Cairo: Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad announced the successful implementation of a training program designed to enhance the capabilities of 50 UNESCO task team members operating across several Egyptian governorates. The initiative aligns with the ministry's commitment to investing in human capital and improving institutional performance at the local level.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the training program took place at the Local Development Training Center in Saqqara from February 8-10. It was attended by approximately 50 participants from different governorates. The program's core objective was to refine the skills and competencies of the teams through a comprehensive training package. This package focused on managing and advancing the Learning Cities and Creative Cities portfolios, optimizing cultural and economic resources, and strengthening the integration between local government efforts and UNESCO's international initiatives.

The training modules covered essential concepts related to UNESCO's Learning Cities and Creative Cities frameworks. Participants were exposed to effective planning and management tools, and learned about international best practices in managing creative cities. The program emphasized the role of local administration in sustaining UNESCO-led initiatives.

Minister Awad highlighted that the program aimed to boost the efficiency of governorate-level teams while unifying strategic visions and methodologies. She also mentioned plans to organize additional training programs throughout the year to ensure the ongoing development and sustainability of cultural initiatives associated with UNESCO at the local level.