Egypt’s efforts on combating climate change, including the push towards preparing an integrated national strategy, were one of the subjects the meeting covered
Discussing joint relations between the Government of Egypt and the World Bank Group (WBG) on sustainable development in several fields, Minister of International Cooperation Dr.Rania Al Mashat met with Ayat Soliman, Regional Director of the World Bank Group's Sustainable Development Department for the Middle-East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Egypt’s efforts on combating climate change, including the government’s push towards preparing an integrated national strategy, were one of the several subjects the meeting covered.
Investing in sustainable development can unlock several job opportunities and would stimulate economic growth, said Soliman, adding that the World Bank plays a key role in supporting its operating countries to build climate-sensitive economies.
She also praised the country's strategy and efforts in facing climate change, expressing that the World Bank is continuously keen on providing support to advance the national strategy that is in line with the global sustainability targets.
The meeting delved into the achievements accomplished in the field of gender equality, which is a key pillar of the World Bank's financing development policies. They also spoke on empowering women, and developing rural communities.
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Soliman applauded the Upper Egypt Local Development Program (UELDP) that targets the governorates of Qena and Sohag for its achievements and for the international acclaim it received, along with it being selected by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) among the best practices that achieve sustainable development.
The project was funded the World Bank with development financing worth $500 million, explained Soliman.
Participating in the meeting were Marina Wes, the World Bank Group’s Country Director for Egypt, Yemen and Djibouti; Robert Bou Jaoude, the World Bank Operations Manager for Egypt; and several officials from the World Bank’s office in Egypt.
The development of the Suez Canal axis was also discussed, and the Upper Egypt Development Program was mentioned as an exemplary model in the development of rural communities.
Al Mashat emphasized the importance of the joint cooperation with the World Bank, and the joint efforts exerted with the Government of Egypt to implement strategic projects across various sectors, in order to advance towards the achievement of Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the UN’s SDGs.
The Minister added that adapting to climate change and adopting a green recovery strategy are among the most important pillars of focus in the development portfolio between the Ministry of International Cooperation and the World Bank.
The Ministry of International Cooperation and the World Bank share a portfolio of $5.4 billion, working on the development of several sectors such as transportation, education, housing, health, social safety nets, petroleum, housing, sanitation, local development and environment.
