Innovation, climate change, sustainable development and food security are now all part of the same dialogue. Living in a highly interconnected world made up of many interrelated challenges, it has become necessary to create a unified narrative through coordinated action.
Egypt’s Ministry of International Cooperation (MOIC) and CNN International Commercial (CNNIC) are collaborating on a new global advertising campaign, Building Forward: Stories from Egypt, which highlights the country’s international partnerships for sustainable development. It illustrates Egypt’s collaboration with bilateral and multilateral development partners and international financial institutions that fosters multilateralism to push an inclusive, digital and green economy.
The films come under the Ministry’s Global Partnerships Narrative - the third core principle in economic diplomacy - which aims to showcase Egypt’s success stories in development through film and content storytelling to inspire action, foster engagement with global and local audiences and put Egypt’s story of development on the world stage.
In line with the directives of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to bolster Egypt’s multilateral cooperation through country-led frameworks, the Ministry of International Cooperation has been keen on pushing the frontiers of collaboration through the three principles of economic diplomacy to effectively deliver the 2030 National Agenda, consistent with the UN SDGs. The principles include: multi-stakeholder platforms, ODA-SDG mapping, and the Global Partnerships Narrative.
Applying an environment-social-economic model of sustainability, the film tells the story of Egypt’s sustainable transport networks, which contributes to reducing carbon emissions, improving people’s well-being by enabling access to goods, services and job opportunities, and enhancing mobility and accessibility.
The upgrading and renovating of the Cairo Metro Lines and their new stages have demonstrated the value and impact of global partnerships in achieving sustainable development, built upon a shared vision and shared goals placing people and the planet at the center.
The Cairo Metro Line 3, in particular, is now Egypt’s most efficient, innovative, and sustainable mobility service, carrying around 350,000 passengers per day, reducing the number of cars on the city’s roads by 13%.
Addressing the transport-economy-climate change nexus, enhanced transportation systems contribute to the following SDGs: SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities), SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production).
Cathy Ibal, Senior Vice President, CNNIC, said, “Sustainability and creating a positive impact are key priorities for CNN and are important to our audience and our partners. We are delighted to be joining once again with Hon. Minister Rania Al-Mashat and her excellency’s team to highlight MOIC’s efforts towards the Sustainable Development Goals and the Ministry’s involvement in Egypt’s economic progression through this dynamic international campaign that will reach audiences in English and Arabic.”
Minister Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat expressed her enthusiasm for partnering with CNN, underscoring that “Egypt’s leadership is keen on fostering transparent and interactive engagement with all stakeholders to exchange experiences, build consensus, and ensure effective coordination. The Ministry’spartnership with CNN is an important opportunity to showcase Egypt's successful collaboration with development partners and international stakeholders through real-life examples and projects that have been fundamental in transforming peoples’ lives and stimulating social, economic and environmental advancement.”
She added, “We are engaging for impact towards our common future."
As the national coordinator of the partnership framework, the Ministry of International Cooperation is currently focused on developing partnership strategies, which includes the new 2023-2027 strategic partnership framework with the United Nations to support the Government of Egypt’s priorities in achieving development in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) and taking into consideration the social-environmental dimension.
The Ministry of International Cooperation’s ongoing development cooperation portfolio includes 372 projects worth $26.5 billion in a variety of sectors, prioritizing an inclusive, green and digital economy.