The 2023 International Labour Organization (ILO) youth survey revealed that in Tunisia and Egypt, 80% of youth aged 15-29 worked informally while youth inactivity reaches 17% in Spain and 25% in Türkiye (Education at a Glance 2023 report). The same report claims that for multiple reasons young Mediterranean women are much more vulnerable and affected by dropping out of school and precarious employment. International reports indicate that inadequate learning and skills are key factors contributing to high NEET (youth Not in Employment, Education or Training) rates. Most education systems in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region do not focus on developing critical thinking and other skills necessary for the labour market and active civic life.
Digitalization and Sustainability: Towards More Efficient Data Collection in Egyptian Airports
Project Budget
EU Contribution
Countries
Partners
- To co-design and develop a transnational training program for Mediterranean youth CSOs, blending digital and face-to- face methods, focusing on engagement as a key skill for employment and addressing regional challenges through social and artistic innovation.
- To support and engage young Mediterranean people to advocate for positive changes in Mediterranean societies through the implementation of concrete local and transnational creative actions and promoting original projects.
- Trained 200 young people from Türkiye, France, Spain, Tunisia and Egypt, co-developing and applying innovative learning methods that fostered engagement and enhanced employment skills – digital, creative, and analytical – while addressing Mediterranean challenges.
- Strengthened young people’s civic actions.
- Fostered a transnational participatory dynamic.
- Co-design of a pedagogical framework for the MedYCI training program developed by young Mediterranean participants and experts across five regions.
- Creation of a multidisciplinary team of 30 trainers.
- 5 MedYCI training sessions implemented across 5 countries, directly engaging over 200 youngsters.
- Establishment of five MedYCI studios which will be fully operational to enhance creative young participants skills in each region.
- Strategic recommendations for the Mediterranean Youth Council ensuring they are informed by diverse youth perspectives across the Mediterranean.
- 5 showcases of 50 innovative ideas for a better future of the Mediterranean.
- 25 simultaneous local creative engaged actions executed by youth, across the Mediterranean.
- •10 transnational webtv show (Medtalk) created by MedYCI trained Mediterranean youth.
EVENTS
EVENTS
MEDIA
Digitalization and Sustainability: Towards More Efficient Data Collection in Egyptian Airports
The Mediterranean Youth Foundation for Development (MYF) urges the Egyptian government to replace the outdated paper-based data collection forms at airports with a sustainable digital solution. The current system, particularly the Immigration or Landing paper forms, has proven ineffective and burdensome, as highlighted by an Italian traveler’s frustrating experience upon arrival in Egypt, where she struggled with inefficiencies and language barriers while filling out the form, which turned out to be discarded without use. As passenger numbers in Egypt reached 47 million in 2023, showing a 28% increase from the previous year, the need for a modernized data collection method becomes more pressing.
Globally, airports are adopting digital technologies to manage passenger flows more effectively. By transitioning to digital systems, Egyptian airports can enhance capacity and streamline operations, resulting in faster and smoother passenger experiences. This shift would not only decrease reliance on paper, reducing operational costs and workload, but also improve data processing while supporting immediate access to passenger information for better service.
The environmental benefits of moving to a digital system are significant, as it would reduce waste linked to paper use, thus lowering carbon emissions related to paper production and disposal. Additionally, a digital approach promotes social benefits by enhancing accessibility and inclusion, aiding communication for international travelers, and reducing language barriers. In conclusion, adopting a digital data collection system is essential for improving operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, and the overall passenger experience in Egyptian airports, aligning them with contemporary global trends. MYF encourages public support for this initiative and promises to keep stakeholders informed on its progress.
The Mediterranean Youth Foundation for Development – MYF strongly urges the Egyptian government and the competent authorities to replace the current paper-based data collection form with amore sustainable digital solution in Egyptian airports.
Currently, the use of the Immigration or Landing paper form to collect passengers’ personal information upon arrival at Egyptian airports is ineffective. Lisa,an Italian traveler who arrived in Egypt on August 21st, recounted her experience at the airport as frustrating and inefficient. Upon arrival, she was required to fill out the paper form with her personal information, only to see it discarded at the document control without any apparent use. The lack of available pens added to the difficulties, especially for foreigners like herself who also had to navigate language barriers. Filling out the form took approximately 3 to 5 minutes, during which time the area around the checkpoints became increasingly crowded, leading to longer queues.
Given the reported data from Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation for 2023, this issue becomes even more significant. The ministry reported a total of 47 million passengers, an increase of 28% year-on-year. Specifically, Cairo International Airport saw 26 million passengers, Hurghada International Airport handled 8.7 million, Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport had 5.9 million, and Alexandria Borg El Arab Airport processed 2 million passengers. With these growing numbers, the inefficiency of the current system is exacerbated, highlighting the urgent need for amore sustainable and efficient data collection method.
In an era where digital technology is transforming the way we live and work, airports worldwide are moving towards more modern and efficient solutions to manage the growing flow of passengers. With an increasing number of passengers, Egyptian airports have the opportunity to adopt innovative digital solutions to enhance their capacity, streamline operations, and provide a smoother and faster process, thereby reducing inconveniences and frustrations for an improved overall experience.
Recognizing this potential, the Mediterranean Youth Foundation for Development (MYF) strongly advocates for the adoption of a digital data collection system at Egyptian airports. Transitioning to a digital system would eliminate the use of paper forms, reducing workload and costs for airports while speeding up information processing. This shift not only streamlines daily operations but also ensures immediate and secure access to data, enhancing the ability to analyze and respond to passenger needs effectively.
This transition is crucial for advancing environmental sustainability. Moving from paper-based systems to digital solutions represents a significant step towards reducing waste and carbon emissions. Paper production involves the use of natural resources and greenhouse gas emissions, while managing and disposing of paper documents adds further environmental impacts. By adopting digital systems, airports can mitigate these impacts, contributing to a more eco-friendly environment and aligning with modern sustainability practices.
Moreover, a digital data collection system offers substantial social benefits. It enhances inclusion and accessibility for all travelers. A digital system can support multiple languages and facilitate communication for non-local travelers. This improves theoverall experience, reduces language barriers, and ensures a smoother, more inclusive journey for every passenger.
Transitioning to a digital data collection system in Egyptian airports is not just a technological upgrade but a necessary step toward a sustainable future. By embracing digital solutions, Egyptian airports can significantly enhance their operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve the overall passenger experience. This transition aligns with global trends in airport management ensuring that Egypt’s airports are well-equipped to meet the demands of an ever-growing number of travelers while promoting environmental and social responsibility.
How can you help?
- Spread the word! Share this statement and let your network know about our initiative.
- Stay tuned! We’ll keep you updated on our progress.
project includes:
Project Status
Completed
Countries covered
4
Start date
31-05-2025
End date
30-05-2027
Programme
Erasmus+
Key Action
Learning Mobility of Individuals
Action Type
Mobility of young people