In the presence of the Ministers of Higher Education, Local Development, and Environment:
The President of Assiut University has signed a cooperation protocol between the university and the New Valley Governorate to develop "visual urban identity" studies for the governorate’s cities, to be carried out by the Faculty of Engineering’s Center for Engineering Studies and Consultations.
According to Assiut University Media:
On Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Dr. Ahmed Abdel-Mawla, President of Assiut University, and Dr. Hanan Magdy, Governor of the New Valley, signed a joint cooperation protocol. The agreement aims to develop a visual urban identity for the cities of the New Valley Governorate—one that reflects their unique cultural, civilizational, and environmental characteristics—while also enhancing their tourism and investment potential. This initiative will be executed through the Center for Engineering Studies and Consultations at the Faculty of Engineering, Assiut University.
The signing took place in the presence of Dr. Abdel-Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research (also serving as Acting Minister of Culture), and Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Environment. The ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Local Development and Environment in the New Administrative Capital. This protocol comes as part of an effort to strengthen cooperation between state institutions and Egyptian universities, leveraging scientific and research expertise—particularly in engineering—to support local sustainable development plans, in alignment with the goals of Egypt Vision 2030.
Dr. Ahmed Abdel-Mawla emphasized that the protocol represents a significant step toward fostering integration between government institutions and Egyptian universities. It aims to harness academic and research capabilities to support development initiatives in the New Valley Governorate by creating a comprehensive visual identity for the governorate’s cities—one that highlights their spatial, urban, and heritage features, while reflecting their unique cultural, civilizational, and environmental characteristics.
The university president explained that Assiut University is committed to applying its scientific and engineering expertise to serve society and bolster development efforts across the governorates. He noted that the collaboration will draw upon the specialized expertise of the Center for Engineering Studies and Consultations at the Faculty of Engineering to conduct the necessary studies—studies that will help showcase the distinct character of the New Valley’s cities and enhance their appeal for tourism and investment.
Dr. Ahmed Abdel-Mawla added that, under the protocol, the university will provide the necessary scientific, technical, and professional personnel—including faculty members and specialists—along with its research and technical resources. These will be used to carry out historical and urban studies, identify the unique spatial and heritage attributes of each city, and develop a comprehensive vision for their visual identity, all while taking into account the specific nature and needs of the governorate. This collaboration is expected to contribute to developing a clear vision for the visual identity of the cities in the New Valley Governorate—a vision rooted in their urban, heritage, cultural, and environmental assets. By leveraging the specialized academic and technical expertise available at Assiut University, this initiative will support the governorate’s efforts to highlight its unique character and maximize the use of its potential to foster tourism and investment development.
