United Nations in Egypt

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Egypt:

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11 December 2022

من داخل جناح الأمم المتحدة في مصر في COP27.. سفراء "شباب بلد" يؤكدون على دور الشباب الحاسم في العمل المناخي

امنحوا الشباب الفرصة، فهم الأقدر على مواجهة تغير المناخ.. هو مضمون الرسالة التي حرص سفراء مبادرة شباب بلد، وهي النسخة المصرية من مبادرة Generation Unlimited الدولية للأمم المتحدة والتي تم إطلاقها في عام 2018 كأول منصة شراكة بين القطاع الحكومي والقطاع الخاص والشباب، بهدف منح الشباب منصة للتعبير عن أنفسهم والعثور على الفرص. نداء إلى زعماء العالم: امنحوا الشباب الفرصة الفنان نور النبوي، سفير مبادرة شباب بلد، تحدث مع الأمم المتحدة على هامش مشاركته في فعالية جانبية استضافها جناح الأمم المتحدة في مؤتمر COP27، في يوم العلم والشباب، بعنوان "المُناخ في أفريقيا.. حقبة جديدة للابتكار الشامل"، قائلا إنه "عندما يكون لدى الشباب أمل وإيمان بقدراتهم فإنهم يستطيعون تغيير مستقبلنا للأفضل." ووجه النبوي نداء إلى المسؤولين والزعماء ومن يتولون زمام السلطة حول العالم، بضرورة تمكين الشباب من أجل العمل والتحرك وإيجاد الحلول، مؤكدا: "إذا كان هناك من سيجد الحلول للتحديات التي الكثيرة التي يواجهها عالمنا، فإنهم الشباب." الأفعال الصغيرة تحدث الفرق لكل منا دور في مواجهة تغير المناخ، والإجراءات والاختيارات التي يتخذها كل واحد وكل واحدة منا يُمكن أن تصنع فرقا كبيرا في معالجة آثار تغير المناخ. وهذا ما نبهت إليه بطلة الجمباز الإيقاعي، حبيبة مرزوق، سفيرة شباب بلد، التي شاركت في فعالية جانبية موضوعها "المهارات المطلوبة للوظائف الخضراء في مصر"، وهي الفعالية التي قادتها منظمة الأمم المتحدة للطفولة (يونيسف) والتي تضطلع بدور التنسيق من جانب الأمم المتحدة لمبادرة "شباب بلد. وقالت حبيبة في حديث لمركز الأمم المتحدة للإعلام في القاهرة، "من خلال مشاركتي في المؤتمر، وفي هذه الجلسة، تعرفت على الكثير من الإجراءات البسيطة التي يُمكن لكل منا القيام بها والتي تساهم في معالجة أزمة المناخ. يشمل هذا الحد من استخدام البلاستيك، وترشيد استخدامنا للكهرباء، وتقليل اعتمادنا على المركبات متى أمكن ذلك. الآن أصبح دوري بعد انتهاء المؤتمر هو رفع الوعي لدى الشباب وقد التقيت بالفعل الكثير منهم ممن يملكون أفكارا وحلولا غير عادية."
الدول النامية بحاجة إلى المساعدة الشباب والحلول المناخية كان موضوع حدث جانبي آخر استضافه جناح الأمم المتحدة في COP27 تم التركيز خلاله على أهمية إعادة النظر في دور الأطفال والشباب كشركاء في جهود الوقاية من آثار تغير المناخ والاستجابة لها، وقد أدار النقاش خلال الفعالية الفنان الشاب أحمد داش، وهو أحد سفراء مبادرة شباب بلد. وفي حديث مع الأمم المتحدة على هامش مشاركته في الفعالية، قال السيد داش، "إن دوري هو توصيل صوت جيلي والأجيال الأصغر مني، فنحن الأكثر تضررا من تغير المناخ، كما أننا نمثل الأجيال ربما الوحيدة التي لم تتسبب في التغير المناخي. لذلك دوري هو توعية الشباب والأطفال بضرورة اكتساب عادات يومية تساعدنا في المعركة ضد تغير المناخي. مهما كان الدور الذي يقوم به كل منا صغيرا، لكن معا يصبح تأثيرها كبيرا ومن ثم يُمكننا المساهمة في مواجهة التغير المناخي في العالم بأسره." كما اعتبر سفير شباب بلد أن استضافة مصر، البلد العربي والأفريقي، لقمة الأمم المتحدة للمناخ، تُسلط الضوء على الحاجة إلى زيادة الدعم والمساعدة للدول النامية في مواجهة آثار أزمة المناخ، كونها من الأقل مساهمة في تغير المناخ. كما وجه رسالة إلى المجتمعين في شرم الشيخ بضرورة بذل كل جهد ممكن، سواء كانوا أفراد أو حكومات أو قطاع خاص، من أجل تعزيز العمل المناخي وإنقاذ كوكبنا.

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26 September 2022

“Youth For Climate” Caravan, a national initiative putting youth at the forefront of climate action

Cairo, 4 September 2022 – At a launch event today, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Environment, and with the support of UNICEF and the United Nations in Egypt a new initiative has been announced focusing on youth engagement in climate action. The inaugural event was attended by H.E. Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ali Abo Sena, CEO of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) on behlaf H.E Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, Ms. Elana Panova, the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Mr. Jeremy Hopkins, UNICEF Representative in Egypt, and Actor Ahmed Helmy, UNICEF Regional Goodwill Ambassador. The “Youth For Climate” Caravan, an equipped mobile van powered by gas, will be led by a team of young people travelling across all the Egyptian governorates kicking off on the 5th of September. The Caravan will organize various activities during its journey which encompasses capacity building sessions, youth dialogue, competitions, festivals, theatrical performances, bootcamps; as well as, awareness-raising campaigns. In essence, the Caravan roving the country would encourage young people to be fully engaged in the climate discussion and to pave the way for COP27 scheduled for November in Sharm El Sheikh. Egypt is keen to enable adolescents and youth and to play an effective role within the framework of international efforts to combat climate change. Globally, all children face challenges associated with climate change and a degrading natural environment. Some children; however, are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change than others – depending largely on the availability, quality, equity, and sustainability of key and essential services for children, such as water and sanitation, health care, nutrition and education. “The Ministry’s approach is to educate children and youth about climate change, and the importance of preserving the environment through a package of various projects and programs in cooperation with institutions concerned with climate change and going green, as well as international development partners in light of the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi”, asserted Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports. The Minister indicated that the “Youth For Climate” Caravan will be hosted in climate and environment clubs in youth centers located in various governorates. In his remarks the Minister referred that the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ will organize the “Children of the World Meet” festival next October, as part of the youth preparatory program agenda for the Climate Summit (COP 27), and the Ministry is also working in liaison with the Youth Department of the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention, and in coordination with a number of local organizations, to implement the Climate Youth Conference (COY 17), the Ministry is also working on organizing a special day for youth concerned about climate and to recognize volunteer’s efforts which would be held during the COP 27 summit. Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, said, “I appreciate the tireless efforts of the Ministry of Youth and Sports to promote the involvement of conscious and educated youth not only from Egypt, but also from around the world in international climate action. I also emphasize on the outstanding cooperation of all development partners; especially, all the bodies, organizations, and programs of the United Nations, which seek to develop and advance environmental and climate work and achieve sustainable development goals at all economic, social, and environmental levels. The Minister stressed that "Egypt seeks, through the COP27 Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Conference, to address a range of topics in its presidential program, such as food and water security, biodiversity, waste management, as well as equal transition of energy. The slogan of the COP27 Sharm El-Sheikh Climate Conference is “Execution Conference” as we aim during the conference to raise ambitions through viable youth ideas.” Ms. Elena Panova, UN Resident coordinator said “Climate Change Caravan is a forward looking and inclusive youth-led climate action initiative. It brings climate-related local solutions from across the country and provides a space for consultations by and for young people in Egypt.” She added, “the engagement of young people comes at the heart of the UN’s work in Egypt. We are committed to stand by their side as they aspire for a more prosperous and resilient Egypt.” Mr Jeremy Hopkins, UNICEF Representative in Egypt said, “the climate crisis has exposed children, on every continent, to greater risk of more destructive climate hazards, from heatwaves and droughts to cyclones and flooding, as well as the increase in the pollution levels in water and air which makes us all extremely worried. We are proud to be part of the Youth 4 Climate Caravan which will travel across Egypt with stops along the way to listen to children and young people express their concerns, ideas, and recommendations on what we can do to adapt to, mitigate and slow down climate change. Also, I am glad that the youth are participating in providing interactive activities with all the young people across the Caravan journey to make sure that the voices of young people in Egypt are heard at the Climate Change Summit. I want to extend my gratitude to the GoE for their relentless efforts, and to also thank the USAID and the Swiss Development Cooperation for their substantial support”. A recent World Bank study found that up to 132 million people worldwide could be pushed into extreme poverty by 2030 as a result of climate change – 44 million due to its impact on health, 33.5 million due to the impact on food prices and 18.2 million due to the impact of disasters. Ahmed Helmy, Actor and UNICEF Regional GWA said, “climate change is becoming an important challenge just like other challenges that we face nowadays. It is necessary to consider its impact and strive to overcome the dangers of climate change, not only for our sake, but for the sake of our children and for all living organisms that have the right to live and breathe. In a healthy climate created by God for us, it’s our duty to preserve it. To realize the extent of the crisis, we must first be informed about it so that we can seek in quick steps means to solve it and avoid its occurrence or, more precisely, its aggravation. This will only happen through education and awareness starting from an early age. These are integral elements of the global and local response, as raising awareness along with education play an important role in developing the mind and knowledge for the renaissance of societies, namely the youth and adolescents. It's time to understand our environment, take care of it and protect it against the harmful effects of climate change. All this for us to live a healthy and green life that can adapt to climate change and mitigating its effects. This youth-led initiative is a huge and comprehensive collective effort to advance environmental education and climate action for future generations.” This National initiative launched today offers adolescents and youth the knowledge, competencies, and opportunities to understand, care for, and protect their environment as active agents against the detrimental effects of climate change.

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20 October 2022

مصر.. مدينة القاهرة تكافح تغير المناخ بالدراجات

"لطالما حلمت بوجود مشروع كهذا في بلدنا،" يقول محمد العربي، 20 عاما، وقد ارتسمت على ملامحه مظاهر حماس وسعادة واضحين، بينما يتفقد دراجة هوائية في إحدى محطات مبادرة "كايرو بايك"، في ميدان التحرير، بالعاصمة المصرية القاهرة. محمد هو واحد من عشرات الشباب والشابات الذين قاموا بتجربة نظام مشاركة الدراجات، "كايرو بايك"، الأول من نوعه في مصر، والذي أطلقته محافظة القاهرة بالتعاون مع برنامج الأمم المتحدة للمستوطنات البشرية، الخميس، 20 أكتوبر، قبل أيام قليلة على انطلاق مؤتمر الأمم المتحدة للمُناخ COP27، في جهد يهدف إلى تقديم حل يُساهم في تنوع وسائل المواصلات في القاهرة، ويقلل من الازدحام المروري وصولا إلى خفض الانبعاثات الضارة وتحسين جودة الهواء في المدينة التي تُصنفها الأمم المتحدة من بين أكبر المدن الحضرية في العالم. ونظام مشاركة الدراجات، الذي شهد رئيس الوزراء مصطفى مدبولي فعاليات تدشينه، يستهدف الشباب بشكل رئيسي، ويهدف إلى إتاحة شبكة من الدراجات في مناطق متعددة ويمكن استخدامها بشكل آمن بين المحطات المختلفة من خلال استخدام تطبيق على الهاتف المحمول وتوفير الأسعار التنافسية وباقات الاشتراك المختلفة. تكلفة ميسورة لتشجيع استخدام الدراجات تحتوي المرحلة الأولى من المشروع على 250 دراجة و25 محطة في وسط القاهرة والمناطق المجاورة، ومن المقرر أن تتضمن المرحلة الثانية من المشروع في الشهور القادمة تكثيف عدد الدراجات إلى 500 دراجة في 45 محطة بالمواقع الرئيسة في وسط القاهرة وجاردن سيتي وجزيرة الزمالك في القاهرة، حيث تشمل الدراجات نظام تحديد المواقع العالمي (GPS) لضمان الإدارة المُثلى والأمن. وستغطي المحطات المواقع الاستراتيجية والنقاط الهامة لتجمع الشباب، بالإضافة إلى العديد من محطات المترو والحافلات. يبدأ السعر من جنيه مصري واحد في الساعة مع إتاحة العديد من باقات الاشتراك وطرق الدفع المختلفة لضمان شمول جميع الأطراف المعنية، بالإضافة إلى توفير طرق الدفع البديلة. يقول محمد: "يُتيح لك النظام استخدام الدراجة عن طريق بطاقة ذكية، وتُعتبر التكلفة رمزية حتى إذا استخدمت الدراجة طوال اليوم. كما أن هذا المشروع صديق للبيئة ويُساهم في تقليل التكدس المروري من خلال تقليل استعمال السيارات." أما نورة طاهر، صاحبة الـ18 عاما، والتي حظيت هي الأخرى بفرصة لركوب الدراجة، فاتفقت مع محمد، قائلة، "المشروع ربما لا يكون له عائد مالي كبير في المدى القريب، لكنه يُقلل الكثير من الخسائر التي ستحدث نتيجة للزيادة المتوقعة في استخدام المركبات مع النمو السكاني في السنوات القادمة، وما يُمكن أن يصحبه ذلك من تلوث للهواء والبيئة. أتمنى أن يشجع هذا المشروع المزيد من الأشخاص على استخدام الدراجات." من مدينة رمادية إلى مدينة خضراء يطمح القائمون على مشروع "كايرو بايك"، إلى توسيع نطاق نظام مشاركة الدراجات ليغطي مزيدا من المناطق بمدينة القاهرة، وصولا إلى باقي المحافظات المصرية. وبحسب محافظ القاهرة، تسعى المبادرة إلى إحداث تغيير في ثقافة استخدام وسائل النقل المستدامة من أجل تحول أخضر في شوارع المدن المصرية، من خلال ترسيخ مفاهيم البنية التحتية الخضراء والحفاظ على المساحات الخضراء والاستثمار في الطاقة المتجددة ووسائل التنقل المستدامة لدعم بيئة حضرية صديقة للمشاة وراكبي الدراجات، بما يتفق ما رؤية مصر 2030 وأجندة التنمية المستدامة للأمم المتحدة. وقال: "المدن مسؤولة عن 70 في المائة من مسببات انبعاثات الاحتباس الحراري لذلك نحرص على العمل لتغيير الأنماط التي تعمل بها مدننا حتى لا تكون قضية التغير المناخ عائقا أساسيا لتنمية واستدامة مدننا. لذلك فنحن في محافظة القاهرة نتعجل في العمل سويا نحو خفض الانبعاثات وتحقيق أهداف اتفاق باريس لمكافحة التغيرات المناخية والتكيف مع آثارها، ومشروعنا اليوم خطوة هامة في هذا الاتجاه." كما أشار محافظ القاهرة إلى أن المشروع يُمثل خطوة مهمة نحو تغيير ثقافي تدريجي ورحلة تعلم هدفها تشجيع الممارسات المستدامة وصولا إلى عالم خال من الكربون. نحو تغيير في الرؤية التقليدية لشوارع المدينة تُعد المُدن الكبرى، كالقاهرة، مكانا مثاليا لأنظمة مشاركة الدراجات، حيث تشهد أحياؤها تنوعا من حيث الكثافات التي تتفاوت من متوسطة إلى عاليا، مما يخلق طلبا على ركوب الدراجات، إذ تصبح الرحلات القصيرة والمتوسطة ممكنة وأكثر سهولة باستخدام الدراجة. وتقول السيدة رانيا هداية، مديرة البرنامج القُطري لبرنامج الأمم المتحدة للمستوطنات البشرية في مصر، إن المشروع سيساهم في تغيير طريقة تفكيرنا وتناولنا وتخطيطنا لشوارع المدينة. وتوضح: "عادة ما يكون التفكير منصبا على السيارات إلى حد بعيد عند تخطيط المدن. نحن نرى أن الأولوية في التخطيط ينبغي أن تكون لتمكين الناس من استخدام وسائل مختلفة في تنقلاتهم اليومية من مكان لآخر. فبدلا من اللجوء إلى توسعة الشوارع، نقوم اليوم باستقطاع أجزاء منها وتخصيصها لراكبي الدراجات. وهذا يتماشى مع رؤية مصر 2030، والحوارات والمفاوضات التي سيشهدها مؤتمر الأطراف COP27." وترى السيدة هداية أنه لا غنى عن منظومات النقل الجماعي عند الحديث عن مواجهة أزمة المناخ ومعالجتها. ولهذا بدأ برنامج الأمم المتحدة للمستوطنات البشرية، كما تقول، منذ نحو ست سنوات حوارا مع الحكومة المصرية، من خلال شراكات مختلفة، سواء مع المحافظات أو وزارة الإسكان، مُمثلة في هيئة المجتمعات العمرانية الجديدة، من أجل إدخال نظم تنقل مستدامة جديدة كالدراجات الهوائية، وربطها بوسائل النقل الجماعي التقليدية كشبكة مترو الأنفاق أو الحافلات، لتشجيع الناس على تقليل الاعتماد على سياراتهم الشخصية في تنقلاتهم. ويُعد مشروع كايرو بايك نتاج شراكة بين محافظة القاهرة وشركاء التنمية منذ بداية مراحل التخطيط في عام 2016، حيث وُقعت مذكرة التفاهم في يوليو 2017 بين محافظة القاهرة وبرنامج الأمم المتحدة للمستوطنات البشرية، وعُقد التعاون في يوليو 2019، بدعم وتمويل من مؤسسة دروسوس السويسرية ودعم فني وإشراف من قِبل معهد سياسة النقل والتنمية وبرنامج الأمم المتحدة للمستوطنات البشرية.

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09 March 2023

Egypt ..UN Week features inspiring joint projects in Alexandria

Ahead of launching the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027, the Ministry of International Cooperation and the UN Country Team in Egypt, led a field visit to UN-supported projects in northern governorate of Alexandria. The visit, led by the Minister of International Cooperation, Dr. Rania Al Mashat and the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Ms. Elena Panova, is part of UN Week, highlighting diverse development projects and programs being implemented as a result of the United Nations Partnership Development Framework (UNPDF) 2018-2022. First stop of the trip was the Sidi Kerir Petrochemicals Company (SIDPEC), where the UNIDO- supported program for Utilizing Solar Energy for Industrial Process Heat in Egyptian Industry is among key interventions aimed at achieving energy efficiency in the petrochemical industries and adopt low carbon technologies. . A second, inspiring stop in the field visit included the Caritas Alexandria-run Agamy Community Centre in west Alexandria established by PROSPECTS partners ILO, UNHCR and UNICEF to provide protection and livelihoods support to refugees and vulnerable migrants as well as vulnerable host communities. Minister Al-Mashat and Ms. Panova met vulnerable and displaced individuals and families benefiting from cross-sectoral support including digital training, entrepreneurship, self-employment and employment linkage support, legal clinics, health awareness activities, and specialized child protection and family support services. The centre in Agamy was opened in November 2021 to serve 8,000 refugees mainly of Syrian origin living in Al Agami and Borg Al-Arab area. A second centre in Sid Bishr area was opened in November 2022 to serve refugees living in Sidi Bishr and downtown Alexandria which includes 12,000 refugees and asylum-seekers of various nationalities including Sudanese and Yemenis. So far, the programme has resulted in enrolling 140,000 children and young people in education programmes, as it has also reached over 200,000 people with various protection and inclusion services, including case management and psych-social support. The day wrapped-up with a visit to a UNODC- supported program aimed at providing a restorative approach to juvenile justice. The project, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Social Solidarity, provides support to children in conflict with the law by contributing towards continuous improvement and institutionalization of child rehabilitation, reintegration, and the capacity building of the institutions’ management and caregivers. As of 2022, UNODC is operating in nine social care institutions across Egypt, including two in Alexandria (for boys), one in Bani Suef (for boys), three in Cairo (two for boys and one for girls), one in Giza (for boys) and two in Kafr El Sheikh (one for boys and one for girls); these nine institutions host 860 children (695 boys/165 girls).

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07 March 2023

Uniting for gender equality in Egypt’s date palm sector

As the sun rose over the date palms of Minya, southern Egypt, a bus carrying women arrived at Greens Farm for a day's work. In Egypt, the date palm sector is a significant source of income and has traditionally been dominated by men. However, this year at Greens Farm, women are working alongside men in the processing of Majdoul and Barhy dates, marking a positive shift towards greater gender diversity and inclusion in the industry. Khaled El Habashy, co-founder and manager of Greens Farm, has been a driving force for gender equality in the workplace. When he learned about UNIDO's Rabeha training program aimed at improving the skills of women seeking employment in the date sector, he seized the opportunity to support the initiative. As a result, Greens Farm has welcomed women as employees to support pre-harvesting dates for the first time since its establishment in 2016. "The UNIDO/Rabeha team suggested the idea of hiring women, and I was excited to give it a try," says Mr. Habashy. "Now that it has been so successful, I want to hire more women." So far, Mr Habashy has provided seasonal employment to 37 women trained through UNIDO’s Rabeha programme. When the harvesting season begins later in the year, he plans to rehire them along with an additional 60 women. This is when the women will have the opportunity to apply their new technical skills in post-harvesting, including drying, sorting and packing. “The women have proven their skills in their roles. They are also efficient and dedicated to their work,” says Mr. Habashy enthusiastically. While Greens Farm used to employ only men in these roles, Mr Habashy observes that, like him, the male employees “are encouraging of the women’s work and cooperative to ensure a supportive workplace”. The manager has also gone to great lengths to improve the safety of female employees, hiring a bus to transport them to and from the nearby village of Abo Qrien. Since August 2022, UNIDO has been providing employment and technical skills training for women in the date and medicinal and aromatic plants sectors. To date, 150 women from the Minya and Beni Suef governorates have completed the training, which has not only improved their technical skills in pre- and post-harvest activities but also helped them understand their roles as employees and what a supportive work environment looks like. The training will continue until June of this year, with the goal of upskilling a total of 300 women and matching 150 of them with job opportunities. Azza Mohamed and Yasmin Mohamed both participated in the UNIDO/Rabeha training and secured their first ever jobs at Greens Farm after demonstrating their skills and work ethic. “We learned many new skills in the training and that’s why we got jobs. When we came to Greens Farm, we felt confident that we knew what we were doing. We took responsibility for our tasks and are very proud of ourselves.” – Yasmin Mohamed UNIDO's skills training and job placements have helped increase household incomes - a timely result given the difficult economic conditions in Egypt. Azza is a single mother of three and the sole breadwinner for her family. Despite the challenges she faces, she has used her strong management skills to balance her work at Greens Farm with her domestic responsibilities. As a result, she has been able to generate a vital income that has greatly improved her family's financial and mental well-being. "As my income changed, I began to feel more confident. I‘ve invested in my children's education and can now pay for English tutoring. I can also buy clothes for my daughters, so they have new things like their friends." – Azza Mohamed UNIDO/Rabeha's trainings have helped several women from the village of Abo Qrien gain employment, either directly through the training or by the trained women passing on their knowledge to others in their community. Azza and Yasmin are such women who have successfully found jobs for themselves and two other women at Greens Farm. Gender equity is not just a women's issue, it is a human rights issue that requires collective action. The examples of Khaled El Habashy, Yasmin Mohamed and Azza Mohamed, demonstrate that when people come together to support women's rights and access to work, shared prosperity and gender equality can be realised. Greens Farm has also shown that engaging male leaders is crucial to creating a workplace that is inclusive and welcoming to women. When communities unite to challenge the status quo and promote gender equality, we can move forward together towards a world where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. Employment training and job matching is provided within the framework of the UN Women - UNIDO Joint Programme, “Women Economic Empowerment for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in Egypt – Rabeha”, implemented in partnership with the National Council for Women (NCW), the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA), with the generous support of Global Affairs Canada (GAC). The Joint Programme aims to support the economic empowerment of more than 6,300 women through increased access to employment and/or self-employment opportunities.

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06 June 2022

Transforming Egypt’s energy market

Egypt’s energy situation is changing fast. With more than 100 million people and a GDP growth rate of 5.6 percent, the country’s energy demand is ever-increasing. To help meet demand while transitioning towards a sustainable, resilient energy system, over the past decade, Egypt has embarked on an ambitious energy policy reform programme, including a set target to have 40% of its electricity come from renewable energy sources by 2035. As part of this, the country is transforming its energy market by investing in energy efficiency that has reduced significantly the sharp spike in electricity demand, diversifying its energy mix by investing more in alternative renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy. Both sources offer safer and more pleasant environments for the cities. For instance, with UNDP’s support, the government of Egypt has supported a pivotal shift in the country’s lighting market by enabling an uptake in energy-efficient lighting systems, with more than 200 million LED bulbs sold in Egypt since 2015. This has led to a decrease in lighting-related energy consumption for both individual households and businesses. The government has also heavily invested in various forms of solar power – both large and small scale. Sunlight is abundant all over Egypt, particularly in the South, and Egypt already hosts Benban, one of the largest solar parks in the world in the Aswan Governorate. In parallel, the market for small-scale solar solutions is constantly increasing. UNDP is supporting the government to ensure it has in place the policies and regulations that enable the investments needed to meet this demand. Through the award-winning ‘Egypt-PV’ project, UNDP and the government aim to remove the barriers to increase power generation by small, decentralized, grid-connected Photovoltaic (PV) systems, on easily replicable and scalable system design, implemented by households and small- and medium-sized businesses. It also paves the way towards easier implementation of solar PV projects of installed capacity 4MWp to offset 0.6 million tons of CO2equ by 2034. For homeowners or businesses, solar panels are a practical investment which helps them reduce their electricity bills while having reliable power. Samar, an Egyptian entrepreneur, used solar power to make her eco-farm project come true. For her farm to be green, she knew it had to run on clean energy. After comparing the costs of solar power compared to usual diesel generators, she realized it was also the choice that made the most economic sense. “I had a dream of having my own business. And this dream is coming true. When I started my project, I was worried that solar panels would need maintenance and cost more. My perception completely changed when I learned more about the technology and the return on investment over the year. I am able to supply the farm with clean energy through solar panels that costs less than the cost of regular generators”, said Samar. Over 40 initiatives enabled the setup of 129 solar system plants in 15 governorates, which installed capacity of 11 MWp, with 17.6 GWh/year electricity in different factories, hotels, commercial and admin buildings, houses, educational facilities etc. The project has also extended technical support to the New Administrative Capital that installed 16 MWp over 52 government buildings in the new city. The UNDP-supported project worked to strengthen the industry’s capacities by delivering professional training to around 200 trainees, with women accounted for more than 60% of the trainees. The success of the Egypt-PV project, which can help drive the country’s budding solar power transformation, has three pillars. First, the government has established an enabling policy, institutional and regulatory framework to provide the basis for sustainable market growth. Second, efforts are also ongoing to strengthen the supply chain by building the capacity of the key supply–side stakeholders. And third, critically, it was complemented by efforts to get consumers to trust and adopt these new technologies – for instance, by demonstrating their economic competitiveness and reliability. Sustainable energy sources like solar power are the energy sources of the future. The cost of solar energy continues to decrease while efficiency continues to rise. New forms of solar panels, like those fixed onto surfaces or built into glass windows, are being developed. This year, Egypt is preparing to host the 27th session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties in Sharm El-Sheikh, City of Peace. The country is already taking steps toward a greener future, aiming to transform Sharm El-Sheikh into a sustainable, eco-friendly tourist destination that will be a model to replicate in other parts of Egypt as part of the national energy transition. COP27 will also be the opportunity for Egypt to showcase how it is transforming its energy market to meet national demand and power growth while transitioning to a sustainable, resilient, forward-looking energy system.

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13 May 2022

Government of Egypt, UN sign a Declaration of Intent to strengthen implementation of Egypt’s National Structural Reform Programme

Cairo - The Government of Egypt and the United Nations signed a Declaration of Intent to support implementation of Egypt’s National Structural Reform Programme (NSRP) 2021-24. The new strategic partnership was signed by Dr. Hala El Saeed, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, and Ms. Elena Panova, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt, during a ceremony held at the Ministry. Through the newly signed declaration - guided by the UN Partnership Development Framework (2018- 2022) – the Government of Egypt and the United Nations in Egypt commit to working together to accelerate progress in achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) by maximizing the benefits of Egypt’s important and ambitious economic reform programme launched in April 2021. This comprehensive reform package aims to diversity the productive structure of the Egyptian economy especially in three leading sectors: manufacturing, agriculture, and information and communications technology (ICT). Dr. Hala Al-Saeed, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, said that the declaration intends to enhance participation in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through a strategic partnership in implementing the National Structural Reform Agenda for Egypt 2021-2024, which was launched last April. Al-Saeed added that the global economy has just begun to recover from Covid-19 pandemic, but economic activities around the world has been negatively affected by the global geopolitical repercussions, noting the high rate of inflation due to the rise in food prices, which will have wide effects on plans to achieve sustainable recovery. Al-Saeed affirmed that, recognizing the crucial importance role of partnerships with international organizations, the private sector, civil society, as well as think tanks and academia to promote the achievement of the sustainable development agenda, the signing of the agreement contributes to the establishment of an important partnership between the United Nations and the Egyptian government, which represents a milestone in continuous and successful cooperation. Al-Saeed pointed to the Egyptian government's launch of the national structural reform program for a period of three years, explaining that it aims to diversify the productive sectors of the Egyptian economy by focusing on three leading sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, communications and information technology representing the main pillars of the structural reform program. Al-Saeed added that the program also includes a comprehensive basic pillar related to raising the efficiency of labor market flexibility, developing the technical education and vocational training system in partnership mainly with the private sector, and implementing the labor management information system for the first time. Al-Saeed continued that during the implementation of the National Structural Reform Program, there will be specific areas of cooperation with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt, including forecasting the potential effects of reforms on the selected sustainable development goals, in addition to reviewing specific policy measures and quantitative goals specified in the National Structural Reform Program focusing on inclusiveness and sustainability, as well as identifying UN technical assistance and capacity development support to accelerate the implementation of the National Structural Reform Program, as well as facilitating effective multi-stakeholder partnerships and awareness raising. Both parties will work together to collaborate on raising awareness of the benefits and implications of reforms among selected stakeholders through joint campaigns for advocacy and communications. Al-Saeed thanked Mrs. Elena Panova and affirmed her confidence that the committed efforts will enable developing stronger multi-stakeholder cooperation between the Egyptian government and the United Nations. From her side, Ms. Panova commented that the UN family in Egypt is proud of its partnership with the Government of Egypt to address the critical structural reforms that will support sustainable development and help ensure that no one is left behind. The engagement with the Government will work to strengthen the reform program through evidence based monitoring and forecasting of policy impacts to help Egypt further recover from COVID-19, cushion the effects of the ongoing geopolitical crisis, and accelerate progress towards the SDGs. Dr. Nada Masoud, Economic Adviser to the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, presented the main elements of Egypt’s economic reform program focusing on the second phase and the structural reform program. She emphasized on the actual economies and it consistency with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the 17 UN goals, and takes into account what is related to the Green economy, environmental protection and food security, explaining that the program addresses 6 pillars, 31 policies and 117 measurement indicators. Masoud also touched on the role of partners in achieving the program and its pillars. The agreement entails joint delivery of interventions in six areas to help boost the economic reforms and ensure positive impact across the SDGs and for the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable groups. This includes forecasting the potential implications of reforms on different SDGs such as poverty reduction and job creation. The United Nations and the Minister of Planning and Economic Development will also jointly review specific policy measures to ensure they take into account the needs of all regions and social groups, with a special focus on youth, women and girls and the most vulnerable segments of the population. In addition, the partnership will create a high-frequency monitoring system to measure the impact of reforms along with new multi-stakeholder partnerships to support implementation and raise awareness of the reforms. Finally, the United Nations and the Minister of Planning and Economic Development will together identify areas where UN technical assistance and capacity development can help fast-track implementation.

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Press Release

15 March 2023

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL's MESSAGE ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY TO COMBAT ISLAMOPHOBIA

On this International Day to Combat Islamophobia, we focus attention – and call for action – to stamp out the poison of anti-Muslim hatred. The world’s nearly 2 billion Muslims reflect humanity in all its magnificent diversity. But they often face bigotry and prejudice for no other reason than their faith. Beyond structural, institutional discrimination and the wholesale stigmatization of Muslim communities, Muslims suffer personal attacks, hateful rhetoric, and scapegoating. We see some of the worst impacts in the triple discrimination against Muslim women because of their gender, ethnicity, and faith. The growing hate that Muslims face is not an isolated development: it is part of the resurgence of ethno-nationalism, neo-Nazi white supremacist ideologies, and violence targeting vulnerable populations including Muslims, Jews, some minority Christian communities and others. Discrimination diminishes us all. And it is incumbent on all of us to stand up against it. We must strengthen our defenses by pushing for policies that fully respect human rights and protect religious and cultural identities. We must recognize diversity as richness and ramp up political, cultural, and economic investments in social cohesion. And we must confront bigotry by working to tackle the hate that spreads like wildfire across the internet. For well over a millennium, Islam’s message of peace, compassion, and grace has inspired people the world over. Every great faith and tradition summons the imperatives of tolerance, respect, and mutual understanding. At the heart, we are dealing with universal values: they animate the United Nations Charter and lie at the core of our quest for justice, human rights, and peace. Today and every day, let us strive to realize these values and counter the forces of division by reaffirming our common humanity. ***

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Press Release

09 March 2023

UNRWA TO ARAB DONORS: YOUR HISTORIC SOLIDARITY NOW MORE NEEDED THAN EVER

Cairo, 08 March 2023: The Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini concluded an official visit to Cairo on 7-8 March to meet with Egyptian and Arab League officials and renewed his call to support the Agency. In his address at the opening session of the 159th meeting of the Council of Arab Foreign Ministers at the League of Arab States, where he reiterated that the rights and well-being of Palestine refugees were a collective responsibility, until there is a fair and lasting solution to their plight. He called on member states, especially those with a long tradition of solidarity and support to Palestine refugees, to continue doing so through the Agency's education, health and other critical services across the region. During the visit to Cairo, the Commissioner-General met with the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, with the Head of the Egyptian General Intelligence Service Major General Abbas Kamel, and with the Egyptian Foreign Minister, Mr. Sameh Shoukry. In all these discussions, the Commissioner-General reaffirmed the pivotal role of the Egyptian and Arab support for Palestine refugees and UNRWA, as the Agency grapples with some of its biggest political and financial challenges of all times. The Commissioner-General described the growing tensions in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and referenced the shattering impact of the recent earthquake on people in Syria, including Palestine refugees. "UNRWA is seeking a renewed commitment of member-states of the Arab League to the human development of the Palestine refugee communities. This is a cornerstone of regional stability, and a continuationof the generosity and solidarity that the Arab region is known for. Together we need to bring in knowledge, resources and creative energy to the Palestine refugee communities in the region. Together, we must continue to keep hope alive." On the sidelines of the session at the League, the Commissioner-General met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, H.E. Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Multi-State Affairs, H.E. Dr. Abdul Rahman Al-Rasi, State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Khalifa Shaheen Al-Marar, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Iraq, H.E. Mr. Fouad Hussein to thank them for their unwavering support for UNRWA and to discuss ways of cooperation between the Agency and Arab countries to mobilize political and financial support for the cause of Palestine refugees. “Longstanding Arab generosity has often transcended political differences and has contributed to one of the most successful human development stories of the region," said the Commissioner-General. "I truly hope this will remain to be the case this year and beyond, until there is a political solution that includes the end to the plight of Palestine refugees.”

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Press Release

08 March 2023

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL -- MESSAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY New York, 8 March 2023

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of women and girls across all walks of life, in all corners of the world. But we also recognize the enormous obstacles they face — from structural injustices, marginalization, and violence, to cascading crises that affect them first and worst, to the denial of their personal autonomy and rights over their bodies and lives. Gender-based discrimination harms everyone – women, girls, men, and boys. International Women’s Day is a call to action. Action to stand with women who are demanding their fundamental rights at great personal cost. Action to strengthen protection against sexual exploitation and abuse. And action to accelerate women’s full participation and leadership. This year’s theme stresses the need for technology and innovation to advance gender equality. Technology can expand pathways to education and opportunities for women and girls. But it can also be used to amplify abuse and hatred. Today, women make up under a third of the workforce in science, technology, engineering, and maths. And when women are under-represented in developing new technologies, discrimination may be baked in from the start. That is why we must close the digital divide and increase the representation of women and girls in science and technology. Women’s exclusion from the digital world has shaved an estimated $1 trillion from the GDP of low- and middle-income countries in the last decade — a loss that could grow to $1.5 trillion by 2025 without action. Investing in women uplifts all people, communities, and countries. Let us work together – across governments, the private sector and civil society –to build a more inclusive, just, and prosperous world for women, girls, men, and boys everywhere. ***

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Press Release

11 February 2023

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL'S MESSAGE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SCIENCE

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we highlight a simple equation: More women and girls in science equals better science. Women and girls bring diversity to research, expand the pool of science professionals, and provide fresh perspectives to science and technology, benefiting everyone. There is growing evidence that gender bias in science is leading to worse outcomes, from drug tests that treat the female body as an aberration, to search algorithms that perpetuate bias and discrimination. Yet in too many places around the world, women and girls’ access to education is limited or denied completely. As women look to progress in scientific careers, inequalities and discrimination continue to thwart their potential. Women make up under a third of the workforce across science, technology, engineering, and maths and even less in cutting edge fields. Just one in five professionals working on Artificial Intelligence is a woman. We must – and we can – do more to promote women and girl scientists: Through scholarships, internships, and training programmes that provide a platform to succeed. Through quotas, retention incentives, and mentorship programmes that help women overcome entrenched hurdles and build a career. And crucially, by affirming women’s rights and breaking down stereotypes, biases, and structural barriers. We can all do our part to unleash our world’s enormous untapped talent – starting with filling classrooms, laboratories, and boardrooms with women scientists.

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