Arab Finance: MNT Foundation for Sustainable Development has signed an agreement with Aswan Governorate and the National Disability Fund to redevelop about 1,400 square meters of underused public land in Aswan’s Mahmoudiya area into an accessible space for sports, recreation, and cultural activities, as per a press release.

Implementation has begun on the project, the first under the foundation’s “Lena Kolena” (For All of Us) initiative, launched in cooperation with the Ministry of Local Development and Environment.

The agreement was signed by Osama Rizk, Deputy Governor of Aswan; Zeina Tawakkol, Executive Director of the National Disability Fund; and Mounir Nakhla, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of MNT Foundation for Sustainable Development. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Environment; Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity; and Amr Lasheen, Governor of Aswan, attended the signing.

“The cooperation protocol signed between the Ministry of Local Development and Environment and MNT Foundation in February 2026 established a framework for jointly planning, developing, operating, and sustaining public-space projects under the Lena Kolena initiative,” Awad said.

Situated in a residential neighborhood near several schools, the Aswan site will have areas for exercise, workshops, cultural events and community gatherings. Plans also include greenery and shaded seating suited to the local climate, with facilities designed for children, young people, families and older residents to use throughout the day.

The design will reflect Aswan’s identity and Nubian heritage, incorporating lighting, clear sightlines and safety measures alongside universal design and accessibility standards.

The National Disability Fund’s participation will bring its expertise into planning and implementation. Awad said the partnership seeks to involve persons with disabilities, older residents and families throughout the initiative.

Morsy emphasized that accessibility should be addressed from the outset, allowing residents to use facilities and join activities safely and independently.

“Developing public spaces and ensuring they are accessible to everyone is essential to strengthening social inclusion and improving quality of life,” Morsy said.

Lasheen described the project as part of Aswan’s efforts to support persons with disabilities through services and programs that improve living standards, protect their rights and promote equal opportunities.

Residents will also help shape the development. Children, young people, women, older residents and local business owners will contribute to the design process, identifying priorities and preferences for the activities and services offered.

Nakhla highlighted the importance of safe environments where children can play, learn and develop their abilities.

He said: “Public spaces are an essential part of cities designed around the needs of their residents. Open, welcoming spaces give people opportunities to meet, connect and participate in everyday activities, improving quality of life and strengthening relationships within communities.”

The foundation’s plans also extend to how the space will function after completion. Salma Mousallem, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of MNT Foundation for Sustainable Development, said: “We are equally focused on accessibility and inclusion, alongside establishing effective operating and maintenance arrangements that ensure these spaces remain sustainable and continue to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

Beyond Aswan, the initiative will combine redevelopment with operating arrangements intended to preserve the quality and long-term viability of public spaces. Awad said the ministry would coordinate with governorates to identify suitable publicly owned sites and develop projects that could be replicated, with residents involved through planning workshops.

Tawakkol expressed hope that the Aswan partnership would serve as a model for expansion across Egypt, bringing together government institutions, civil society and the private sector.

Potential collaborations are also being explored in microenterprise financing and support for traditional handicrafts among women and young people, with the aim of creating jobs and extending the initiative’s development benefits.

Lena Kolena also supports target 11.7 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), which calls for universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible green and public spaces by 2030, particularly for women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities.