Under the auspices of Professor Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University, Professor Dr. Affaf Al-Oufy, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, participated in the closing ceremony of the project titled “Green Universities for a Better Future: Transforming the Faculty of Pharmacy at Alexandria University into an Eco-Friendly Green Faculty.”

The project was implemented in partnership between the Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University; “Our Earth Climate for Sustainable Development” Foundation; the Bibliotheca Alexandrina; and the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme. The ceremony was held at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

In her speech, Dr. Affaf Al-Oufy, emphasized Alexandria University’s commitment to serving as a leading model in sustainability at the level of Alexandria city and Egyptian universities. She noted that the Faculty of Pharmacy’s green transformation initiative contributed to enhancing the university’s position, including achieving a distinguished ranking in sustainability at the African level.

She added that the project’s success resulted from strong integration between faculty members, researchers, students, and partner entities, highlighting that governmental support also played a significant role in achieving its objectives. She further indicated the university’s intention to expand and generalize the experience across other faculties.

For her part, Professor Dr. Hanan El-Gewely, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, stated that the project began several years ago as the result of sustained efforts by all members of the faculty. She explained that the initiative goes beyond energy and water conservation, aiming instead to promote a sustainable environmental culture and behavioral change, while praising the role of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina in hosting and supporting such initiatives.

Dr. Mervat El-Wakeel, Head of Academic Research Sector at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnership between the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Alexandria University, commending the Pharmacy Faculty’s green initiative and emphasizing that the project represents a successful model of cooperation between academic institutions and civil society.

Dr. Sameh Riyad, Head of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency in Alexandria, stated that the Faculty of Pharmacy project is among the most significant environmental initiatives implemented in the governorate, noting that its success serves as an inspiring model for other institutions to adopt similar initiatives, particularly in light of growing environmental challenges and accelerating climate change.

Dr. Ghada Ahmadin, representative of the Small Grants Programme, highlighted the programme’s role in supporting and funding community initiatives aimed at climate change adaptation, explaining that projects are funded in accordance with national priorities in sustainability and development.

Engineer Ali Samir, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of “Our Earth Climate for Sustainable Development” Foundation, affirmed that the initiative represents a starting point for expanding sustainable development models across educational institutions in Egypt, noting that the Faculty of Pharmacy’s experience is a successful model that can be replicated.

During the closing session, the “Green Circle” initiative at the Faculty of Pharmacy was presented. Professor Dr. Sherif Rustom, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development, provided a detailed presentation on the initiative, which began in October 2022 under the auspices of former Dean Professor Dr. Mervat Qassem before evolving into a pioneering sustainability model in Alexandria.

Professor Dr. Samah El-Sahfy, coordinator of the initiative, reviewed the project’s development stages and the tangible outcomes achieved on the ground.

The event concluded with a documentary film showcasing the project’s implementation stages, objectives, and participating entities, highlighting its alignment with sustainable development goals and efforts to address climate change challenges.