The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development Prioritizes Human Rights in Investment Spending

 The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development convened a crucial meeting on the 27th of December to discuss the execution progress of the Human Rights-Responsive Investment Expenditure Guide project. Chaired by Dr. Mohamed Alaa, Director of the Human Rights Unit, the meeting aimed to shape a guide that incorporates human rights standards into investment expenditure practices.

The primary objectives of the guide are to direct government entities in integrating human rights considerations into the core aspects of program and developmental project design. It emphasizes placing human rights at the forefront of their priorities. Furthermore, the guide seeks to derive performance indicators based on the targets of the National Human Rights Strategy, ensuring comprehensive monitoring throughout all project phases from proposal to evaluation. 

The ultimate goal is for the guide to serve as a reference, providing essential information for the development of a responsive plan aligning with the state's objectives for Egyptian human development.

Dr. Alaa highlighted the previous phases of the project, including the conceptualization of the guide and the drafting of initial proposals. 

The meeting also featured discussions on experiences from various countries in integrating human rights into investment expenditure, specifically addressing the inclusion of women's rights in development planning and government projects.

Moving forward, the project's second phase involves engaging in bilateral meetings with internal entities of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development. This collaborative approach emphasizes the participatory nature of the guide's development. 

Dr. Alaa emphasized the importance of future steps, including proposing workshops involving relevant ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Interior, Finance, Environment, and Local Development. 

These workshops will include representatives nominated by each entity responsible for planning, investment expenditure, and will contribute to the finalization of the guide based on a collaborative approach between those responsible for planning, project implementers, and those overseeing the targets of the National Human Rights Strategy.

Partnering with the Institute of National Planning (INP)as an academic collaborator, the Ministry aims to ensure that the guide is not only advisory but also operational. This approach aims to enable sectors to use the guide actively in the formulation, evaluation, and monitoring of projects.

The Ministry is committed to advancing human rights considerations in investment expenditure, fostering a collaborative and comprehensive approach for sustainable development in Egypt.