Egypt signs document to enhance sustainable development planning

Egypt has signed a document to strengthen evidence-based planning, budgeting, and monitoring for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for local-level sustainable development transitions.

The document was signed by Planning and Economic Development Minister Rania Al-Mashat on behalf of the Egyptian government, alongside UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt Elena Panova, UNDP Resident Representative Alessandro Fracassetti, UN-Habitat Country Director Ahmed Rizk, and UNICEF Representative Natalia Winder Rossi.

Al-Mashat highlighted the importance of localising SDGs to accelerate Egypt’s development, as outlined in the country’s 2021 Voluntary National Review. She noted that localisation helps address geographical disparities and ensures inclusive growth.

Despite efforts to advance SDGs in underdeveloped areas, progress remains uneven across governorates. Global shocks such as COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, and crises in Sudan and Gaza have worsened socio-economic challenges in Egypt, exacerbating living costs and food security concerns. In that light, Al-Mashat stressed the need to strengthen food systems and social protection as key transformations to accelerate SDGs achievement.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
Subediting: M. S. Salama