● H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat: Promoting human development efforts by integrating local resources and international partnerships.
● 42% of public spending in the 2024/2025 plan are directed to human development sectors
● Reforming the global financial architecture to become more responsive to the needs of developing countries and increasing financing directed to human development.
As part of the ongoing Global Conference on Health, Population, and Human Development, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, delivered the keynote address at the session titled “Financing for Human Development.” This conference is being held under the auspices of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The session featured a diverse panel, including Vito Intini, Chief Economist for the Regional Office at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Dr. Mike Mbiviso, Country Director for the Population Council in Zambia; and Adele Khodr, Regional Director for UNICEF in the Middle East and North Africa.
In her speech, Al-Mashat stressed that financing is a major pillar for enhancing human development efforts and goals, and therefore the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation is mobilizing local and foreign financing to support the country’s efforts in human development. H.E. noted that the human development sectors account for about 42.3% of public spending for the fiscal year 2024/2025. Al-Mashat explained that investments directed to the sector have reached EGP 118 billion, and the current portfolio of soft financing for the sector records about $7 billion.
H.E. pointed out the efforts made by the state to enhance human development through the Ministerial Group for Human Development by integrating efforts between various ministries and relevant authorities, explaining that these efforts also complement the commitment to industrial development. This reflects that industrial development cannot be achieved without a well-trained and skilled workforce.
Al-Mashat explained that numerous projects are being implemented in collaboration with development partners to bolster the human development agenda. This includes cooperation with the USAID, European Union and World Bank. These partnerships are instrumental in leveraging each organization’s unique strengths—whether through technical expertise, financial assistance, or knowledge-sharing—to effectively align with national priorities. This collaborative approach has resulted in the implementation of numerous impactful programs across various sectors, including health, education, social protection, women’s empowerment, and climate action.
H.E. reviewed some of the projects being implemented, such as STEM schools with the USAID, which supports high achievers in science, technology, mathematics and engineering, in addition to the Takaful and Karama program, the comprehensive health insurance program, and many other programs and projects.
Al-Mashat also pointed out the importance of digital transformation, as it helps enhance the effectiveness of programs and ensure the provision of high-quality services to citizens.
Moreover, Al-Mashat stressed that the private sector has become a major player in providing financing and innovative solutions for various areas of development, most notably human development, by pumping investments in digital transformation, skills development and training. Therefore, the ministry prioritizes stimulating private sector engagement and bridging sectoral development gaps.
On the topic of state ownership, Dr. Al-Mashat stressed its critical role in achieving meaningful progress in human development. Hence, the National Health Strategy (2024-2030) was launched with a focus on multiple priorities including: expanding universal health coverage, improving governance and institutional frameworks, and promoting innovation and digital transformation. H.E stressed that the concerted efforts between the government and various parties from the private sector, international institutions, and civil society enable us to achieve the targeted results.
Lastly, the Minister stated that reforming the global financial structure is necessary to become more responsive to today’s challenges and meet the needs of developing and emerging countries, especially to expand funding directed to human development.