The new reality imposed on us today requires that we all join efforts to enhance the multilateral, multi-party international system to better meet the needs of developing countries and to become more resilient in the face of crises, which would enable us to face the challenges of climate change. Although we were not the main cause for this dilemma, yet we are the most affected by it.

There is no doubt that the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris is held amid successive crises that have stormed over the world for over three years, casting a great shadow, and increasing the burdens of developing countries with fragile economies. This could threaten the development gains achieved by these countries over the past period.

Egypt’s hosting of the COP2 in Sharm El-Sheikh has helped in pointing out the magnitude of the climate change dilemma that the world is going through, and the need to secure the necessary funding to face its impacts and to act on national and international levels so as to translate ambitions and vows into a reality that would support the just transition towards green growth, and contribute to achieving SDGs in line with the national priorities of each country.

Over the past four years, the Ministry of International Cooperation has transformed the principles of economic diplomacy into clear policies that have strengthened cooperation efforts with development partners. Based on them, many new national strategies have been signed with international institutions and multilateral development banks, through which projects are implemented in light of State priorities, Egypt’s Vision 2030, sectoral strategies, and presidential initiatives.

This includes the World Bank Country Partnership Framework from 2023 to 2027, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework from 2023 to 2027, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Country Partnership Framework from 2022 to 2027, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Country Strategy from 2021 to 2025, and the new Country Strategy Papers (CPS) 2022 from 2026 with the African Development Bank (AfDB).

We also unlocked new opportunities with Asia as Egypt strengthens its strategic partnership with China, especially by signing a new MoU on a debt swap and by joining the New Development Bank (NDB) in affiliation with the BRICS. Through these strategies, a variety of development projects have been rolled out to support investing in human capital, food security, enhancing productivity and employment, sustainable infrastructure, and the green transition.

Egypt and the United Nations (UN) have a longstanding and close relationship that dates back to the founding of the UN in 1945.

Egypt was one of the original 51 member states of the UN and has played a leading role in the organization ever since.

Egypt has also been a strong supporter of the UN’s development goals. In 2016, Egypt launched its Vision 2030, which sets the country’s long-term development goals in alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Egypt is committed to working with the UN to achieve these goals.

The relationship between Egypt and the UN is based on mutual respect and cooperation. The two organizations have worked together on a wide range of issues, including development, peace and security, human rights, and humanitarian assistance, helping improve the lives of millions.

Following the success of the prior United Nations Partnership Development Framework (UNPDF) 2018-2022, on May 9th, H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat and Elena Panova, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt, signed the Egypt - UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for the period of 2023-2027. The signing ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, the Prime Minister of Egypt, various ministers, representatives from international financing institutions, the private sector, civil society, the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as other relevant entities.

This year, H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat participated in the annual meetings of the New Development Bank (NDB) 8th session, held at its headquarters in Shanghai, China, on May 30th and 31st, in light of the role played by the Ministry to strengthen development cooperation relations with multilateral and bilateral development partners and promote a national development vision that is consistent with the UN SDGs.

Egypt’s accession to the membership of the NDB enhances the efforts made by the Government of Egypt to promote development and achieve integration of efforts with emerging economies and developing countries, to mobilize the necessary resources to finance infrastructure projects and sustainable development. As alternate governor of the bank, Al-Mashat’s participation in the NDB’s annual meeting is a sign of Egypt’s commitment to working with international partners to promote development and an opportunity to discuss Egypt’s development priorities with other leaders, exploring ways to cooperate on future projects.

The 1st High-Level Meeting of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development was held in Beijing, China, in July 2023 to discuss strengthening joint action to implement the Global Development Initiative (GDI) proposed by the Chinese president in 2021, with the aim of redirecting global development towards a new phase of balance and comprehensive coordination to face global challenges, promote more equitable and balanced global development partnerships, and achieve more synergy through multilateral cooperation to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 SDGs.

The Egyptian participation, with Al-Mashat’s presence, stems from the strong relations with the Chinese side and the Egyptian state’s keenness to move forward in pushing it towards more joint action, which is reflected in development cooperation efforts and joint development that enhance national development priorities. It also aims to build on existing cooperation, especially in the field of scientific research and construction capabilities to expand in more areas. The forum includes high-level delegations from 27 countries and more than 20 UN agencies and international non-governmental organizations.

Also during the meetings, Minister AlMashat and New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Executive Director Nardos Bekele-Thomas co-chaired a high-level discussion on South-South and Triangular Cooperation to promote economic integration in Africa with 50 development partners and heads of international organizations in attendance.

In May 2022, Egypt launched the National Climate Change Strategy 2050 (NCCS), which encompasses the country’s key targets for relevant sectors, through a collection of high-priority projects that will be implemented before 2030.

This includes 26 projects covering 5 main sectors, including electricity, energy, food, and water. This is based on the three pillars of climate action; mitigation, adaptation, and resilience to address the loss and damage resulting from climate change, while using the principles of a just transition to a green and sustainable economy, as announced by the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce emissions by 2030.

This year, the Government of Egypt has also officially endorsed its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), reflecting the country’s commitment to accelerating the transition towards a low-carbon development pathway through increasing the development and deployment of renewable energy to reach the target of 42% installed capacity by 2030 instead of 2035.

The NWFE platform succeeded in mobilizing the necessary national efforts to maximize the benefit from the expertise of multilateral and bilateral development partners, and concluding strategic agreements with new partners to support Egypt’s development and climate agenda in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030, Egypt’s Climate Strategy 2050, and the updated NDCs. The Ministry of International Cooperation launched the first follow-up progress report on the program during a high-level round table entitled “A Year of Implementation,” which was attended by H.E. the Prime Minister, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly.

To view follow-up report No. 1 of the NWFE program

To view the final statement of development partners on the NWFE program

Ensuring food security is the foundation of sustainable development, because it entails and represents better livelihoods and healthier societies. Food security is a pivotal issue for all countries of the world, and therefore, the Egyptian government is working on many pillars to enhance food security, increase the agricultural area for strategic crops, and increase the storage capabilities of silos.

Accordingly, the Ministry of International Cooperation is working to strengthen efforts with multilateral and bilateral development partners to provide concessional development financing, technical support, and exchange of experiences, to promote agricultural and rural development and achieve food security, through programs that meet the requirements and needs of various national entities.

The implemented programs and projects are diverse in light of international relations to enhance food security in light of the diversity of partners, as many programs are implemented in cooperation with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Food Program (WFP), which are programs that fall under United Nations umbrella. This is in addition to ongoing cooperation with the European Union, the United States Agency for International Development, Arab Funds, the World Bank, and other partners.

The Ministry of International Cooperation initiated the development of an Official Development Assistance (ODA) Private Sector Engagement Portal, a crucial step towards facilitating effective collaboration and maximizing the impact of ODA in promoting private sector contribution in development.

This dedicated online portal serves as a one-stop platform and a centralized hub, connecting development partners, implementing agencies, the government, and local business community.

Operated by the Private Sector Engagement Unit, being established at the Ministry of International Cooperation as one of the outcomes of the Egypt’s Economic Conference 2022, the need for such a portal arises from the recognition that coordinated efforts and streamlined information exchange are essential for leveraging ODA resources to their fullest potential, especially given that ODA has been instrumental in leveraging private sector investment by offering targeted financial and technical support.

https://privatesector.moic.gov.eg/

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and startups have gained significant traction in Egypt’s economic landscape over the past decade. These dynamic enterprises are not only contributing to economic growth but are also becoming instrumental in the country’s journey towards sustainability.

In a nation with a rich history and a population of over 100 million people, the rise of SMEs and startups reflects the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that is reshaping Egypt’s future. Hence, the Ministry of International Cooperation is committed to supporting the development of SMEs and startups in Egypt.

In 2023, we will provide a number of financing options, including grants, loans, and guarantees, to support SMEs while focusing on promoting sustainable development in its support for SMEs and startups. This includes supporting businesses that are working to reduce their environmental impact, that are developing innovative products and services that address social challenges or that are investing in youth.

Click here.