H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and Egypt's Governor at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), participated in the EBRD event titled "Investing in Equality: From Bold Ideas to Measurable Outcomes," which was opened by Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the EBRD, in celebration of International Women's Day.

In H.E.’s speech, Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat emphasized that gender equality is not just an aspiration but a fundamental requirement for strong economies and just societies. 

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat pointed out that the World Bank's Gender Strategy 2024–2030 indicates that closing gender employment gaps could lead to a 20% increase in per capita GDP in the long term globally. When women are given equal opportunities, entire communities benefit.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat added that Egypt's government, in collaboration with its partners, is committed to translating its commitment to gender equality into tangible and measurable progress. The adoption of an evidence-based approach to policy-making is a cornerstone of this commitment. She mentioned that in order to achieve meaningful change, we must set clear benchmarks, monitor our progress, and remain flexible in the face of challenges. The Minister noted that the focus of this event on measuring impact aligns perfectly with Egypt's strategic objectives.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat highlighted that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, in collaboration with national entities, has prioritized gender-responsive budgeting. Since 2020/2021, investments in women's education, healthcare, social solidarity, and employment have increased significantly, reaching nearly 300 billion Egyptian pounds over the past five years. Additionally, the Ministry coordinates 89 gender-focused projects with Egypt's bilateral and multilateral partners.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also pointed out that Egypt's strategic partnership with the EBRD is an integral part of this effort. The bank's "Women in Business" program, implemented in collaboration with the private sector, plays a key role in facilitating women's access to vital financial resources. This partnership demonstrates that removing financial barriers and empowering women-led small and medium-sized enterprises is crucial to driving economic growth and enhancing women's economic independence. Moreover, the Gender Equality in Climate Action (GECA) accelerator is another milestone in our partnership. By addressing the intersection of gender and climate change, this project ensures that women are an indispensable part of the transition toward a sustainable future, creating more effective and equitable solutions that benefit both the environment and social equality.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat concluded her speech by stressing that the success of investing in equality and turning bold ideas into measurable outcomes depends on building transformative partnerships that combine vision, expertise, and resources, along with knowledge sharing to ensure that innovation leads to real and lasting impact. She also emphasized the importance of resilience and adaptability, so we can face challenges, seize opportunities, and sustain progress over time.