Prof Dr Loay Saad Aldeen, President of Aswan University , Dr Amr Lashin, Deputy Governor of Aswan 

Dear colleagues,

Dear students,

Distinguished guests,

It is truly an honour for me to join you today at Aswan University for the 5th edition of the EU–Egypt Water Talks. I would like to start by sincerely thanking Aswan University, the National Water Research Centre, and the Governorate of Aswan for welcoming us so warmly in this historic and vibrant city.

Today’s dialogue focuses on something that is close to my heart — youth entrepreneurship in the water sector. We all know that Egypt, like many countries, faces acute water challenges. But what fills me with hope is the energy, the creativity, and the determination of young Egyptians who are working to find solutions.

The European Union has long been committed to supporting Egypt’s water security and sustainable development. Through initiatives like Aqua Dialogues of todayand partnerships with institutions like Aswan University and the National Water Research Centre, we are not just providing financial support. We are investing in ideas, in innovation, and most importantly, in people — in you.

We firmly believe that youth-led initiatives can transform challenges into opportunities. Through entrepreneurship competitions, training programmes, and innovation hubs, we are encouraging young minds to dream big — to develop projects that can become real businesses, create jobs, and contribute to a water-smart economy.

The Aqua Dialogue initiative combines awareness raising (on pollution, irrigation, and reuse) with youth debates, expert panels and innovation support. By turning awareness into action, it helps students and young engineers launch real projects. In fact, in May 2025 the program will hold a “Dialogue to Action” boot camp to connect youth with private investors and mentors and turn their water-tech ideas into start-ups. Water-sector entrepreneurship is a transformative solution: it creates jobs, sparks innovation, and builds water systems that are more resilient. By supporting water-focused start-ups, we also foster economic opportunity for our young people

With our Partnership, even small ideas can scale. Programs like the youth sessions today link student innovators with private-sector partners and research centers. In practice, this means a brilliant idea conceived in Aswan can receive mentorship and investment from Europe. As one analysis puts it, empowering start-ups yields “more economic opportunity” and “more resilient water systems”. By working with EU partners, we multiply the impact of every local effort – a true multiplier effect for our community.

We must not forget that youth play a pivotal role in driving this change. As highlighted by EU investments in technical education and vocational training, young Egyptians are key to innovation in water management, technology, and governance. Investing in youth capacity building today ensures sustainable water solutions for tomorrow.

Our EU-Egypt Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership, alongside initiatives like the EU-Egypt Joint Water Partnership, represents the robust framework through which Europe is shifting from traditional development cooperation to partnership, guided by shared values and common interests and challenges, in which transformative investment and innovation are key. Together, we aim to position Egypt as a regional leader in integrated water governance and climate adaptation.

I am particularly proud that today's programme includes voices of young researchers, entrepreneurs, and activists. You are leaders in the making. Your work on groundwater management, water reuse technologies, or community awareness campaigns — is proof that solutions come from those who dare to act, who dare to innovate.

Let me be clear: Your ideas matter. Your initiatives are crucial. And your voices deserve to be heard — not just today, but in the shaping of tomorrow’s policies.

We know that fostering entrepreneurship is not easy. It requires not only talent and vision but also access to resources, mentorship, partnerships, and sometimes simply the courage to keep going after the first setback. That is why the EU, through the Aqua Dialogues and many other programmes, like PRIMA , NEXTMED and Horizon Europe, which I am glad that Egypt shall become a full member within very soon ; are working to connect you with research centres, private sector partners, and networks across Europe and beyond.

As we move forward, I want to issue a gentle challenge to all of you: Become ambassadors for water.

In your families, your communities, your professions — be the ones who lead conversations on water conservation, climate resilience, and innovation. Egypt, and the world, needs water champions now more than ever.

The European Union is proud to stand alongside Egypt, not only as a partner but also as a true friend. Together, through the energy and passion of youth, through mutual learning and collaboration, we can shape a future where water security is not a dream but a shared reality.

The challenge before us is great, but the opportunity is greater. By empowering this next generation through education, entrepreneurship and strong partnerships, we can transform Aswan’s water challenges into a success story for all Egypt. Together, we will ensure that our children inherit a vibrant, water-wise Aswan. 

Thank you again for welcoming us so warmly to Aswan.

I wish you all inspiring discussions, new ideas, and lasting connections today and beyond.