Al-Mashat Expresses Gratitude to UNDP Representative for Contributions to Advancing Joint Relations

Nada Mustafa

Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, received Mr. Alessandro Fracassetti, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Egypt, on the occasion of the conclusion of his tenure in Egypt.

During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat expressed her sincere gratitude and appreciation to Mr. Alessandro Fracassetti for his efforts over the past years, which witnessed fruitful cooperation between the Egyptian government and the UNDP across a number of priority development areas, under the framework of the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United Nations.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat emphasized that the partnership between the two sides witnessed remarkable progress, particularly in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhancing the state's capabilities in the fields of governance, sustainable finance, and innovation in public policies. This was achieved through several areas including institutional capacity building and strengthening governance through the UNDP’s support of the Ministry’s initiatives to improve the capabilities of governance and internal audit units, which contributes to enhanced governmental performance, transparency, and oversight.

The cooperation also extended to empowering the private sector in development, where the UNDP provided technical support to promote private sector participation in development plans through sustainable financing mechanisms. This aligns with the structural reforms the state is adopting.

Additionally, collaboration has taken place in digital transformation and public policy development through the UNDP’s support of the Ministry’s efforts in digitizing services and promoting innovative policies.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat also highlighted the cooperation between the two sides in launching Egypt’s Integrated National Strategy for Finance (E-INSF), the first of its kind for finance in Egypt. This was part of the "Sustainable Development Goals Financing Strategy in Egypt" project, in cooperation with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Cairo, and with the support of the UN Joint SDG Fund. Furthermore, they launched SDG Localization Reports and prepared the Procedural Guide for Monitoring and Evaluation, which is part of the joint efforts of both sides, providing a comprehensive and unified reference for those involved in the monitoring and evaluation process to enhance the concept of results-based management and its application in daily work, thereby improving the monitoring of the implementation of development plans and programs and strengthening impact monitoring and evaluation.

For his part, Mr. Alessandro Fracassetti expressed gratitude to Dr. Rania Al-Mashat for constructive cooperation over the past years, both through the Ministry of International Cooperation and after the merger of the Ministries of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation.

He expressed his appreciation for the continuous coordination between the two sides to support the various projects undertaken, aiming to support Egypt's progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

At the conclusion of the meeting, H.E. Minister Al-Mashat wished Mr. Alessandro Fracassetti for success in his future endeavors. She also honored him in appreciation of his efforts during his tenure in Egypt. She further reaffirmed the continuation of constructive cooperation between the Ministry and the UNDP in the coming phase, in light of the Egyptian state's priorities and its vision for comprehensive and sustainable development.