NISGP, UN Egypt Agree to Strengthen Partnership,Collaboration to Provide Full support for Green Projects

The National Initiative for Smart Green Projects (NISGP) hosted a meeting in the Administrative Capital on Monday, June 24, 2024, to strengthen ongoing cooperation and partnership between the initiative and the United Nations in Egypt, as application submissions continue for the third round of the initiative. Ambassador Hisham Badr, Assistant Minister of Planning and Economic Development for Strategic Partnerships and the National Coordinator of NISGP, and Ms. Elena Panova, the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, co-chaired the meeting in the presence of representatives from UN agencies in Egypt.

In his address, Ambassador Badr stressed the resolute determination of Hala El Said, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, on strengthening the continuing collaboration and strategic partnership between the initiative and the UN since the first round of the initiative. Such collaboration and partnership speak directly to the importance of collective action to address urgent global challenges like climate change. Responding to the impacts of climate change is also a top priority for Egypt, according to Dr. El Said, with the initiative being implemented under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi.

The event featured presentations from winning NISGP projects, showcasing innovations in several fields such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Representatives from UN agencies pledged ongoing support and collaboration to expand the initiative's reach and impact.

Together with the UN partners, the initiative aims to empower local communities and foster sustainable development worldwide, Ambassador Badr said. It will build on the successes of the first two rounds and continue to serve as a unique model globally as it endeavors to achieve its objectives and reach a more sustainable future, he added.

Ambassador Badr further highlighted the significant role the UN agencies in Egypt play in supporting green, sustainable projects and how crucial it is to build the capacities of these projects to attract investments, stressing the need for equipping them with clear communication and strategic language familiar to investors. Ambassador Badr added that NISGP is committed to widening ongoing channels of collaboration with its various partners to provide the support green projects need and accelerate their scalability.

Noting the crucial contributions of UNDP and other UN agencies in advancing sustainable initiatives, the initiative’s National Coordinator recognized the significant progress made by the initiative, citing it as an unprecedented model recognized by the League of Arab States and other international bodies that showcased the initiative as a successful model to be replicated in different countries.

Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator, echoed Ambassador Badr's sentiments, citing the significant progress of Egypt's national initiative, now in its third phase. She credited the success to local engagement and community-driven solutions, highlighting their practical impact on the ground. Panova commended Egypt's proactive stance on climate change, noting its influence on global discussions.

She also noted that Climate change was a fundamental component of the UN’s Cooperation Framework with the Government of Egypt. “The UN remains steadfast in supporting Egypt's initiatives, providing technical expertise, fostering partnerships, and facilitating networks," Ms. Panova stated. She emphasized the importance of inclusive action and collaboration across sectors for effective climate solutions, citing the involvement of numerous UN agencies in advancing Egypt's efforts.

The event also included presentations from the 18 winning projects of the NISGP’s second round, highlighting innovative sustainability approaches in diverse sectors.

Representatives from UN agencies, including UNDP, WFP, UN Women, UNIDO, FAO, UN-Habitat, ILO, IOM, and UNESCO reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Egypt's green and sustainable projects. They pledged technical assistance, funding, and strategic partnerships to amplify their impact and scalability.

"Today's discussions underscore our collective commitment to advancing sustainability through collaboration and innovation," Ambassador Badr concluded. "We look forward to continued partnership with the UN and international stakeholders to achieve lasting environmental impact."

It is worth mentioning that the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects is currently accepting applications for its third round through the website sgg.eg. Consequently, Ambassador Badr noted that it was important for all participating entities to raise awareness about the initiative and to provide opportunities for all green projects to benefit from the support offered by the initiative and its partners.