Mansoura University contributes to the development of the first national program for Integrated Water Resources Management during an international workshop at the University of Cologne, Germany

Mansoura University, through its Faculty of Engineering, participated in the development workshop for the Master's program in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), hosted by the University of Cologne (TH Köln) in Germany, as part of the I Water program funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

This participation comes under the patronage of Dr. Sherif Khater, President of Mansoura University, and with the follow-up of Prof. Tarek Ghalwash, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research and Supervisor of the Community Service and Environmental Development Sector, within the framework of the university's strategy to enhance international academic cooperation, develop graduate programs according to the latest global standards, and support national capacity building in priority areas, foremost among them the sustainable management of water resources.

The Master's program in Integrated Water Resources Management is the first national academic program specializing in this field, developed through a partnership between Mansoura and Ain Shams Universities, with academic support from Cologne University of Applied Sciences in Germany. It aims to prepare qualified professionals who combine engineering, environmental, and administrative expertise, enabling them to address the challenges of water security and climate change, and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Mansoura University delegation included Prof. Sherif El-Badawy, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Dr. Reham Mohsen, Head of the Irrigation and Hydraulics Engineering Department. They participated in workshops that discussed developing the program and enhancing its academic quality to align with the latest international standards and the needs of the water sector in Egypt and the region.

The workshop featured extensive discussions on curriculum development, promoting project-based learning, improving the quality of academic supervision, and expanding the participation of government agencies, water companies, and the private sector in the educational process. This will strengthen the program's relevance to labor market needs and enhance graduate readiness. The workshops also addressed developing governance and quality assurance mechanisms, strengthening partnerships with national and international institutions, and expanding practical training and applied research to support the program's sustainability and maximize its impact on the water sector.

Prof. Cherif Khater emphasized that the university's participation in this international project reflects its vision of building strategic partnerships with prestigious universities and academic institutions worldwide. This contributes to developing the postgraduate studies and scientific research system, and preparing qualified professionals with the knowledge and skills to develop scientific solutions to national challenges, particularly water security. This supports the Egyptian state's efforts to achieve sustainable development and Egypt's Vision 2030.

1. Tarek Ghalwash affirmed that the university places great importance on developing interdisciplinary and applied postgraduate programs, enhancing international cooperation that contributes to knowledge transfer, raising the quality of the educational and research process, and linking scientific research outputs to societal needs and development plans. Dr. Sherif El-Badawy added that the workshop provided an important opportunity to exchange experiences with international partners and review the program's academic structure in light of global best practices. He noted that the discussions resulted in an agreement on several implementation steps to update the curriculum, develop assessment methods, enhance project-based learning, and expand practical training and partnerships with labor market stakeholders. This will contribute to preparing graduates capable of addressing the growing challenges in the water sector.

 Prof. Hassan Abul-Naga, coordinator of the iWater program at Cologne University of Applied Sciences, pointed out that the program represents a pioneering model of academic cooperation between Egyptian and German universities. It aims to prepare a new generation of specialists capable of leading the transformation towards more efficient and sustainable water resource management through the integration of education, scientific research, and practical application.

This participation reflects Mansoura University's position as an active academic partner in international projects aimed at developing education and scientific research. It also underscores its commitment to developing postgraduate programs according to the latest international standards, contributing to the preparation of qualified personnel capable of confronting national challenges and supporting the state's efforts in the sustainable management of water resources and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.