Cairo: Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sweilem participated in the World Water Day 2026 celebration held under the theme 'Water's Role in Gender Equality'. The event was organized by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation in collaboration with the European Union Delegation to Egypt. Notable dignitaries included Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Environment, Eng Khaled Hashim, Minister of Industry, and Her Excellency Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst from the EU.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the event featured an exhibition showcasing products made from water hyacinth by rural women trained by the Ministry's Regional Training Centre for Water Resources and Irrigation. A video highlighting the Ministry's collaboration with the European Union was presented, demonstrating efforts to train rural women in recycling water hyacinth.

The ceremony also marked the launch of the 'Ward Al-Kheir Initiative to Empower Women in Water and Recycle Water Hyacinth'. This initiative aims to create supportive environments for women's empowerment by linking water management with economic and social empowerment. An open dialogue titled 'Water as a Pathway to Women's Empowerment' was held, featuring success stories from women who transformed water hyacinth into handcrafted products.

Dr. Sweilem emphasized the Ministry's commitment to addressing water hyacinth challenges and transforming them into economic opportunities through training programs. He also expressed gratitude to the European Union for its cooperation and highlighted the Ministry's strategic vision, 'Water System 2.0', which focuses on modern technology to maximize Egypt's water resources.

Ambassador Eichhorst commended the partnership between Egypt and the EU, emphasizing the importance of giving women leadership opportunities in water management. Dr. Sahar Al-Senbaty highlighted the theme's focus on gender equality, noting the impact of equitable water access on women's lives.

Ms. Engy Yamani spoke on behalf of the Minister of Social Solidarity, highlighting the economic opportunities created by transforming water hyacinth into environmentally friendly products. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to transition from aid to economic empowerment, aiming to enhance employment opportunities for women in rural communities.