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As part of participating in one of the most prominent global events specializing in environmental technology, Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, Vice President of Ain Shams University for Graduate Studies and Research, participated in the IFAT Munich 2026 exhibition, which came under the title: German Egyptian Water Innovation: Strengthening Policy, Academia and Practice, which is the largest and most important leading international exhibition in the fields of water, sanitation, waste management and environmental resources, and constitutes a global platform that brings together an elite of academic, research and industrial institutions and decision-makers from various countries of the world, with the aim of discussing the future of environmental sustainability and developing innovative solutions to global challenges in the water sector.

This participation comes within the framework of the iWater project activities, in cooperation with Cologne University of Applied Sciences in Germany, reflecting the depth of the strategic partnership between Egypt and Germany in the fields of scientific research, innovation, and capacity building, and supporting integration between academic and applied institutions in the water sector.

The session addressed enhancing the integration between public policies, scientific research, and practical application in the water sector, exploring mechanisms to support innovation and entrepreneurship, developing education and training using the latest technologies, and building advanced academic programs that respond to labor market needs and global transformations in the water field, thus contributing to preparing scientific and professional cadres capable of competing regionally and internationally.

In her participation, Prof. Amany Osama Kamel affirmed that Ain Shams University continues to solidify its position as a leading university by launching the first multidisciplinary Master's program in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in Egypt, in partnership with TH Köln University. This represents a pioneering strategic step aimed at preparing a new generation of specialists capable of addressing water issues from an integrated perspective that combines science, policy, and practice.

She explained that the program is based on a multidisciplinary approach that integrates engineering, environmental, and policy aspects, linking academic study with practical application through collaboration with governmental and industrial bodies and working on real-world problems such as wastewater management and climate change adaptation.

I also explained the role of the iWater project as a strategic platform for enhancing the integration of knowledge and decision-making. I pointed to the university's focus on supporting digital transformation and utilizing artificial intelligence technologies in developing education and scientific research, which contributes to preparing graduates with technical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset capable of creating sustainable solutions for the water sector and translating knowledge into tangible impact.

During her participation, Prof. Amany Osama Kamel emphasized the importance of openness to international experiences and leveraging major global platforms such as IFAT Munich. She noted that the collaboration with German partners, which has evolved over twenty years from a simple scientific exchange to a strategic innovation model, represents a successful example of linking scientific research with practical application and developing innovative and sustainable solutions to the growing water challenges, with a focus on capacity building and promoting entrepreneurship in the water sector.

Dr. Hassan Abu El-Naga, coordinator of the iWater program at Cologne University of Applied Sciences and head of the Water Security Working Group at the International Water Resources Association, confirmed that this cooperation represents an advanced model of partnership between Egypt and Germany in the water sector. It enhances integration between universities, the labor market, and the needs of sustainable development by developing educational and research programs with a direct applied impact. He pointed out that the project contributes to opening new horizons for Egyptian and Arab youth by linking them to modern global trends in water resources management and enabling them to compete and innovate internationally. He emphasized that Egypt has ambitious plans in the water sector that require preparing and qualifying young cadres at the highest level to lead the future.

Professor Lars Riebe, Head of the Water Resources Management Group at Cologne University of Applied Sciences, praised the long-standing partnership with Ain Shams University, which spans over 20 years of continuous academic and research collaboration, emphasizing that it represents a well-established model of scientific cooperation between Egypt and Germany.

He explained that this partnership reflects a high level of trust and integration, and has contributed to the development of impactful educational and research programs in the water sector, strengthening the link between scientific research and practical application, thus serving sustainability goals at both the regional and international levels.

The session also included Ms. Alexandra Erfenich, representing the German Water Partnership, and Dr. Peter Riad, representing the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce, along with Prof. Tarek Ghalwash, Vice President of Mansoura University for Graduate Studies and Research. They discussed the roles of international cooperation, investment opportunities, and the importance of entrepreneurship in supporting innovation in the water sector.

Six students from the Master's program in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) at Ain Shams University participated in the exhibition. This provided them with the opportunity to interact with international experts and learn about the latest technologies and global trends in the water sector, enhancing their practical experience and keeping pace with the demands of the job market.

This distinguished participation in IFAT Munich 2026 underscores Ain Shams University's prominent position as a leading regional and international academic institution in the field of water sciences and sustainability, and its active role in fostering international cooperation and linking scientific research with innovation and practical application to serve sustainable development issues.