Egypt, UN discuss cooperation programmes, social solidarity projects

UN is looking forward to new areas of cooperation with Egypt across various sectors, says Elena Panova

Egypt's Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat has met with Elena Panova, the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Egypt, to discuss cooperation programmes for 2021.
During the meeting, the two sides also discussed future areas of cooperation as part of coordinating efforts for effective development cooperation, in support of the national development agenda across various sectors.
Minister Al-Mashat praised the strategic partnerships with the UN, and its agencies and programmes in Egypt, as they advance towards supporting Egypt's Vision 2030. She said that her ministry seeks to achieve more integrated cooperation with all multilateral and bilateral development partners through the three principles of Economic Diplomacy.
These include: a Multi-Stakeholders Platform; the Official Development Assistance (ODA) mapping to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and the Global Partnerships Narrative that puts "People at Core", "Projects in Action", and "Purpose as the Driver".
She also pointed out that the Ministry of International Cooperation was able, despite the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, to secure development financing agreements in 2020 worth $9.8bn.
Minister Al-Mashat spoke about the second phase of the structural reforms that Egypt seeks to implement, after the success of the economic reform programme that ensured economic resilience. The second phase of the structural reforms aims to achieve integrated sustainable economic recovery and enhance private sector engagement in development efforts.
Egypt also aims to push forward to promote the transition towards a green economy through green projects, the 2035 Integrated Sustainable Energy Strategy, the digital transformation across sectors, and the water desalination and treatment plants.
The meeting with Panova encompassed discussions about the National Project for Developing Egyptian Villages within the framework of the 'Decent Life' initiative. Egypt aims, through this project, to achieve integrated development in Egyptian villages in order to improve the living conditions of the people and enhance their livelihoods.
The project secures EGP 515bn to the development of 4,584 villages, affecting 58% of Egypt's total population.
Minister Al-Mashat also reviewed the National Project for the Development of the Egyptian Family (2021-2023), which aims to enhance the livelihoods of the Egyptian people. It aims to support the most vulnerable groups in rural communities, such as women, youth, and students.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the UN's support for the project in collaboration with the Ministry of International Cooperation, and agreed on future steps.
For her part, Panova praised Egypt's efforts in the economic reform and the achieved results as it has maintained positive growth rates despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
She also praised the 'Decent Life' initiative that aims to develop Egyptian villages and will have a positive impact on the health, education and employment rates. She further added that she is looking forward to new areas of cooperation with Egypt across various sectors.