Ministry of Planning and Economic Development in 2023: Charting a Visionary Path under Dr. Hala El-Said's Stewardship

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development proudly unfolds a compendium of achievements that defined the tapestry of 2023. In the luminous shadow of Dr. Hala El-Said's leadership, the ministry navigated intricate economic landscapes, unveiling an array of initiatives and accomplishments that reverberated both nationally and internationally.

*Economic Marvels and Strategic Visionaries:*

In a year underscored by economic dynamics and challenges, the Ministry, under the visionary stewardship of Dr. Hala El-Said, achieved unprecedented strides. A notable accomplishment was the reduction of road fatalities by an impressive 40% over three years, attesting to the ministry's commitment to public welfare. Dr. Hala El-Said, as Chair of the National Wages Council, championed social equity, decreeing an increase in the minimum wage for private sector workers to 3,500 Egyptian pounds, supplemented by a periodic bonus of 200 pounds. The Egypt Sovereign Fund's ascent to global prominence, ranking 47th globally and 12th in the Arab world, served as a pivotal milestone.

*Global Forays and Diplomatic Endeavors:*

The ministry's global footprint expanded under Dr. Hala El-Said's leadership, with active participation in over 1387 bilateral meetings, strategically nurturing relationships on both the international and domestic fronts. The revelation of the updated Egypt Vision 2030 and the introduction of the Competitiveness Index for Egyptian provinces marked significant milestones. The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation bestowed the ministry with the prestigious Largest Financing Partners Prize, an international accolade.

Dr. Hala El-Said's active presence in global conferences such as the G20 summit and the World Economic Forum in Davos showcased Egypt's unwavering commitment to sustainable development goals. The ministry's robust participation in COP28 underscored its dedication to environmental initiatives and a green future.

*Strategic Collaborations and Landmark Agreements:*

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development signed pivotal agreements, fortifying its dedication to citizen-centric services, family planning, and sustainable development. The financial incentives program with the Ministry of Finance, the tripartite protocol for the development of underserved villages, and the partnership with Djibouti for the electronic population census exemplify the ministry's unwavering commitment to inclusive development.

*Human Rights and Capacity Building:*

A groundbreaking development in 2023 was the establishment of the Human Rights Unit within the ministry, emphasizing the paramount importance of human rights. The unit's inaugural training session on the "Fundamentals of Human Rights" for ministry employees marks the initiation of an extensive program aiming to infuse human rights principles across all sectors and plans.

*Innovative Initiatives and Sustainable Projects:*

The National Initiative for Smart Green Projects took center stage, launching its second cycle in 2023. Garnering international acclaim for its success, the initiative illuminated its importance and mechanisms. Over 5500 trainees benefited from 56 training sessions, spanning 152 training hours. The Youth for Development Initiative empowered young talents, fostering a culture of innovation through seminars, workshops, and collaborations with entities like the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority.

*Government Excellence Awards and Institutional Triumphs:*

The commencement of 2023 witnessed the announcement of Egypt Government Excellence Award winners for 2022. Dr. Hala El-Said, joined by dignitaries including President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, celebrated the triumphs across institutional and individual categories. This year marked the expansion of the awards to include internal excellence categories, amplifying the focus on human capabilities and institutional performance.

In a landmark move, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development relocated to the New Administrative Capital, a symbolic step toward future-oriented governance. The recognition received, such as the European Foundation for Management Development Award, reaffirms the ministry's commitment to excellence.

*Strategic Partnerships and Diplomatic Triumphs:*

Dr. Hala El-Said's diplomatic acumen was evident in the myriad strategic collaborations the ministry forged throughout the year. Bilateral meetings with key figures such as Philip Christiani, co-founder of a green projects company, and discussions with international organizations like the United Nations and World Bank Group showcased Egypt's commitment to global cooperation.

Moreover, the ministry's involvement in high-profile international conferences, including the World Government Summit in Dubai and the United Nations Summit on Sustainable Development Goals in New York, demonstrated Egypt's proactive role in shaping global agendas.

As the curtain falls on 2023, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development stands as a beacon of visionary leadership and transformative initiatives. Dr. Hala El-Said's dynamic guidance has propelled the ministry into a realm of unparalleled accomplishments, shaping a trajectory of economic growth, sustainable development, and international collaboration. The legacy of 2023 positions the ministry as a cornerstone for a prosperous and progressive Egypt, heralding a future where strategic vision and innovation intertwine for the nation's benefit.