Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Egypt, Alessandro Fracassetti underscored on Sunday the importance of local innovation in advancing sustainable development solutions. Speaking at the Third Conference of the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects, Fracassetti highlighted the need for data-driven policies, startup support, and local empowerment to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). "Local innovation is key to advancing sustainable solutions," Fracassetti stated, emphasising that Egypt's path to sustainability hinges on harnessing homegrown talent and fostering an ecosystem where green initiatives can thrive. Localising SDGs As such, Fracassetti revealed that the UNDP, in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and Internatioanl Cooperation, had launched 27 SDG localisation reports, mapping Egypt's progress, challenges, and opportunities at the governorate level. From Pitch to Impact: Deep Drive into Climate Technology Startups, is one of these reports, he said, that aims to explore the role of more than 400 climate tech startups globally, trends, challenges, opportunities in innovation, product development, and funding. The National Initiative for Smart Green Projects, launched by the Egyptian government, aims to integrate technology and sustainability, encouraging projects that address climate change, resource efficiency, and environmental conservation. By leveraging local expertise, Egypt is working towards a greener economy while ensuring that communities play an active role in shaping their sustainable future. The UNDP official stressed the importance of data-driven policies in decision-making, enabling authorities and businesses to develop targeted solutions that address environmental challenges efficiently. He also highlighted the critical role of startups in pioneering innovative approaches to sustainability, calling for greater investment and support for young entrepreneurs. Empowering local communities is not just an option as it is essential for meaningful and lasting change, he added, pointing to successful grassroots projects that have already demonstrated tangible environmental and economic benefits. The UNDP remains committed to supporting Egypt's green transition by facilitating knowledge exchange, capacity-building, and funding mechanisms that drive impactful change, Fracassetti added. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
