18 March 2018: The Government of Egypt and the UN have signed a strategic framework agreement worth US$1.2 billion, to support national development plans in Egypt based on the four pillars of inclusive economic development, social justice, women’s empowerment and sustainable management of resources. The agreement covers the period 2018-2022.

The five-year strategic partnership was designed following national consultations with more than 400 agencies representing a range of stakeholders, including government ministries, UN agencies working in Egypt, civil society and the private sector.

Sahar Nasr, Egypt’s Minister of Investment and International Cooperation (MIIC), and Richard Dictus, UN Development Programme (UNDP), signed the agreement on 18 March 2018. Dictus said that Egypt is considered a key actor in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and that through the partnership, the UN anticipates “benefiting from knowledge and experience of its members to contribute to achieving more sustainable future for Egypt and its people.”

The agreement’s economic development component will be based on achieving agreed goals regarding sustainable economic development, job creation, capacity building and training. It will be implemented by using public resources and incentives more effectively, supporting entrepreneurship, creating an environment conducive to sustainable investment, providing access to employment opportunities for young people and women, and expanding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The agreement aims to increase the capacity and participation of women in leadership positions, and enhance their access to education.

The social justice pillar will support national efforts to control population growth and ensure access to public services, such as social protection services, health, nutrition and education. The women’s empowerment component aims to increase the capacity and participation of women in leadership positions and in economic activities, and to enhance their access to education.

The environmental pillar focuses on effectively managing Egypt’s natural resources and mitigating environmental and climate change risks, by integrating urban communities, upgrading informal areas, using water resources more efficiently, and employing more renewable energy. [MIIC Press Release]