is closely linked to food security, our ability to achieve self-sufficiency, and development opportunities in rural communities and areas most in need of development.

H.E. continued: "Therefore, we view water as a strategic factor in our comprehensive development efforts, not just as one of the service sectors. In this context, the cooperation between Egypt and the European Union in the field of water, represented by the 'Egyptian-European Water Partnership,' enhances the state's efforts in implementing an ambitious vision based on the rational use of resources, modernization of infrastructure, and stimulation of innovation, especially through initiatives such as the 'Team Europe Initiative for Water and Food Security,' which aims to achieve integration between water, food, and energy policies and strategies."

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat commended the launch of the "European Union Green Facility," a new program worth 7 million euros, which comes within the European Union's support for the "NWFE - Nexus of Water, Food and Energy" initiative and constitutes one of the pillars of the effective partnership between the two sides. 

This program enhances technical support directed to green infrastructure projects, stimulates sustainable financing through innovative financing tools, and contributes to attracting private and public investments in the fields of seawater desalination using renewable energy, water reuse, climate-smart agriculture, and other vital areas.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat mentioned that the "NWFE" initiative represents one of the most prominent Egyptian models that combines environmental, economic, and social goals through an integrated approach based on the interconnectedness of the three sectors: water, energy, and food. 

The water pillar in this initiative is a fundamental element that focuses on developing modern irrigation systems, expanding the use of treated water, using renewable energy sources in desalination processes, in addition to implementing institutional and legislative reforms to ensure efficient management and good governance.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat affirmed that through the "Sharm El-Sheikh Guidebook for Just Financing," Egypt is working to mobilize financial resources from various sources, whether from the public or private sector or development partners, to reduce the financing gap that hinders the implementation of water infrastructure projects and to open the way for green investment opportunities that contribute to driving development and enhancing economic competitiveness.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed out that the "Water Pioneers - EU 4 Water Preneurs" competition comes as a practical step towards implementing this vision. It seeks to stimulate young minds to innovate realistic and applicable solutions that combine technical, scientific, and commercial aspects, and contribute to building a base of national competencies capable of leading the future in this vital field. 

This competition is also an opportunity to promote the use of modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence, digital technology, and multidisciplinary innovations, enabling young people to turn challenges into development opportunities that secure our vital resources for future generations.