In preparation for the 12th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) to be held in Egypt from November 4 to 8, the Ministries of Housing, Local Development, and Higher Education, in collaboration with the Egyptian Engineers Syndicate, have launched the Aqoul “Minds” competition, Invest-Gate reports.

The competition invites engineering, urban planning, and fine arts students to propose sustainable solutions for urban development challenges.

Moreover, this initiative aligns with Egypt’s strategy to engage its youth in developmental efforts to build sustainable communities. The competition encourages students to develop innovative engineering ideas that improve Egypt’s urban environment.

Furthermore, winners will present their ideas at WUF12; the prize money is nearing EGP 1 mn. The first prize is EGP 500,000, the second is EGP 250,000, and the third is EGP 100,000, with additional consolation prizes.

Also, Sherif El Sherbini, Ministry of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities, emphasized the importance of youth involvement, noting that the competition offers fresh talent to address Egypt’s most pressing urban challenges.

The forum, organized by UN-Habitat and hosted by Egypt, will be the first held in Africa in 20 years.

Notably, it will highlight Egypt’s pivotal role in urban development and showcase its regional and global strategic importance.