Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development recently hosted the second edition of the Sustainable Development for Global Impact (SDGI) conference 2026. The two-day event brought together 279 participants from various countries, including representatives from Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Uganda, South Africa, Germany, Portugal, Serbia, the United States, the Netherlands, and Spain. The conference provided a platform for exchanging scientific knowledge, engaging in multidisciplinary dialogue, and practical interaction on pressing sustainability challenges facing Egypt, the Middle East, North Africa, and the global community.
The SDGI 2026 conference featured 40 speakers, three high-level panel discussions, and 16 parallel sessions for oral presentations. It also included a dedicated session for poster presentations and 20 practical workshops. The program brought together researchers, academics, practitioners, and sustainability leaders to explore ways to transform knowledge, innovation, and collaboration into practical solutions and tangible impact. The conference was part of the first Sustainability Week at Heliopolis University.
Helmy Abu El-Eish, chairman of the Heliopolis University Board of Trustees and CEO of Siqm, emphasized that the SDGI conference continues to provide a platform for innovation and exchanging ideas on global challenges and solutions. He highlighted that the conference aligns with the four pillars of sustainable development: environment, economy, society, and culture. This approach reflects the university's comprehensive strategy for achieving sustainable development.
The conference discussions and presentations covered a wide range of topics, including climate change adaptation, ecosystem restoration, sustainable agriculture, water management, sustainable business, entrepreneurship, education, cultural heritage, health and well-being, social justice, and sustainable communities. Participants also engaged in practical workshops on topics such as circular design, climate change and carbon capture, sustainable building materials, green entrepreneurship, women's economic empowerment, and sustainable lifestyles.
The closing ceremony of the SDGI conference announced two new partnerships to support sustainable development for university students and the community. Heliopolis University signed memoranda of understanding with Sultan Ventures and Climatify. These partnerships aim to foster collaboration and innovation in sustainable development.
The Siqm Sustainability Award was launched during the conference to recognize institutions and organizations making significant contributions to sustainable development in Egypt. The award has four categories: environmental, economic, social, and cultural sustainability. The first winners of the award were announced during the SDGI 2026 closing ceremony.
The SDGI 2026 conference reinforced its position as a platform for scientific dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical innovation. By connecting academia, industry, policymakers, practitioners, and the broader community, the conference emphasized the importance of transforming knowledge and partnerships into concrete steps toward a more sustainable future in Egypt, the Middle East, North Africa, and globally.
Key points
- The conference featured 279 participants from around the world and covered a wide range of sustainability topics.
- The Siqm Sustainability Award was launched to recognize contributions to sustainable development in Egypt.
- The conference announced two new partnerships to support sustainable development for university students and the community.
