Sharm El-Sheikh Becomes 1st Egyptian Green City to Join Global ICLEI Network

Egypt marked a significant milestone in its environmental journey as Sharm El-Sheikh was officially declared the first Egyptian green city to join the ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, a global network dedicated to sustainable urban development.

The announcement was made by Minister of Environment0 Yasmine Fouad during a high-level ceremony attended by South Sinai Governor Khaled Mubarak, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Guemar Dieb, and Eng. Mohamed Aliewa, Director of the Green Sharm Project.

Fouad described Sharm El-Sheikh’s inclusion in ICLEI as the culmination of a years-long transformation, positioning the city as a national and regional leader in environmental sustainability. 

She traced the city’s green journey back to 2018, when Egypt hosted the UN Biodiversity Conference, which brought international attention to the rich ecosystems of South Sinai and highlighted the country’s commitment to integrating local communities in the management of natural reserves.

Momentum grew further when Sharm El-Sheikh hosted the COP27 UN Climate Conference in 2022. Under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s directive, the city underwent sweeping upgrades, implementing nearly 40 environmental projects to prepare for the summit and to serve as a model for sustainable tourism.

The minister emphasized that the success of sustainability initiatives hinges on public participation, noting that “the human being is the foundation of sustainability.” She called on citizens to adopt eco-friendly habits such as recycling, resource conservation, and the use of renewable energy, stressing that environmental change begins with individual choices.

The city’s green credentials include major investments in solar power, sustainable transport, and waste management. Among the standout achievements are the installation of solar panels generating 51 megawatts of electricity, the construction of 145 kilometers of bicycle lanes, and the implementation of shared bike systems and electric buses. Community engagement has also played a vital role, particularly in solid waste management and biodiversity protection.

Governor Khaled Mubarak hailed the ICLEI membership as a national accomplishment and a direct result of Egypt’s strategic vision for sustainable development. He underscored that the green transformation of Sharm El-Sheikh aligns with South Sinai’s sustainable development strategy, endorsed by President El-Sisi in 2024, which aims to position the city as a global hub for green tourism.

“Sharm El-Sheikh is no longer just a tourist destination; it is becoming a blueprint for how cities in the region can thrive economically, socially, and environmentally,” Mubarak said. He pointed to the “Green Sharm” initiative as a turning point, driven by five integrated pillars: clean energy, waste reduction, sustainable transport, water conservation, and biodiversity.

He also highlighted future plans, including a ban on single-use plastics in 50 hotels, increased support for local initiatives, and expanded partnerships with the private sector and international donors. So far, the city has attracted more than \$19.7 million in green financing, with further investments expected.

In turn, Eng. Mohamed Aliewa, head of the Green Sharm project, described the city’s ICLEI membership as a pivotal step toward its transformation into a sustainable city. He noted that Sharm El-Sheikh is now the fourth Arab city to join the international network. Aliewa also unveiled an online portal listing all certified green hotels, dive centers, and eco-friendly facilities — a tool designed to guide tourists seeking sustainable travel options.

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Guemar Dieb praised the city’s achievement and Egypt’s broader commitment to sustainability. He described Sharm El-Sheikh’s transformation as a model for international green development, noting that the city's hosting of COP27 brought global attention to its environmental efforts and solidified its status as a beacon of climate leadership.

Dieb applauded Fouad’s role as Egypt’s ministerial envoy to COP and her efforts in coordinating across government agencies to raise environmental standards in the city. “Sharm El-Sheikh’s success is a testament to what’s possible when leadership, vision, and international cooperation come together,” he said.