NIGSD, FEI Collaborate on Leadership, AI, and Sustainability Roundtable

In a collaborative effort between the National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development (NIGSD) and the Federation of Egyptian Industries (FEI), the Minister of Planning and Economic Development inaugurated a roundtable titled 'Empowering Leadership in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability' in Cairo on January 17, 2024.

During this roundtable, Dr. Hala El Said highlighted the intersection of leadership and sustainability, addressing current and future challenges and emphasizing the role of artificial intelligence in innovation. The event aims to develop talents, redefine strategic roles, and empower participants in fostering positive change.

NIGSD has played a pivotal role in training and consultancy for sustainable development, with a focus on environmental and social governance, corporate governance, and the use of artificial intelligence strategies. The discussions underscore the importance of integrating sustainability and artificial intelligence concepts for societal improvement and sustainable development.

Dr. Hala El Said explained during her speech that today's sessions aim to assist participants in embarking on a transformative journey, where leadership intersects with sustainability. This helps in understanding current and future challenges that require embracing the contribution of artificial intelligence to innovation. The goal is for each member of the institution to become a driving force for positive change.

The roundtable also aims to develop talents and redefine strategic roles for managers and young professionals, allowing all participants to enhance innovation and guide strategic initiatives. Dr. El Said mentioned that to achieve these goals, they sought the expertise of Professor Georgi Georgiev Petkouski, who held high-level positions at the World Bank for 20 years.

He serves as a lecturer and senior fellow at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. The Minister highlighted the role of the NIGSD as the training arm of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, noting its qualitative leap in development areas and partnerships with various international organizations and institutes.

The Institute has organized over 50 training programs, benefiting participants from various sectors and categories in Egypt. She added that the Institute's consulting services contribute to managing institutional change, developing training skills, strategic development, and practical performance improvement.

The Institute also hosts the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center in Egypt, established in June 2023, to support entrepreneurship, innovation, and the transformation of the knowledge economy. Dr. Sherifa Sherif, the Executive Director of the Institute, emphasized its focus on good governance practices, raising awareness, and training in governance to achieve sustainable development.

She explained that the Institute's motto is 'Governance for Sustainable Development,' offering various training programs, consultations, and research on sustainable development and governance as the basis for implementing Egypt's Vision 2030. She highlighted the Institute's services covering diverse societal categories, including the private sector, public sector, and civil society.

One of the Institute's unique features is its multitude of international partners, collaborating with leading international academic institutions. The list of international partners includes King's College London, the University of Chicago, Columbia University in New York, the Hertie School of Governance in Germany, and the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government in Dubai, among others.

Mr. Said Turki mentioned that this event resulted from the collaboration between the National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development and the Egyptian Industries Federation, praising the positive contributions and significant efforts by the Federation in promoting sustainable practices in Egypt. He highlighted the success of the Ministry of Planning in the field of corporate social responsibility and sustainability, affirming the commitment to integrating sustainable practices and facilitating partnerships between the public and private sectors.

He emphasized that these discussion sessions contribute to improving society and enhancing sustainable development, stressing the need to focus on integrating the concepts of sustainability and artificial intelligence. During the panel discussion, Mr. Georgi Georgiev Petkouski emphasized the importance of having a clear goal when discussing sustainability and development due to the seriousness of these issues, requiring effective action.