Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, met with Elena Panova, the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt on Thursday, to discuss strengthening the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United Nations, particularly following the recent integration of the ministries responsible for planning, economic development, and international cooperation.

Al-Mashat highlighted the productive relationship between Egypt and the UN and stressed the importance of innovative mechanisms to address national priorities.

The focus of the meeting was on the 2023-2027 Strategic Partnership Framework, which aims to foster inclusive economic growth through investment in human capital, advance industrial development, and support economic reforms, as well as promote green transformation.

The meeting also reviewed the outcomes of the first year of implementing the strategic partnership framework, including progress on enhancing investment in human capital, promoting sustainable and inclusive economic development, improving climate resilience and natural resource management, and advancing governance, transparency, and participatory approaches. Efforts to empower women and girls were also a significant part of the discussion.

Al-Mashat outlined various aspects of the partnership, emphasizing the ministry’s role in managing and optimizing government investment spending.

She noted the importance of integrating these efforts with international partnerships to support Egypt’s Vision 2030, noting that synergizing these elements is seen as crucial for maximizing the utilization of available resources.

The conversation also covered the government’s new priorities aimed at stimulating comprehensive and sustainable economic growth.

This includes the “Development Policy Finance Program,” which is being implemented in collaboration with the European Union, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and other bilateral development partners. The focus of this program is on enhancing Egypt’s economic competitiveness and business environment, supporting macroeconomic resilience, and fostering green transformation.

The two also discussed preparations for the upcoming sessions within the UNSDCF framework and the Integrated National Strategy for Financing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Egypt.

The strategy, developed jointly by the Ministry of Planning and the Joint SDG Fund, is set to be announced at the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. The discussion also included Dr. Al-Mashat’s participation in the UN General Assembly and the Future Summit.

Human development was another key topic, with both parties discussing the preparation of the 2025 Human Development Report. The focus will be on vulnerable groups and national efforts to enhance human development with a strong emphasis on clear communication of studies and analyses to effectively reach diverse segments of the population.