Egypt's Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, underscored Egypt's strong partnership with the United Nations and its commitment to economic and sustainable development during a roundtable with Presidents of UN Executive Boards. The meeting, also attended by Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptians Expatriate, included representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), UNICEF, UN Women, and the World Food Programme (WFP). Al-Mashat emphasised that the partnership between Egypt and the United Nations is rooted in country ownership, transparency, and clarity, aligning with national development priorities. She highlighted President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's consistent affirmation of Egypt's national stance on regional and international peace, security, human rights, and development. Reviewing Egypt's efforts, Al-Mashat detailed the economic and structural reforms implemented by the Egyptian government in recent years. These reforms have contributed to an improved economic performance, an elevated credit rating, and the creation of an attractive investment climate. Al-Mashat stressed the pivotal role of the United Nations and its specialised agencies in supporting Egypt's development agenda, which is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030. This agenda is being implemented through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027. The framework, co-chaired by the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation and the UN Resident Coordinator, acts as an umbrella for enhanced cooperation between the government and UN agencies, executed in coordination with various national entities. Al-Mashat noted the recent launch of "Egypt's Narrative for Economic Development: Reforms for Growth, Jobs & Resilience," which prioritises growth and job creation for the Egyptian economy. The narrative aims for a transition to higher-productivity sectors and integration between industrial, commercial, and employment policies. The Minister also referred to the "NWFE" program's country platform, which has mobilised approximately $5 bn for the private sector in renewable energy projects since 2022. She affirmed the Ministry's objective to integrate partnerships with the United Nations and other international institutions to support state efforts in achieving development, mobilising investments, empowering the private sector, and strengthening South-South and Triangular Cooperation. During the meeting, discussions focused on ways to bolster cooperation between Egypt and the United Nations and its specialised agencies. Both ministers commended the UN organisation's constructive role in supporting peace and sustainable development regionally and internationally, acknowledging the diverse development projects implemented by the international organisation in Egypt. Cooperation between Egypt and the United Nations on several issues was also addressed, including food security, the development of health and education systems, water security, efforts to reduce child mortality, improving services for children and vulnerable communities, and women's empowerment across various sectors, including boosting women's economic participation and promoting women's leadership roles in public and private spheres.
