Dr. Nasr: “The agreement came following consultations with 400 agencies and according to Egyptians’ priorities” .
Egypt and the United Nations (UN) signed the strategic framework agreement worth USD 1.2 billion for partnership with the UN for 2018-2022, based on 4 pillars, namely inclusive economic development, social justice, women’s empowerment, and sustainable management of resources.
The Minister of Investment and International Cooperation Dr. Sahar Nasr and UNDP Resident Representative. Mr. Richard Dictus signed the agreement aiming to support the Egyptian government’s endeavors to achieve national development plans in Egypt. The strategic partnership framework with the UN for 2018-2022 was designed through the outcomes of national consultations, in presence of several ministries, Egyptian authorities, development partners and UN organizations.
The Minister explained that the agreement came following consultations with 400 agencies representing line ministries, members of the partnership framework’s steering committee, UN agencies working in Egypt, Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s) and the private sector. She pointed out that the implementation of such framework would include ministries, relevant governmental agencies and UN agencies and programs, noting that the agreement came according to Egyptians’ priorities and the government’s program during the upcoming period.
As mentioned by the Minister, the inclusive economic development in the agreement would be based on achieving agreed upon goals of comprehensive and sustainable economic development, job creation, capacity building and training. This would be achieved through using public resources and incentives more effectively, supporting entrepreneurship, creating an environment conducive to sustainable investment, providing access of young people and women to employment opportunities and expansion in the SME sector, added Dr. Nasr. The social justice pillar, said the Minister, would support national efforts to control population growth and ensure access to public services, including social protection services, health, nutrition and education for all, while the women’s empowerment pillar would increase their capacity and participation in leadership positions and in many other economic activities, in addition to enhancing their access to education and manpower. Finally, the strategy of environmental sustainability and natural resource management emphasizes effective and productive management of Egypt's natural resources and mitigation of environmental and climate change risks. This will be achieved through integrated urban communities; upgrading informal areas, more efficient use of water resources and the use of renewable energies.
“Today, we’ve started a new chapter in the history of the UN in Egypt and we welcome such achievement and look forward its successful implementation in the interest of the Egyptian people. Egypt is considered one of the key actors in the Sustainable Development Agenda,” stated Mr. Dictus.
“During the implementation of such partnership, the UN will be fully committed to benefiting from knowledge and experience of its members to contribute to achieving more sustainable future for Egypt and its people,” he added.
