Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Swailem discussed with Cologne University for Applied Sciences and German iWater initiative representatives, Lars Ribbe and Hassan Abouelnaga, means to enhance co-operation in applied scientific research, innovation, and capacity building within the water sector.
This came during a meeting held by the Irrigation Minister on Saturday, ahead of the launch of the ninth Cairo Water Festival, scheduled from October 25 to 29 under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s patronage.
Swailem praised existing co-operation between Cologne University and Egyptian universities through the iWater initiative and integrated water resources management graduate programmes.
The meeting addressed a proposal to develop the initiative into an Egyptian-German innovation centre linking universities, research institutions, executive bodies, and the private sector.
The minister stressed aligning academic programmes and scientific research with the ministry’s priorities and the second-generation water system (2.0) targets, focusing on digital transformation, smart water management, and turning research outputs into practical applications.
Swailem noted the importance of utilising the ministry’s priority list to prepare specific joint project proposals detailing objectives and partner roles to secure funding through development partners and donors.
Discussions also covered scientific research role in strengthening water, climate, and desertification links, with the minister stressing coordination with the National Water Research Centre to crystalise priority co-operation areas.
