On September 30, 2025, two significant events unfolded in Egypt, each reflecting the nation’s ongoing commitment to transparency, technological advancement, and the dissemination of knowledge. In Cairo, the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources hosted a high-profile meeting with leading figures from the Egyptian media, while the much-anticipated launch of the 2025 National Geographic Youth Map offered a fresh lens through which to view the world’s scientific and historical wonders. Together, these developments underscore Egypt’s evolving approach to information, education, and public engagement.
At the heart of the capital, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, convened an open session at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The meeting brought together chief editors of Egyptian newspapers, digital news platforms, and a diverse group of journalists. According to Elbalad News, the gathering was more than a routine briefing—it was a direct response to the recent elections for the Egyptian Medical Syndicate, held just two days prior, on September 28, 2025.
Minister Badawi began by lauding the professionalism and awareness demonstrated during the elections. "The election results reflect a wide public consensus and showed the high level of awareness among the medical community and the public," he stated, emphasizing the importance of unity and informed participation. The message was clear: Egypt’s medical sector, often at the frontline of public service, had not only chosen its representatives but had done so in a manner that showcased the maturity of its democratic processes.
Transparency was a central theme throughout the session. The Minister underscored the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that the results and processes surrounding the Medical Syndicate elections were communicated clearly and honestly to the Egyptian people. He called on the media to coordinate closely with both the Ministry and Parliament, noting that such collaboration would be vital in “clarifying the new election results to the public and to ensure transparency in the election process and the use of technology.” This, he argued, was the best defense against the rising tide of misinformation and fake news that has plagued public discourse in recent years.
Badawi’s remarks also highlighted the growing role of technology in Egypt’s public administration. The recent elections, he noted, had benefited from the integration of modern systems designed to streamline voting and counting, reduce the risk of error, and make the process more accessible. "The Minister emphasized the commitment to transparency and the use of modern technology in managing the election process," reported Elbalad News. This approach, he insisted, not only improved efficiency but also fostered greater trust among citizens.
But the conversation wasn’t limited to the medical field. Minister Badawi used the occasion to update the assembled journalists on the state of Egypt’s energy and mining sectors. He announced that natural gas production, after several challenging years, had begun to rebound. The uptick, he explained, was the result of a concerted effort to pay off foreign partners, introduce investment incentives, and ramp up drilling and exploration activities. "These results were also achieved thanks to integrated work with various ministries, Parliament, and the efforts of employees in the sites and fields," he said, crediting a spirit of collaboration for the turnaround.
The Minister was keen to stress that Egypt’s energy strategy now rests on two pillars: boosting domestic production and building robust import infrastructure. He assured the public that "all our current and future needs are secured," pointing to a comprehensive system for importing liquefied natural gas (LNG), complete with regasification ships and supporting infrastructure. This, he argued, would guarantee supply for essential sectors, especially electricity and industry, and provide "flexible and safe alternatives to face any emergency."
Meanwhile, the Ministry is eyeing a new era for Egypt’s mining sector. After decades of limited exploration, the government is preparing to launch the first comprehensive aerial survey of the country’s mineral resources in 40 years. The newly empowered Mineral Resources Authority will spearhead this initiative, which aims to deliver "accurate data on mining opportunities and rare mineral elements," thereby positioning Egypt as a magnet for global investment. Efforts are also underway to better integrate small-scale miners and curb unregulated gold prospecting, an issue that has long vexed authorities.
As the meeting drew to a close, Minister Badawi reiterated his appreciation for the media’s role in fostering transparency. He promised that such dialogues would continue on a regular basis, signaling a sustained commitment to openness and positive engagement with the press.
On the same day, another milestone was reached, though of a different kind. The 2025 National Geographic Youth Map was officially unveiled, offering young Egyptians—and indeed, curious minds worldwide—a vibrant new resource for exploration and learning. According to National Geographic, the map is a treasure trove of information, seamlessly blending entertainment and education across a range of disciplines: science, history, nature, wildlife, and technology.
What sets this map apart is its sheer scope and detail. The primary edition encompasses 11,411 territories, each rendered at a scale of 1:30,000, with contour lines spaced at 5/6 intervals. A second version covers 11,804 territories at a slightly different scale (1:27,500) and contour line interval (3/4), catering to different educational and research needs. The map’s layered approach brings geography to life: the first layer uses color gradients to depict elevation, the second and third layers guide users through installation from the main map and manual installation, while the fourth and fifth layers introduce digital mapping with water bodies and satellite imagery for an immersive experience.
For those eager to tune in, National Geographic continues to lead the way in documentary broadcasting. The channel’s enduring popularity is due in no small part to its commitment to providing high-quality, round-the-clock programming that appeals to viewers of all ages. Whether it’s the latest discoveries in medicine or the secrets of the natural world, the channel remains a favorite among documentary enthusiasts.
Accessing the channel is straightforward. For viewers using NileSat, the frequency is 11411, with horizontal polarization, a symbol rate of 30000, and a forward error correction of 5/6. On ArabSat, the frequency is 11804, also with horizontal polarization, a symbol rate of 27500, and a forward error correction of 3/4. Both platforms deliver high-definition broadcasts, ensuring that the wonders of the world come through in crystal clarity.
Setting up the channel requires just a few simple steps: from pressing the menu button on the remote control, selecting installation, and choosing manual installation, to entering the correct satellite and frequency details, searching for the channel, and saving the changes. It’s a process designed to be accessible, even for those who aren’t especially tech-savvy.
In a country where the thirst for knowledge runs deep, these two developments—one rooted in the halls of government, the other in the boundless curiosity of youth—are reminders that progress often comes from the interplay of transparency, technology, and education. As Egypt charts its course through the challenges and opportunities of 2025, its leaders and citizens alike appear determined to keep moving forward, one informed step at a time.