Prof. Ahmed El-Kased, President of Menoufia University, and Prof. Mostafa Refaat, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Egyptian Universities, inaugurated the activities of the Third Community Service and Environmental Development Conference, held under the title: “The Role of the University in Localizing and Developing Handicraft Projects and National Industries… Sustainable Innovation.”
The event was attended by former Minister of Local Development and University Council Member Prof. Ahmed Zaki Badr; Major General Abdullah El-Deeb, Secretary-General of the Governorate, representing Major General Ibrahim Abu Laymoun, Governor of Menoufia; along with vice presidents, deans, faculty members, researchers, and a large number of students. The conference took place in the Grand Hall of the Faculty of Law.

In his address, Prof. El-Kased emphasized the University’s commitment to organizing this annual conference, which this year embodies the national vision of building a knowledge-based economy, supporting national industries and traditional crafts, empowering youth, and fostering sustainable development solutions. He highlighted that the University is not merely an educational institution, but a key partner in driving economic and social development in alignment with the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who places national industries and small and medium-sized enterprises at the forefront of state priorities.

He added that the University operates within an integrated framework that connects education, scientific research, and community service, while adhering to environmental sustainability within a comprehensive green-transition strategy. He noted the recent achievement of Menoufia University ranking third among Egyptian universities aged 20–50 years in the “Best Environmentally Friendly University” competition, extending appreciation to staff and students for their efforts.

Prof. El-Kased stressed the University's commitment to forging robust partnerships with governmental bodies, industrial sectors, entrepreneurs, and civil society to transform ideas into products and projects that support the national economy. He expressed gratitude to all participants and contributors to the conference's success, hoping that the outputs will produce actionable recommendations that support national industries and embody the concept of sustainable innovation.

For his part, Prof. Mostafa Refaat expressed his pleasure in participating in the conference, praising Menoufia University for hosting this important event amid global challenges that demand innovative solutions. He affirmed that the conference reflects the true role of Egyptian universities in community service, environmental development, the green transformation, innovation, and economically and socially impactful productive projects.

He noted that the world is witnessing profound changes requiring knowledge-based and green-economy development approaches, with universities acting as the engine of development and a key pillar in empowering Egyptian citizens—especially under Egypt Vision 2030 and the National Initiative for Green Projects.

He also highlighted the Supreme Council of Universities’ efforts in integrating educational and research policies, aligning them with labor-market needs, and enhancing the competitiveness of universities. He referenced the Council’s launch of the third edition of the “Best Green University” competition for 2024, noting its effectiveness in promoting environmental performance and awareness on campus.

Prof. Refaat praised the essential role of young people in driving innovation and change, encouraging universities to continue supporting scientific research and green innovation. He stressed that cooperation between universities, government entities, and civil society opens broader prospects for a more sustainable future.

Prof. Sobhy Sharaf, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development and President of the Conference, affirmed that Menoufia University works with a team spirit and broad partnerships to establish a system that enables turning ideas into products and small projects into impactful industrial entities. He emphasized the central role of youth and encouraged researchers and entrepreneurs to make the most of the conference’s opportunities.

The conference showcased successful models of collaboration, including:

• Madkour Group’s experience in supporting traditional crafts

• Compost and biogas production at Al-Raheb Farm as a model of the bioeconomy

• The University's participation in the “Torathna” Exhibition with the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency

• The Women’s Empowerment Program in the village of Bekhaty, in partnership with the Directorate of Manpower

It also presented innovative projects by students and researchers, such as:

• A nanotechnology-enhanced natural burn-treatment ointment

• Collagen extraction from chicken feet and cellulose extraction from banana waste as models of the circular economy

• Replast Build, a project for recycling plastic into eco-friendly building materials

At the conclusion of the event, several key contributors were honored, including:
Prof. Ahmed El-Kased, Prof. Mostafa Refaat, Mostafa Ismail (General Secretary of Al-Gama’aat Al-Shar’iyyah), Senator Osama Madkour (Deputy Chairman of Madkour Group), Senator Mohamed Moussa (President of the Egyptian Red Crescent – Menoufia), Ihab Hegazy (Regional Director, MSME Agency), Emad El-Rabie (Undersecretary, Directorate of Manpower – Menoufia), Prof. Hesham El-Saidi (Faculty of Science), and Eng. Ashraf Shalaby (Entrepreneur and Director of Al-Farouk Food Industries).
The ceremony was presented by Prof. Doaa El-Shaer, Faculty of Education.