Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Highlights Key Ongoing Projects and International Partnerships to Promote Sustainable Cities and Local Communities.
04 November 2024
On the Occasion of Egypt Hosting the World Urban Forum (WUF) Under the Patronage of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi
Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Highlights Key Ongoing Projects and International Partnerships to Promote Sustainable Cities and Local Communities.
“Egypt Actively Contributes to International Forums to Support Development Efforts and Share Expertise with Developing Countries,” said H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat.
115 Ongoing Projects Under SDG 11 to Enhance the Sustainability of Cities and Local Communities.
“Implementation of the Green Cities Program with the European Bank to Bolster Green Transition Efforts in Cairo, Alexandria, and 6th of October City.
In conjunction with the launch of the 12th
session of the World Urban Forum, hosted by Egypt under the patronage of H.E.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and with the participation of 174 countries,
the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation
presents a report on key international partnerships and ongoing projects aimed
at supporting sustainable cities and local communities, as well as implementing
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of
Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, emphasized the
importance of Cairo hosting the World Urban Forum (WUF) as part of Egypt’s role
as an active player in international forums addressing sustainable development
issues. She noted that international participation in WUF enhances discussions
on urgent issues, such as urban challenges, population growth, climate crises,
and rising poverty levels, enabling cities to confront developmental
challenges.
H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat explained that the Ministry
of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, in its role
of integrating economic diplomacy with planning mechanisms to drive economic
development efforts, works to strengthen partnerships with the international
community to implement the SDGs and advance sustainable cities and local
communities. She added that there are specific projects underway within the
scope of SDG 11, focusing on sustainable cities and communities. However, there
are also indirect connections to various other projects across multiple sectors,
such as energy, water, and other developmental areas, which closely impact
urban sustainability.
The report issued by the Ministry highlights a
portfolio of 115 projects within its development cooperation with multilateral
and bilateral development partners, valued at $1.5 billion in grants and
concessional financing, representing 5.8% of the total portfolio. These
projects aim to support urbanization efforts and ensure comprehensive and safe
housing planning throughout Egypt, which in turn will lead to higher levels of
economic productivity. Establishing sustainable cities and communities goes
hand-in-hand with the green transition, which includes transportation
development, upgrading informal housing, and ensuring the integration of all
communities across Egypt.
The report outlines key projects being
implemented to achieve this goal, including the Institutional Development
Program for the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, a project to
strengthen social and ecological resilience to natural hazards in partnership
with UNESCO, the Integrated Urban Development Project in Egypt in partnership
with UN-Habitat, and the Urban Synergy Program between new and existing cities
in partnership with UNDP.
Regarding heritage projects, the Ministry of
Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation stated that
projects such as the Capacity Building for World Heritage Site Management for
Sustainable Development, the Rehabilitation of the Islamic Art Museum in Cairo,
and the Operational Management Support for World Heritage Sites, including
those in Egypt, are being implemented in partnership with UNESCO.
The report also highlights projects aimed at
creating a real model of the modern sustainable city, such as transforming
Sharm El-Sheikh into an integrated, environmentally sustainable tourism city,
the Strategic Urban Planning Project for Alexandria until 2032, and the Global
Environment Facility’s Small Grants Program in Egypt, in partnership with UNDP.
Additionally, the report presents the Greater
Cairo Development Planning and Management Enhancement Program, the Strategic
Urban Plans for Small Cities Program in partnership with UN-Habitat, Phase II
Funding of the Development and Growth of the North-West Coast Project in
partnership with the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the
Informal Settlements Development Program in partnership with the African
Development Bank, the Sinai Housing Settlements Program in partnership with the
Saudi Fund for Development, and the Comprehensive Social Housing Program in
partnership with the World Bank.
Alongside these projects, the Ministry of
Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation collaborates with
the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to implement the Green
Cities Program, a global initiative by the EBRD in over 50 cities worldwide,
aimed at supporting cities in transitioning to a low-carbon, resilient future.
This initiative helps cities prioritize their most pressing environmental
challenges through targeted investments, actions, and public policies and is
currently being implemented in three Egyptian cities: Cairo, Alexandria, and
6th of October City.
Earlier this year, the EBRD, in collaboration
with the government, launched a plan to transform 6th of October City into a
green city. This plan is set to be implemented by the relevant governmental
authorities and the 6th of October City Development Authority, in cooperation
with the EBRD.
It is worth noting that the World Urban Forum,
held under the theme “It All Starts at Home: Local Actions for Sustainable
Cities and Communities,” is organized by the Egyptian government in
collaboration with UN-Habitat. The forum discusses the critical role local
action can play in accelerating progress toward urban sustainability, focusing
on topics related to urbanization, smart and sustainable cities, and promoting
inclusive and sustainable urban expansion. It also emphasizes the importance of
participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and
management in all countries by 2030, as outlined in SDG 11 of the 2030
Sustainable Development Goals.