Egypt has begun to update its 2030 Vision in response to the economic, social, political, and climate challenges that the coronavirus pandemic has imposed domestically, regionally, and globally, its planning minister said on Monday. The Egyptian Ministry of Planning and Economic Development released earlier on Monday a report detailing the country's initiatives that have been launched to support the attainment of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) amid the pandemic crisis. Hala al-Saeed said Egypt is committed to achieving the national SDGs and meeting its international obligations. Egypt's national sustainable development agenda has become the cornerstone of the country and can be tailored to accommodate updates and set effective partnerships with development partners, al-Saeed said. Egypt has launched several initiatives that helped the country withstand the havoc of the pandemic, the minister added. Hwaida Barakat, Head of the Sustainable Development at the Ministry of Planning, said that regarding the first SDG that focuses on the Egyptian citizen's life, the country has launched initiatives before the outbreak of the virus that helped face the coronavirus repercussions. This includes the "Decent Life" initiative which provides job opportunities in the medium-size and small projects in the neediest areas, in addition to the state's efforts to demolish the slums, Barakat added. Other initiatives were launched to counter the virus implications, including "Egypt will Pass", kickstarted by the Tahya Masr Fund to support daily labourers and the irregular workforce. The report highlighted other initiatives in areas of education, healthcare, digital infrastructure, culture and basic needs, including housing, electricity, wastes management, water and sanitation.
