Dr. Ahmed El-Minshawy, president of Assiut University, stressed that the World Day to combat desertification and drought, which falls on the seventeenth of June every year, represents a very important awareness station, alerting the world to the danger of environmental degradation, and reminds of our duty to protect the planet and ensure the sustainability of its resources. He explained that the allocation of this day by the United Nations reflects the scale of challenges associated with desertification and drought, which directly affect societal and economic stability, especially in developing countries and the most affected by climate change.

  The president of Assiut University praised the continuous efforts of the Egyptian state to face the challenges of desertification and drought, through the launch of major national projects for land reclamation, the expansion of the use of smart agriculture technologies, and the application of effective policies to rationalize the consumption of water resources, within the framework of an ambitious national vision that embodies the Sustainable Development Goals, and in line with the orientations of the "Egypt Vision 2030" towards a more sustainable and environmentally and food-secure future.

Dr. Ahmed El-Minshawy praised the presidential initiatives that emphasize environmental sustainability and put the protection of Natural Resources at the top of priorities, stressing that these trends reflect a deep awareness of the scale of the challenge and the need to deal with it seriously and effectively at all levels.

In this context, the president of Assiut University referred to the pivotal role played by Assiut University as a leading academic and research institution in Upper Egypt, as the University contributes through its faculties and research centers in the preparation of specialized studies in the fields of desertification, rehabilitation of degraded lands, adaptation to climate change, and also supports education and training programs to build the capabilities of cadres in the fields of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the environment.

The president of the University added that Assiut University is keen to instill the concepts of sustainability and environmental preservation in its scientific curricula and student activities, in addition to launching awareness and application initiatives targeting the local community, and seeks to consolidate positive environmental behavior and enhance the awareness of new generations on environmental issues.

 Dr. El-Minshawy renewed the University's commitment to its national and community role in supporting all efforts aimed at combating desertification and drought, and promoting the use of knowledge and innovation in the service of environmental development issues, based on its belief that protecting the Earth is a collective responsibility, and that investing in a healthy environment is an investment in the future of humanity.

Every year the Earth is more prosperous, environmental awareness is more widespread, science is our path towards a better tomorrow.