Dr. Manal Awad Mikhail recently took the constitutional oath before Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as she assumed the position of Minister of Local Development in Dr. Mostafa Madbouly’s new government. Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Manal has held several leadership roles, including serving as Governor of Damietta from September 2018 to July of this year and Deputy Governor of Giza for Community Affairs and Environmental Development for 3 and a half years prior.
During her tenure as Governor of Damietta, Dr. Manal oversaw important files such as civil society organizations, slum development, and women’s affairs. Her work in Giza Governorate contributed to the city obtaining membership in the UNESCO “Learning Cities” program in 2016.
Dr. Manal earned her Bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Medical Sciences from Benha University in 1989, followed by a Master’s degree and a PhD from Alexandria University in 1995 and 1999, respectively. She has been recognized with various scientific awards, including the State Encouragement Award in Agricultural Sciences in 2007 and the UNESCO Learning Cities Award in 2017. Her dedication to promoting education, women’s rights, and community development has left a lasting impact on the regions she has served.
Under Dr. Manal’s leadership, Damietta Governorate was awarded the UNESCO Learning Cities Award for 2021, making it one of the ten cities worldwide to receive this honor