The Minister of International Cooperation H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat announced the details of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) mapping to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in line with the second principle of Economic Diplomacy. The map is available on the Ministry’s website showcasing the portfolio; encompassing 377 projects and totaling $25.6 billion. The map maps out the ODA’s allocation across the SDGs and across Egypt’s governorates. This pioneering approach showcases transparency and governance to the development partners, to the Egyptian people, and sets an example for other countries. Al-Mashat expressed that the mapping approach enhances Egypt’s ability to meet development needs and priorities, and helps in pushing towards achieving the national 2030 development vision that is aligned with the UN SDGs. While promoting transparency and effective communication with relevant entities, this entails the details of the national development efforts in fostering impactful international partnerships. The Minister added that the launch of the map comes in light of a global need to accelerate the pace of development, as less than 9 years are left for the 2030 pledge; requiring more effort, efficiency and effectiveness to make sound and well-informed decisions regarding the future steps. Al-Mashat explained that mapping the ODA to the SDGs was implemented through two main methodologies; a Broad Sectoral Mapping Methodology and a Project-Based Mapping Methodology. By enhancing transparent communication, this approach sets precise determinants for future partnerships and aids in accelerating progress towards the SDGs. Al-Mashat also indicated that the mapping approach works to accurately liaise the implemented projects with their corresponding SDGs. The SDG allocation helps in creating purpose-driven partnerships that are more directed to effectively achieving impactful results, in bridging gaps in SDGs or sectors that need support, and in ensuring clear development visions. Most Funded Sustainable Development Goals According to the ODA-SDG mapping, the most funded SDGs are SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy at a value of $5.9 billion, making up for 23.2% of the total ODA and 34 projects; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure at a value of $5.7 billion, making up for 22.3% of the total ODA and 36 projects; and SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation at a value of $4.9 billion, making up for 19.4% of the total ODA and 43 projects. The Ministry of International Cooperation is scheduled to shed light on the details of ODA-SDG mapping in the media, to explain its geographical and sectoral distribution across Egypt. Please check the Ministry’s website for further details: https://www.moic.gov.eg/en-US/Home The discussion on ODA-SDG mapping comes in light of Al-Mashat’s new book, titled “Stakeholder Engagement Through Economic Diplomacy”, launched with the London School of Economics (LSE) in a global event attended by renowned economists including Minouche Shafik, LSE Director; and Carmen Reinhart, Vice President and Chief Economist of the World Bank, and Professor at Harvard University; and it was chaired by Erik Berglof, the Chief Economist of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. The event also included representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and other international financial institutions. Remarks from Development Partners on the ODA-SDG Mapping The book was applauded by participants as it reflects the country's ownership in its experience in international cooperation and development finance, and its pioneering efforts in ODA-SDF mapping. H.E. Munir Akram, President of The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) expressed that matching the ODA to the SDGs is a necessary step in achieving the global goals; stating that “ I agree with the assessment [of the book] that an institutional, transparent, and inclusive country-led framework is important to facilitate constructive dialogue among all stakeholders involved in development cooperation; I am happy that Egypt has taken the lead on this.” Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UNDP said that as there is less than a decade left to 2030, countries are seeking to build back better and achieve the SDGs. He added that, in Egypt, and through the principles of Economic Diplomacy, the country is directing development financing to its development priorities. “This eye-opening new publication offers a detailed account of Egypt’s journey to put in place multilateral, multidisciplinary platforms. I expect that this pertinent new publication will prompt a much needed discussion on how we can leverage international cooperation to achieve the sustainable development goals, both globally and nationally,” said Steiner. Shafik shared that, “this mapping is key not only in showing the efficiency of resources, but also its effectiveness, because when you do mapping, you can see where the gaps are, which SDGs are not being met, and which parts of the country are not being served. In many ways, identifying those gaps is the most important thing.” Shafik further added that the book showcases a good example of ownership and being led by a country for its own; “the book is a useful tool that makes the complex geometry of international cooperation actually practical, effective, and efficient; presenting a very useful model for other countries to adopt,” she said.