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Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, Vice President of Ain Shams University for Graduate Studies and Research, inaugurated the introductory workshop for the Master's Program in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), which was organized by the Graduate Studies and Research Sector, in the presence of Dr. Wiebke Bachmann, Regional Director of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) office in Cairo, Dr. Mohamed Abdel-Aty, former Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Prof. Sherif El-Badawy, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Mansoura University, Prof. Ali El-Bahrawy, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Irrigation and Hydraulics at the Faculty of E

ngineering, Ain Shams University, Dr. Eng. Hassan Talba Abu El-Naga, Coordinator of the "iWater" Program, and a group of deans of faculties and those interested in the field.

The program is a step towards preparing a generation capable of addressing water challenges and issues

In her opening remarks, Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, Vice President of Ain Shams University for Graduate Studies and Research, expressed her delight at the launch of the Master's program in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), the first multidisciplinary Master's program in this field in Egypt, in partnership with TH Köln University in Germany.

She emphasized that the program represents a pioneering strategic step towards preparing a new generation of specialists capable of addressing water challenges and issues from an integrated perspective that combines various scientific disciplines and fosters a culture of collaboration and cooperation among diverse expertise within a comprehensive academic and professional environment.

Her Excellency praised the significant efforts of the academic team overseeing the program, particularly Prof. Ali Al-Bahrawi and Dr. Hassan Talba, and commended the fruitful cooperation and distinguished partnership with the German University, which contributed to the program's outstanding success.

She also praised the participating students and researchers, affirming that they represent a promising model of scientific and research excellence.

The program includes several modules

Dr. Wiebke Bachmann, Regional Director of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) office in Cairo, expressed her delight at visiting Ain Shams University, emphasizing that the Master's program in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) represents a unique model of international academic cooperation between Egypt and Germany.

She noted that the program aims to empower the next generation of water professionals by enhancing water security and supporting interdisciplinary innovation, thus contributing to a more sustainable water and environmental future, with a focus on building bridges of knowledge, innovation, and the exchange of expertise between the two countries.

She added that the program aims to provide a collaborative environment that brings together students, faculty members, industry experts, and representatives from government agencies and institutions concerned with the water sector, thereby achieving a tangible impact on policy development and fostering effective partnerships.

She explained that the program includes several key components, such as offering multidisciplinary curricula, supporting student and faculty exchange programs, and strengthening academic and research cooperation between Egyptian and German institutions, all of which contribute to preparing qualified professionals capable of addressing current and future water challenges.

The program adopts a multidisciplinary approach

Prof. Mohamed Abdel-Aty, former Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, expressed his pleasure and gratitude at being at Ain Shams University, praising the efforts made to launch the Master's program in Integrated Water Resources Management. He noted that the program aims to maximize the utilization of water resources in Egypt through the integration and synergy of various scientific disciplines and the exchange of expertise and knowledge related to water management.

He emphasized that water resources management is not limited to experts and specialists, but extends to all segments of society, from farmers to women in their homes. He stressed the importance of raising water awareness and promoting community participation in preserving water resources and using them efficiently.

For his part, Prof. Ali Al-Bahrawi explained that the “I-Water” program represents a pioneering step towards preparing a new generation of specialists capable of addressing water issues from an integrated perspective that combines scientific knowledge, policymaking, and practical application.

He pointed out that the program adopts a multidisciplinary approach that integrates engineering, environmental, and administrative aspects, linking academic study with practical applications through collaboration with governmental and industrial entities.

He added that the program focuses on addressing real-world challenges facing the water sector, such as wastewater management and reuse, and adaptation to climate change, thus contributing to the development of qualified personnel capable of developing innovative and sustainable solutions to current and future water challenges.

He also gave an overview of the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Master's program, showcasing a range of research projects addressing vital issues in water resources management. These projects encompass four main areas: Digital Twins, Nile River water quality assessment, Flash Floods, and water quality assessment in Saudi Arabia. He also highlighted the supervisors and researchers involved in each project, emphasizing the use of advanced technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and hydraulic modeling to analyze challenges and develop integrated scientific solutions.

Furthermore, he reviewed the selected courses from the Cologne University of Applied Sciences (THK) in Germany, which will be incorporated into the IWRM Master's program at Ain Shams University in Egypt.

The program is based on the implementation of group applied projects

Dr. Hassan Talba, coordinator of the “iWater” program, delivered a speech in which he reviewed the goals and components of the project, which brings together a select group of Egyptian and German universities, in partnership with institutions from the public and private sectors and civil society organizations. It focuses on providing a Master’s program in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) as an academic and practical platform to prepare qualified personnel to face current and future water challenges.

He explained that the program relies on implementing collaborative applied projects each semester in partnership with various organizations, aiming to develop innovative and sustainable solutions for water resource management and documentation.

He also noted that master's theses and research projects are jointly supervised by faculty staff and experts from industry and relevant institutions, ensuring that scientific research is linked to practical applications and maximizing the benefits derived from its findings.

The workshop witnessed active participation from academics, researchers, and those interested in the water sector. The program's academic and professional objectives were reviewed, along with its role in supporting the Egyptian government's efforts to achieve sustainable water resource management and enhance water security.

It is worth noting that the program aims to develop water resources and maximize their utilization in a way that preserves the rights of future generations and contributes to building a more secure and sustainable future. It also aims to enhance the capacity to confront the challenges arising from climate change and reduce the risks of natural disasters, support the expansion of renewable energy sources, and establish the principles of sustainable consumption and production in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and Egypt's future vision.