Mansoura University organizes a conference on the efforts of Egyptian universities in the national project for the development of the Egyptian countryside, "A decent life" initiative with the participation of 27 Egyptian universities

On July 12, 2023, Mansoura University organized the first qualitative conference for the community service and environmental development sector - Mansoura University (Efforts of Egyptian universities in the national project to develop the Egyptian countryside, the “Decent Life” initiative) under the slogan “The Road to the New Republic” on the sidelines of hosting the meeting of the Supreme Council For the community service and environmental development sector, with the participation of 27 Egyptian public universities, in the conference hall at Mansoura University Administration Building.

Under the auspices of Prof. Mohamed Ayman Ashour - Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the presence of Prof. Cherif Youssef Khater, President of Mansoura University, Prof. Mostafa Refaat - Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Universities, Prof. Mahmoud Mohamed El Melegy - Vice President for Community Service and Development Affairs Environment, Dr. Haitham Al-Sheikh - Deputy Governor of Dakahlia, Presidents and Vice-Presidents of Egyptian universities, Colonel Ismail Moawad, Director of the Foundation for a Decent Life, deans and vice deans, Prof. Eman Ahmed Abu Al-Fadl, Coordinator of the Decent Life Initiative at Mansoura University, faculty members, students and employees.

Prof. Cherif Khater said that the Decent Life Initiative is one of the most important national initiatives launched by His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to improve the living conditions and daily life of the Egyptians, who had a great role in implementing the construction and development plan of the Egyptian state, which aims to develop Egyptian villages into model villages that enjoy all kinds of services, improve the level of infrastructure and urban services, build the Egyptian personality, and advance the intellectual, educational and health level for future generations.

Egyptian universities have participated in this initiative to support the Egyptian state’s efforts in development, by launching integrated convoys to the geographical areas in which the university is located in its surroundings, as well as to remote governorates, to provide a number of educational, medical, veterinary, agricultural, and nutritional services to the residents of those areas to raise the level of health care and community awareness. These convoys contributed to spreading awareness and reducing disease rates and early detection. He added that Mansoura University did not contribute to this initiative in the vicinity of the governorate only, but rather those convoys extended to the border areas, so Mansoura University organized a series of comprehensive convoys entitled "Bridges of Good" with a number of 20 convoys with the aim of providing basic services and medical care to the border governorates and the most needy local communities (North South Sinai, the Red Sea, the New Valley, Matrouh, Halayeb and Shalateen); To achieve the goals of Mansoura University in sustainable development and community partnership.

Prof. Mostafa Refaat praised Mansoura University for organizing this important event, which reflects its firm commitment to promoting comprehensive sustainable development for all parts of the country, noting that the conference brings together many participating parties, as the efforts of the state and all executive agencies gathered in developing the life of the Egyptian citizen in the countryside through the” Decent Life” initiative , the Egyptian universities have played a prominent and effective role in the presidential initiative to achieve development goals. He added that the Egyptian countryside has a vital role in achieving sustainable development, and the Decent Life Project is an ambitious initiative aimed at improving life conditions in the countryside and providing equal opportunities for citizens’ comprehensive development. Egyptian universities bear a great responsibility in achieving the vision of this initiative, as they are scientific and research centers that play a vital role in raising the level of education and developing infrastructure and technology in rural areas.

Prof. Mahmoud El-Melegy said that the conference "The Role of Egyptian Universities in the National Project for the Development of the Egyptian Rural (Decent Life Initiative)" is an opportunity to show the role played by Egyptian universities in this important national project, which is truly the most important development project in Egypt for what it does, from a prominent and effective role in promoting comprehensive and sustainable development in the Egyptian countryside, within the framework of achieving the strategic goals of Egypt's Vision 2030.

The first phase of the Decent Life Initiative, which targeted 277 villages out of 4,677 villages in Egypt, at a cost of more than (150) billion Egyptian pounds. The second phase targets 1,600 villages in 20 governorates, which requires the concerted efforts of all Egyptian universities, whether governmental or private by their distinguished staff to implement the project and achieve its success. The best that universities can offer within the framework of the initiative and achieve the goals of this vision is to develop training and qualification programs that meet the needs of the labor market, and present them according to a solid plan and clear performance indicators that guarantee the qualification of young people and provide them with the necessary skills to face market challenges and their contribution to the comprehensive development of the country.

The conference included an art exhibition, presentations and shows of the various talents of the Decent Life Initiative in the Egyptian countryside and what universities have provided in developing these talents.