Egypt Launches Hub of Advanced Policy Innovation for Environment (HAPIE) in Collaboration with J-PAL

In partnership with the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) in Cairo, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, attended the launch of the "Hub of Advanced Policy Innovation for the Environment (HAPIE)" —a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to enhancing access to clean air and water.

HAPIE builds upon the success of the "Egyptian Impact Lab", a collaborative effort between J-PAL Middle East and North Africa at the American University in Cairo and Egypt’s Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation. This new hub is designed to foster data-driven policy solutions that address critical environmental challenges.

During the event, Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that HAPIE reflects Egypt’s steadfast commitment to evidence-based policymaking, sustainable development, and climate action. She highlighted the Ministry’s belief in data-driven policies, strategic partnerships, and innovative financing as essential tools for driving transformational change in the face of global challenges such as economic uncertainty, climate change, and social inequality.

The Minister underscored the importance of ensuring that economic growth is not only quantitative but also qualitative, inclusive, and sustainable.

She outlined the Ministry’s vision, which is structured around three key pillars:

1. Evidence-Based Policy Design– Using data and research to guide strategic decision-making across key sectors.

2. Building a Future-Ready Economy – Strengthening macroeconomic stability, implementing structural reforms, and advancing the transition to a green economy.

3. Optimizing Resource Allocation – Mobilizing domestic and international financing through Egypt’s Integrated National Financing Strategy for Development (E-INFS), developed in collaboration with the United Nations.

Dr. Al-Mashat noted that these initiatives represent tangible steps toward a climate-resilient, economically vibrant, and socially inclusive future, reinforcing Egypt’s leadership in global climate action.

She reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to regional and international climate efforts, citing the country’s successful hosting of COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh and its role in championing climate-smart policies. At COP27, Egypt played a pivotal role in ensuring that Africa and other developing nations remained at the center of climate negotiations, leading to the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund—a significant step in supporting vulnerable countries facing climate-related challenges.

A key outcome of COP27 was the launch of the NWFE (Nexus of Water, Food, and Energy) program, a pioneering model that integrates sustainable development needs with innovative financing mechanisms. NWFE is advancing projects that enhance water security, food resilience, and renewable energy adoption, reinforcing Egypt’s commitment to climate-aligned investments and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

HAPIE: Driving Collaborative Environmental Innovation

HAPIE extends the work of the Egyptian Impact Lab by focusing on environment, energy, and climate change. It will serve as a collaborative platform where experts, policymakers, and practitioners can develop innovative, evidence-based solutions to environmental challenges, shaping the future of sustainable development in Egypt and beyond.

This initiative reaffirms Egypt’s leadership in climate governance and highlights its dedication to transforming policies into action through strategic partnerships and data-driven decision-making.