Here is a professional English translation suitable for publication on the Ministry’s website:
Eng. Karim Badawi: Activating youth empowerment discussions and setting executive mechanisms for their outcomes
As part of the Egypt International Energy Conference and Exhibition “EGYPES 2026”, Eng. Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; and Mr. Gohar Nabil, Minister of Youth and Sports, held a roundtable entitled:
“Future Energy Leaders from Youth: Empowering Young Talents to Support Egypt’s Energy Sector.”
The session was attended by Dr. Ayman Bahaa El-Din, Deputy Minister of Education and Technical Education, on behalf of Dr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education, along with a group of young professionals from Egyptian and international companies operating in the energy, petroleum, and gas sectors across various specializations.
The roundtable, moderated by Eng. Abeer El-Sherbiny, Acting Head of the Central Administration of the Technical Office at the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, witnessed strong engagement between ministers and youth through an open dialogue. The discussion aimed to listen to young people’s perspectives and proposals, identify key challenges facing their development and qualification for future leadership in the energy sector, and support innovation and modernization in this vital field.
Discussions addressed ways to prepare a new generation of young leaders capable of shaping the future of the sector, through developing practical experience, engaging in projects and teamwork, and transferring accumulated expertise from senior levels. Emphasis was also placed on enhancing decision-making skills and keeping pace with rapid transformations in the energy landscape, particularly in light of energy transition, modern technologies, and artificial intelligence. The importance of academic and practical qualification for youth and graduates was highlighted to support employment opportunities and enhance the efficiency of Egyptian talent in a sector of growing global importance.
Eng. Karim Badawi emphasized that this roundtable represents a model of integrated cooperation between ministries and young talents, enhancing the ability to achieve positive impact and advance youth empowerment and capacity-building efforts.
He added that, to translate discussions into actionable steps, participants were invited to submit further proposals and compile data and ideas into a database, in coordination with the ministries within 15 days. A follow-up roundtable will be held after 30 days to present outcomes and determine the best implementation mechanisms.
Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa highlighted the importance of this event amid current regional and global challenges, reflecting Egypt’s position and its ability to progress through the energy of its youth, who represent both the present and the future. He stressed that the role of the state is to shape the future for new generations by preparing and qualifying them through transferring accumulated expertise and scientific knowledge via universities and educational institutions.
He noted that the energy sector is among the largest employers globally, particularly in new and renewable energy, which is witnessing rapid growth, underscoring the importance of expansion in the coming phase.
He further explained that the Ministry of Higher Education is currently conducting a comprehensive review of academic programs and working to develop them to prepare graduates equipped with skills aligned with local, regional, and international labor market requirements, with a focus on new and renewable energy as the future of the sector. He also emphasized the importance of employing artificial intelligence, data centers, and modern technologies to support energy transformation, noting the increasing global focus on energy research and linking scientific research with industry.
He affirmed that the coming period will witness increased attention to qualifying university students in energy fields, expanding related educational programs, enhancing students’ efficiency and readiness, and investing in youth as a key driver of the sector’s future.
Minister Gohar Nabil stressed that youth empowerment is the cornerstone of building the future of Egypt’s energy sector, emphasizing that young people are not only future leaders but active partners in the present and key drivers of change amid rapid transitions toward sustainability and climate action.
He noted that the Ministry has placed environmental sustainability at the core of its strategies by developing youth centers and sports facilities to align with green economy standards through expanding renewable energy use and rationalizing resource consumption, in addition to supporting youth initiatives and qualifying young cadres to participate in climate action at all levels.
He concluded by affirming that investing in youth awareness and capabilities is the optimal path toward building a sustainable future led by innovative minds capable of turning challenges into opportunities.
On behalf of Dr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education, Dr. Ayman Bahaa El-Din affirmed that “EGYPES 2026” reflects Egypt’s ambition to become a regional and global energy hub and a platform that brings together minds and expertise to shape a more sustainable and innovative future.
He added that the Ministry is working to develop the education system to meet labor market needs by integrating concepts of renewable energy and sustainability into curricula, expanding applied technology schools, and strengthening partnerships with leading companies and institutions in the energy sector, including establishing specialized schools such as Abu Bakr Applied Technology School for Gas and Renewable Energy and Zohr Applied Technology School in Port Said, in partnership with the petroleum sector.
