Dr. Rania Al-Mashat: 

• The "Enhancing Citizen-Centered Governance in Egypt" project is the culmination of strategic and long-standing partnerships with the OECD and the Swiss government.

• Egypt's co-chairmanship of the Governance and Competitiveness for Development Initiative 2026/2030 affirms its leadership role in promoting regional and international cooperation.

H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, inaugurated the launch of the project "Promoting Citizen-Centered Governance in Egypt”. The project is launched by the National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development (NIGSD) in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development  (OECD) and funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). 

The event was attended by Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports; Counselor Amal Ammar, Head of the National Council for Women; Dr. Sahar El Sonbaty, President of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood; Dr. Sherifa Sherif, NIGSD Executive Director; Ms. Tatyana Teplova, Head of Partnerships and International Cooperation at the OECD; and Dr. Valérie Liechti, Head of the International Cooperation Office at the Swiss Embassy in Egypt.

In her Speech, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized that the project is a testament to the fruitful, long-term partnerships between Egypt, the OECD, and the Swiss government via the SDC. It reflects the depth of cooperation between Egypt and the agency, as well as with the OECD's Governance Programme for the Middle East and North Africa.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat noted that Egypt’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, advancing regulatory reform, and developing citizen-centered public governance is not new. These efforts are anchored in Egypt’s Vision 2030 and various governmental action programs, most recently the 2024–2027 work program. These frameworks guide Egypt’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable development that balances economic, social, and environmental dimensions and places people at the core of progress.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat pointed out that this project brings real value by providing a high-level collaboration platform that supports national priorities—particularly in achieving sustainable development goals and executing sectoral strategies. It focuses on three strategic pillars: enhancing the rule of law and justice institutions—especially concerning the rights and needs of children, women, and youth; developing regulatory policies through a citizen-centric approach that considers youth, gender, and environmental issues; and integrating youth perspectives into public governance to build a greener, more inclusive future.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat added that the project contributed to developing the "Green-Lens" tool for applying environmental considerations in regulatory policy design, supporting Egypt’s national climate goals. She highlighted forecasts of Egypt’s urban population exceeding 41 million by 2050 and rising challenges related to water scarcity and heat waves—issues that demand more innovative and adaptable regulatory tools.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat noted that the project is part of a broader partnership between the Egyptian government and the OECD, which includes several programs and initiatives, such as the "Supporting Economic and Public Governance in Egypt" project funded by the European Union, and the bilateral cooperation program with the OECD.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat announced that Egypt will co-chair the MENA Governance and Competitiveness for Development Initiative for the 2026–2030 period, alongside Italy and Turkey, affirming Egypt’s deep commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive policies and deepening regional and international cooperation.

The Minister stated that the launch of this new phase of cooperation with the OECD and the SDC marks an important milestone, particularly in areas such as child-friendly justice, regulatory policies, and youth empowerment. She added that strengthening the rule of law and justice institutions to respond to the rights of the most vulnerable groups is an integral part of Egypt’s vision for inclusive governance based on citizens’ rights and improving their quality of life.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat also announced the launch of a regulatory policy review in Egypt—the first of its kind in the region. This review will provide a comprehensive assessment of the existing regulatory environment and bring Egypt closer to international best practices and standards.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat concluded by emphasizing that citizen-centered governance is fundamental for building societal trust, enhancing participation, and ensuring that policies truly respond to the population’s needs. It is a vital path to achieving sustainable development goals in education, decent work, and reducing spatial and social disparities.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat stressed that investing in people—particularly the most vulnerable, including children, youth, and women—is an investment in Egypt’s future. These groups represent the majority of society and possess the energy to drive social and economic transformation, particularly through greater participation of women and youth in the labor market. 

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the efforts of the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, along with the NIGSD and all affiliated entities, to support comprehensive, citizen-centered policies in Egypt, focused on skills development, civic engagement, and entrepreneurship.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat concluded her remarks by reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance, stressing the state's belief that citizens—especially youth—should be partners in shaping the future. 

Through partnership with the OECD and the SDC, Egypt will continue progressing toward more equitable, effective, and sustainable policies.