Egypt and the United Nations signed in Cairo Sunday a $1.2 billion agreement focusing on inclusive economic development, social justice, women's empowerment and sustainable management of natural resources. The Partnership Development Framework Agreement 2018-2022 was signed by Minister of Investment and International Cooperation Sahar Nasr and UN resident coordinator in Egypt Richard Dictus. The main objective of the agreement is to support the Egyptian government in its quest to achieve national development. According to Nasr, the agreement was developed through consultations with approximately "400 stakeholders" representing Egyptian ministries, governmental departments, members of the Partnership Steering Committee, UN agencies operating in Egypt, civil society and the private sector. Nasr indicated that the economic component of the agreement will be focused on achieving agreed goals of inclusive and sustainable economic development and job creation. This will be achieved through more effective use of public resources and incentives, support for entrepreneurship, creation of an environment conducive to sustainable investment, and increased access of young people and women to employment and expansion in the SME sector. The area of social justice will support national efforts to control population growth and ensure access to public services for all, including social protection, health, nutrition and education services. As for women's empowerment, the agreement aims at increasing women's capacity and participation in leadership positions and in many other economic activities, in addition to their access to education and employment. Finally, the area of environmental sustainability and natural resource management focuses on effective and productive management of Egypt's natural resources and the mitigation of environmental risks as well as the risks of climate change. This will be achieved through integrated urban communities; upgrading poor neighbourhoods and slums; use of limited water resources more efficiently, and use of renewable energies.
