Speech by Ms. Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator to the Arab Republic of Egypt

Speech by Ms. Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator to the Arab Republic of Egypt

The National Initiative for Smart Green Projects Conference

Date and Venue: Sunday, 23 March 2025, The St. Regis, New Capital

His Excellency Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly

Her Excellency Dr. Rania Al-Mashat – Minister of International Cooperation and Economic Development Planning

His Excellency Dr. Badr Abdel Aati, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs

Her Excellency Manal Awad Mikhael, Minister of Local Development

His Excellency Dr. Ayman Ashour, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research

His Excellency, Amr Ahmed Samih Talaat, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology

Her Excellency, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, the Minister of Environment,

Ambassador Mohamed Badr – General Coordinator of the Initiative

distinguished guests,

colleagues, and esteemed entrepreneurs.

It is a great honor to join you today in celebrating the third round of the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects.

For the past three years, this initiative has showcased the power of local solutions in driving national progress and has become a testament to Egypt’s commitment to climate action and sustainable development.

It has proven that innovation is not just an abstract goal but a tangible force for change, one that can reshape industries, empower communities, and accelerate Egypt’s green transition.

Allow me to extend my deepest congratulations to the Government of Egypt, and the partners involved, with special recognition to Ambassador Mohamed for his exceptional dedication in making this this event truly inspiring. Your leadership in positioning Egypt as a regional leader in climate action is both commendable and essential.

At its core, the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects breathes life into the Sustainable Development Goals. It turns national commitments into real impact, from the bustling streets of Cairo to the most remote villages. And that is where true transformation begins: at the local level.

Ladies and gentlemen, today we celebrate the entrepreneurs, the innovators, and the communities who are pioneering green solutions, not just for climate resilience, but for economic empowerment. Their work sends a clear message: the green transition must be inclusive. It must create opportunities for youth, women, and marginalized communities, ensuring that no one is left behind.

The United Nations is proud to stand as a partner on this journey. And I want to commend my UN colleagues at UN-Habitat, UNIDO, UN Women, FAO, and WFP, UNHCR for supporting this initiative from its very inception, each contributing expertise, technical assistance, and networks to help designing and implementing these grassroot projects. But beyond recognition, our commitment is action.

The climate challenge ahead is vast, but so are the solutions within our grasp. Now is the time to accelerate action, scale up innovation, and build a greener, more sustainable future for all in Egypt.

On behalf of the United Nations in Egypt, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting Egypt’s efforts to advance its climate leadership and set a model for the region, by turning smart green projects into national success stories.

Congratulations once again to the inspiring entrepreneurs and all their partners that have made this possible.