Al-Mashat Inaugurates Workshop on Sustainable Development Within the Comprehensive Economic Governance Program in Cooperation with USAID

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, who also chairs the Institute of National Planning (INP), inaugurated the first workshop titled "Planning for Sustainable Development in Egypt through Modeling and Simulation." 

Held from September 9 to 11, 2024, the workshop was organized in collaboration with the Economic Governance Project supported by USAID, and the Millennium Institute at the INP. This was in the presence of Dr. Ashraf El-Araby,President of the INP; Mr. Sean Jones, USAID Mission Director in Egypt; Dr. Matthew Pedersen, Vice President and CEO of the Millennium Institute; as well as experts from various institutions, the private sector, civil society, decision-makers, and policymakers.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized Egypt's Vision 2030, which seeks balanced local development and aims for an innovative, diversified, and competitive economy by 2030. H.E. underscored that this vision is a cornerstone of the government's economic strategy, supported by private sector and civil society partners, adding the critical importance of justice, social inclusion, and participation in achieving equity.

Al-Mashat further elaborated that Vision 2030 is founded on four fundamental principles that emphasize a human-centered approach to development. She stressed that citizen wellbeing is central to the vision’s success, which must include justice, accessibility, and resilient implementation, referring to global challenges such as COVID-19 and conflicts that have hindered progress, calling for flexible policies to address these challenges effectively.

She noted that Vision 2030 is structured around six strategic goals, translating into 32 interconnected targets. The workshop's model aims to elucidate the concepts of sustainable and economic development, focusing on industry, trade, education, and health as vital components of economic growth. The workshop is expected to have a significant impact on modeling various outcomes.

Regarding the issuing of the State’s General Planning Law, Al-Mashat highlighted that its executive regulations are designed to facilitate the effective implementation of Vision 2030. She indicated that the governance program might enhance cooperation with USAID regarding the law’s application, utilizing tools critical for its successful implementation.

Moreover, Al-Mashat expressed gratitude to USAID for its essential role in the governance program and stressed the need for strengthened cooperation between the ministry and the agency, especially following the merger of the planning, economic development and international cooperation portfolios. Integrating planning with externally-funded programs is crucial for realizing the vision and advancing broader economic development. She also thanked the INP for its role in engaging development partners and contributing to the success of various development programs.

Dr. Ashraf El-Araby noted that the workshop is part of an integrated simulation model project for Egypt’s SDGs, executed by the INP in partnership with USAID and the Millennium Institute. This project aims to improve economic governance and evidence-based planning, which are essential for Egypt’s progress towards the SDGs.

Mr. Sean Jones emphasized that the workshop represents a significant milestone in advancing governance and sustainable development efforts in Egypt. He commended the participants for their expertise and dedication to achieving practical, actionable policies.

Dr. Matthew Pedersen highlighted the importance of international cooperation in achieving the SDGs amid successive global shocks. He noted that such cooperation requires adjustments to administrative practices to address increasingly complex economic, social, and environmental realities. He underscored the workshop’s role in formulating actionable policies to support sustainable development across various sectors.

The workshop is a key outcome of the "Comprehensive Economic Governance" grant agreement between the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation and USAID. This agreement, part of the long-standing partnership between Egypt and the United States, includes a $109.9 million grant aimed at enhancing comprehensive economic governance activities in Egypt, promoting sustainability, and supporting women's participation in the workforce.