H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, continued her participation in the high-level events of the United Nations and the “Summit of the Future” in New York. She took part in a discussion titled "Financing for a Fairer Future," which focused on funding for sustainable development goals, alongside Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UN Development Programme, and Dr. Aminata Touré, Special Representative of the Senegalese President and former Prime Minister of Senegal.

In her remarks, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that as countries strive to achieve the SDGs, they often face external shocks that force them to rearrange their initially clear priorities toward the 2030 Agenda. These shocks may compel nations to change direction or focus on areas different from their original plans.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat pointed out the necessity of restructuring the international financial system to make development financing fairer and more equitable, highlighting the debt burden as a significant challenge for many nations. Several countries have incurred substantial debts in pursuit of growth and sustainable development, intertwining debt issues closely with economic development efforts.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat underscored the importance of an integrated and transparent national financing framework to achieve local developmental goals. This framework should incorporate elements of good governance to ensure optimal resource use and include aspects related to mobilizing local resources, such as improving tax management and directing spending toward vital sectors.

Moreover,  H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat noted that, alongside national efforts, collaboration with the international community is essential. Funding can be accessed through multilateral development banks and international financial institutions. Success in this area requires a combination of financing strategies led independently by nations, supported by a conducive global environment and international partnerships that contribute to sustainable and equitable funding sources. There is a necessity for international cooperation to achieve these goals, either through reconsidering the structure of the international financial system or by providing fairer financing tools to help countries address developmental challenges effectively.

Addressing Multidimensional Poverty

In another context, H.E. Minister Al-Mashat participated in a side event titled “Sustainable & Targeted Poverty Solutions: Using the Multidimensional Poverty Index,” organized by the Multidimensional Poverty Peer Network (MPPN) and the Government of Somalia.

In her speech, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat stated that Egypt has recently embarked on a transformative path to redefine the concept of poverty, enhancing efforts toward economic development and inclusive growth. This approach encompasses not only monetary poverty but also other dimensions such as education, health, food security, social protection, and access to essential services. The Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation is working with national and international stakeholders to develop a national multidimensional poverty index.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat affirmed that this initiative aligns with Egypt’s comprehensive national strategies, particularly the updated National Sustainable Development Strategy "Egypt Vision 2030," supporting the localization of SDGs at the regional level and closely linked to key national programs such as the "Hayah Karima" initiative aimed at improving living conditions in rural areas and the National Family Planning Program focusing on enhancing health and well-being.