Egypt's Ministry of Environment has announced on Wednesday expanded cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), focusing on scaling up green initiatives and advancing circular economy projects across the country. During a high-level meeting in Cairo, Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad met with UNIDO's regional team to review progress on several flagship projects, including the Green Hurghada initiative, and to outline future collaboration, including a new €1.5 million investment targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Egypt. "The aim is to make Egypt's green transition practical, profitable, and inclusive," said Minister Fouad, stressing the need for better coordination among projects such as Green Sharm El-Sheikh and the soon-to-be-launched Egyptian Red Sea Initiative, which will receive $15 million in UNDP funding. To streamline efforts, the Egyptian minister called for the formation of a high-level steering committee that would unify the direction of all three initiatives. She also revealed that the ministry is exploring the launch of a national "Nature Fund" within a local bank to attract private sector investments in biodiversity conservation. UNIDO officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Egypt's environmental goals, with Patrick Gilbert, UNIDO Egypt Country Representative, expressing pride in their longstanding partnership and readiness to back the next phase of green industrialization. The meeting also marked the introduction of the Advanced Green Industry Project, a €20 million regional programme implemented across eight countries, with Egypt receiving a dedicated €1.5 million share over four years. The project will support SMEs in adopting sustainable practices, particularly in the electric vehicles and electronics sectors. Up to 50 Egyptian businesses are expected to benefit from the program, with 20 per cent positioned to qualify for bank financing. In addition to technical support, the initiative will encourage circular business models, support local manufacturing, and improve resource efficiency policies. UNIDO officials noted their willingness to help integrate industrial priorities into Egypt's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), bolstering the country's climate resilience and green growth targets. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: Y.Yasser
