17.2.2 Initiate and participate in cross-sectoral dialogue about the SDGs

Aswan University actively participates in national and regional conversations that bring together government institutions, international agencies, civil society, the private sector, and academic experts to address Sustainable Development Goals from multiple perspectives.
Our involvement in these dialogues reflects our belief that universities must help shape public understanding and policy thinking around the major challenges facing Egypt and the wider region.

Below are the key cross-sectoral SDG dialogues in which ASWU participated during 2023–2024, with clear descriptions, images, and evidence.

1) World Urban Forum (WUF12) – Cairo, November 2024

Year: 2024
Sectors involved: UN-Habitat, local & regional governments, civil society networks, NGOs, academia
ASWU role: Delegation participation in thematic dialogues on sustainable cities, housing, and urban development
Key SDG links: SDG 11, SDG 17

Description:

Aswan University participated in the World Urban Forum (WUF12) as part of the Egyptian national delegation, following an official invitation from the National Council for Women. Under the patronage of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the Forum brought together local and regional governments, UN-Habitat, national councils, civil society organizations, and academic experts to discuss policy priorities related to sustainable cities, housing, community well-being, and social protection frameworks.

The World Urban Forum (WUF12), hosted by UN-Habitat, is the world’s premier platform for multi-sector dialogue on sustainable cities. ASWU participated as part of the regional academic delegation, attending policy panels on local governance, rapid urbanization, community resilience, and the SDG-based planning frameworks used by cities across Africa and the Middle East.

Our representatives contributed grounded insights from Upper Egypt and engaged in cross-sector discussions on strengthening support systems for women.

ASWU delegation at the World Urban Forum (WUF12) — contributing to national dialogue on women’s empowerment and urban protection frameworks

“UN-Habitat – WUF12 Programme Highlights (Cairo, 2024).”

 

 

2) Aswan–Toshka Agricultural Conference & Exhibition – Aswan, 2024

Year: 2024
Sectors involved: Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineers Syndicates, NGOs, private farming companies, irrigation experts, academic researchers
ASWU role: Session host, speaker, technical contributor, research showcase
Key SDG links: SDG 2, SDG 6, SDG 13, SDG 15

Description:
ASWU played an active role in the largest agricultural conference and exhibition in Upper Egypt, held in Aswan and Toshka. The event brought together farmers’ associations, government officials, private sector innovators, and sustainability experts to discuss modern irrigation, water reuse, climate-resilient crops, and desert agriculture. ASWU faculty shared research findings from local experiments in sustainable farming, soil improvement, and water-saving techniques. The university’s presence helped connect scientific evidence with on-the-ground agricultural challenges and supported collaborative recommendations for regional agricultural development.

 

 

ASWU-led session at the Aswan–Toshka Agricultural Conference (2024)

 

3) UniGreen Climate Innovation Workshops – 2023–2024

Year: 2023–2024
Sectors involved: Universities across Upper Egypt, youth organizations, climate NGOs, entrepreneurs, municipal authorities
ASWU role: Contributor, facilitator, participant in youth–government–sector dialogues
Key SDG links: SDG 9, SDG 13, SDG 17

Description:
UniGreen brings together young innovators, climate-focused NGOs, university leaders, and representatives of public institutions to discuss climate adaptation strategies and showcase practical solutions.

ASWU participated with faculty and students presenting environmental projects, engaging in group discussions with policymakers and local organizations, and offering feedback on how student-led innovations can support municipal climate needs. The university’s involvement helped translate youth ideas into actionable proposals for local environmental priorities.

 

 

“ASWU participation in UniGreen youth–climate–innovation dialogues.”

 

4) IEEE CPERE Renewable Energy Conference – 2023

Year: 2023
Sectors involved: Energy-sector companies, IEEE chapters, academics, engineers, policymakers
ASWU role: Academic presenters & technical contributors
Key SDG links: SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 13

 

Description:
ASWU researchers contributed to discussions at the IEEE CPERE conference, which brought together engineers, industry specialists, and technical policymakers working on renewable energy systems. Presentations from ASWU included optimization of renewable power systems, energy storage solutions, and smart-grid applications in arid regions — linking scientific findings with national energy priorities and climate commitments.

 

 

IEEE CPERE Conference 2023 Flyer

Reference link:https://www.ieee-cpere.org

 

 

5) Arab Professional Development Conference — Om Habiba Foundation – 2023

Year: 2023
Sectors involved: NGOs, Ministry of Social Solidarity, international professional development bodies, private sector, academic institutions
ASWU role: University leadership participation, youth employment & SDG advocacy
Key SDG links: SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 8, SDG 17

Description:
ASWU participated in the Arab Professional Development Conference organized by the Om Habiba Foundation, held under the patronage of the Minister of Social Solidarity and the Governor of Aswan.
The conference convened civil society organizations, youth groups, international professional development networks, and academia to discuss employability, skill development, gender empowerment, and the role of universities in linking graduates with job markets.

“Participation Of Prof. Ayman Othman President of ASWU, in the Arab Professional Development Conference.”

 

 

These events reflect Aswan University’s commitment to genuine cross-sector dialogue on SDG challenges in Upper Egypt, across Egypt, and within global settings.
Through these platforms, ASWU helps connect evidence, policy, and practice — strengthening our partnerships with government, civil society, and international institutions, and ensuring that our work contributes directly to sustainable development pathways.