Green Thinking and Sustainable Development Strategy Seminar

Reflecting its commitment to promoting environmental awareness, PUA hosted Dr. Sameh Riad, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment for Alexandria and the West Delta Region, for a distinguished seminar titled “Green Thinking and Sustainable Development Strategy.” The event began with an opening speech by Dr. Mohamed Etman, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs, who introduced the concept of “Green Pharos” and highlighted the university’s efforts to integrate sustainable development practices into all aspects of campus life.
Dr. Riad opened the symposium by presenting a short film that traced human evolution from ancient times to the advanced industrial era, illustrating how this progress has led to increased environmental pollution and waste. He shared statistics on diseases that emerged in Japan following the use of the atomic bomb, linking them to industrial pollution. He also discussed the phenomenon of the “Eighth Continent”—oceans filled with non-biodegradable plastic—which poses a severe threat to marine ecosystems and living organisms.
Dr. Riad further addressed the negative effects of climate change, exploring its primary causes and impacts on the planet. He reviewed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), emphasizing their role in ensuring the continuity of life for future generations. The seminar concluded with a discussion on innovative recycling solutions and how waste can be transformed into economic opportunities through sustainable entrepreneurship projects.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from students and faculty members, who expressed their appreciation for the enriching discussions. Many students noted that the seminar expanded their understanding of environmental and sustainable development issues, highlighting the relevance of these topics to their daily lives. They also expressed a strong desire for more such events in the future, recognizing their role in raising environmental awareness and inspiring innovative solutions to global challenges.
Held under the patronage of Dr. Mohamed Etman, the seminar left a lasting positive impression on participants. Attendees called for the continuation of such initiatives to foster a sense of responsibility towards the environment and society.