The first event was the Joint Arab Investment Conference held in Sharm Al-Sheikh between 14 and 17 April 2015 and organized by the Arab Women Investors Union (AWIU), under the auspices of the Council of Arab Economic Unity. According to Dr. Abdelkhalek, the aim of the conference was to strengthen the role of Arab women in the economic development in their countries, and also to reinforce Arab mutual cooperation and investments in many fields, especially tourism & hospitality, trade, retail, manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and the environment.

In the presence of Sohag Governor Dr. Ayman Abdul Moneim, the conference witnessed preparations for a round table discussion on the investment opportunities in Upper Egypt (the 3rd event). During the conference, the Ambassador of Arab Investments Sheikha Freiha Al-Sobah witnessed the signing of the first cooperation agreement between the AWIU and Al-Rehab for Trade and Development for the reclamation of 36,000 feddans in the Egyptian oases of Farafra and Siwa.

The second event was the First Annual CSR Forum held at the Cairo Intercontinental City Stars Hotel on 3 and 4 May 2015. During the event, Dr. Abdelkhalek effectively moderated the Ecosystems Panel, which included the following distinguished speakers: Former Minister of State for Administrative Development Dr. Ahmed Darwish, Dr. Olfat Tantawy from the Social Contract Center, Nahla Zeiton from UNDP Egypt, and Advisor to Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dr. Abeer Shakweer. The forum aimed at creating a state of integration between the goals of companies operating in the Egyptian market and government plans, with a view to doubling development and sustainability efforts in Egypt.

The third event was the First Round-Table Discussion on Investment Opportunities & Threats in Upper Egypt held on 5 May 2015 and organized by Dr. Abdelkhalek. Speakers included EBA President Hussein Sabour, EBA Secretary-General Amr Allouba, Egyptian Financial Supervisory Authority Chairman Sherif Samy, Sohag Governor Dr. Ayman Abdul Moneim, Assiut Secretary-General Gamal Abbas, and AWIU Head Dr. Hoda Yassa, along with a number of prominent EBA members.

During the event, Dr. Abdelkhalek emphasized the importance of collaboration among the government, private sector, and civil society organizations with the aim of encouraging investments in Upper Egypt through sustainable development projects. She explained that Sohag and Assiut particularly offer numerous investment opportunities in human capital, training, and heavy industries, as well as small- and medium-sized businesses.

The last event was the Excellence in Vocational Service Forum held on 15 May 2015. In the course of the event, the Rotary District 2451 Vocational Service Committee recognized ECG for its University to Work initiative, and ECG Monitoring & Evaluation Section Head Sayed Abdel Aal received the Shield of Excellence awarded to ECG.

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The seven pillars shall guide EBA members when it comes to the implementation of investment plans aimed at sustainable development. The pillars also stand as important tools fostering collaboration between the government, civil society, and private sector in relation to sustainable development.

During the discussion, Dr. AbdelKhalek proposed a number of ideas for implementing these pillars, such as the application of good corporate governance by engaging workers in decision-making. She added that more attention should also be given to human rights, particularly the rights of employees with special needs. An example is the use of computer applications tailored for employees with disabilities. Other proposed ideas included the consideration of consumer issues by applying design codes that render buildings accessible to all, including individuals with physical, auditory, and visual disabilities.

The discussion was concluded with an agreement by CSR Committee members to start thinking about ways to integrate and coordinate the efforts of different companies in a single framework supporting sustainable development in the least developed governorates of Egypt.

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