The participation of Egyptian governorates in this global event underscores the importance of the Egyptian state.
The participation of Egyptian governorates in this global event underscores the importance of the Egyptian state - File Photo
Dr. Ahmed Kamali, Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development, emphasized the role of the National Project for Egyptian Family Development in empowering women and the significance of increasing women's participation in the labor market and its positive impact on the country's GDP.
During his visit to the Beheira Governorate, Dr. Ahmed Kamali participated in the first day's activities of the visit, attending a workshop held at the governorate's main office to discuss the draft of the "Voluntary Local Review" for Beheira Governorate.
During the workshop, Dr. Ahmed Kamali stated that the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development aims to provide tools for the governorates to address their specific development gaps.
"Two years ago, we started localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the governorate level, which clarify each governorate's position regarding sustainable development goals and indicators," Kamali said.
"These indicators highlight the strengths and development gaps of each governorate, which are taken into account when formulating the investment plan for the governorates," he added.
Kamali explained that Egypt is one of the ten countries that have submitted voluntary national reviews, with three voluntary reports submitted, the latest being in 2021.
Given that Egypt is a large country with 27 governorates, it was important to have voluntary reports at the governorate level. There was significant response from the governors on this matter.
He also highlighted that the Ministry of Planning has a methodology for preparing voluntary reports to reflect the reality on the ground.
The ministry prepared a questionnaire to assess the governorates' capacity to prepare voluntary reports, based on which three governorates were selected to submit voluntary reports, with Beheira Governorate being at the forefront.
Kamali expressed his delight with the great response from Beheira Governorate, both at the leadership level and among the people, during the preparation of the report.
Kamali pointed out that the voluntary reports of the governorates will be presented at the high-level forum for sustainable development, scheduled to be held in July.
The participation of Egyptian governorates in this global event underscores the importance of the Egyptian state.
He emphasized the significance of the voluntary report presenting the challenges and problems faced by the governorate, enabling us to find solutions and improve the governorate's level.
Kamali also discussed the launch of the Competitiveness Index at the governorate level, highlighting that it is the first time in the Arab region and the Middle East that a competitiveness index is designed at the governorate level. This index aims to improve Egypt's competitiveness. He added that the current major challenge to achieving sustainable development, economic growth, and improving the standard of living is improving the investment climate for the private sector. The government has made significant investments in infrastructure and the "Decent Life" initiative to improve the investment climate for the private sector.
The focus on the National Project for Egyptian Family Development and women's economic empowerment reflects Egypt's commitment to gender equality and inclusive economic growth. By increasing women's participation in the labor market, Egypt is unlocking its untapped potential and fostering a more diverse and dynamic economy.
The voluntary reports at the governorate level demonstrate the government's dedication to decentralized and targeted development strategies, addressing specific challenges and leveraging local strengths.
These efforts, along with the focus on improving the investment climate, contribute to sustainable development, enhanced competitiveness, and a higher quality of life for all Egyptians.
