NIGSD Executive Director sheds light on the “Be an Ambassador” initiative during the activities of WSG 2023

The Executive Director of the National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development (NIGSD) Dr. Sherifa Sherif participated,

today, in a session entitled “Egypt..The World That We Want,” .

The session as part of the World Government Summit (WGS) 2023 that is taking place in Dubai under the theme of Shaping Future Governments from 13th until the 15th of February.

During her speech, Dr. Sherifa Sherif showcased the “Be an Ambassador”

initiative for sustainable development that was launched by the Ministry of planning and economic development.

The initiative that is being executed by the

NIGSD in 2020 aims to build and develop the capabilities in the field of sustainable development through a four months of intense training program, a series of basic technical courses along with training of

trainers (TOT) which concentrate on developing modern environmental

thinking and the concept of just and complete sustainable development,in addition to introducing the importance of adhering to the

sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN) and the concepts of green economy and smart cities.

Furthermore, Sherif highlighted the main benefits of the “Be an Ambassador” initiative, adding that the cooperation with 24 public and

private universities, and NGOs.

The cooperation comes in the framework of green entrepreneurship and innovation through sustainable innovation lab.

The initiative also takes into consideration geographical and gender diversity.

The initiative is internationally accredited by the platform for initiatives to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. 

Sherif clarified that around 2350 sustainable development ambassadors graduated till now.

The initiative takes into account the localization of the SDGs that have been

adapted to the Egyptian context, covering 27 govern orates, and mainly focusing on targeting and empowering youth, 18-35 years of age.

Moreover, Dr. Sherifa Sherif said that the initiative mainly aims to educate and empower through raising awareness, and training

Egyptian youth to realize the Egypt Vision 2030. 

The training process of the initiative goes through 3 stages and ends with an intense on

ground workshop presented by a group of experts from different fields. She

further clarified that the first level is the introductory level that incorporates a number of online lectures in the “Sustainability”

platform, then the specialization level, and later the professional level. 

Also, she explained that the initiative uses diverse training tools including brochures and specialized instructions that include

technical themes, concepts, and terminology related to sustainability.

Then, she pointed out that the initiative depends heavily on interactive and experimental education that uses stimulation.

 Ending her speech, NIGSD executive director addressed the sustainable innovation lab that works as an incubator for startups aiming to

achieve SDGs, and offers technical support to develop a business plan. 

She also clarified that 199 participants took part in the lab, while 14 startup graduated including 8 participants in the “Be an Ambassador” the initiative and 11 startups are being incubated. 

Moreover,she pointed out that the “Be an Ambassador” initiative was present

in Cop 27 summit that took place recently in Sharm El-Sheikh.