In a bid to foster sustainable urban development and promote environmental responsibility, Egypt is advancing its Green Cities Program with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The goal is to transform 6th of October City into a green, low-carbon, and resilient urban center. This initiative is part of a joint strategy between Egypt and the EBRD for the period 2022-2026, which focuses on accelerating green transformation and ensuring sustainable growth across the nation.
Green Cities Program: A Vision for Sustainable Development
The Green Cities Program is designed to support Egypt’s transition to a more sustainable future, addressing environmental challenges while promoting green and comprehensive urban development. The program aligns with Egypt’s national priorities to create eco-friendly urban spaces, foster green investments, and integrate digital transformation and sustainable growth into urban infrastructure.
The initiative’s long-term objective is to help cities like 6th of October address environmental issues such as pollution, waste management, and water resource conservation. With the Green City Action Plan (GCAP) in place, the city aims to undertake 14 key projects in sectors such as energy, transportation, waste management, and water. These projects are further supported by 17 long-term initiatives that emphasize sustainability and low-carbon solutions.
EBRD’s Role in Supporting Green Transformation
Launched in late 2016, the Green Cities Program by the EBRD has been a catalyst for urban transformation worldwide. The program aims to support cities in their transition to a green, low-carbon, and resilient future by identifying and addressing their most pressing environmental challenges through targeted investments, procedures, and public policies.
The EBRD’s collaboration with Egypt began with the city of Cairo and Alexandria, and now, 6th of October City is a proud participant in the Green Cities initiative. The agreement to include 6th of October in the program was formalized during the visit of the EBRD’s President, Ms. Odile Renaud Basso, to Egypt in 2021.
Through the Green Cities Program, the EBRD provides technical support, expertise, and financing to implement solutions that foster environmental sustainability and resilience. These solutions aim to ensure that cities can adapt to future challenges, from climate change to population growth, while ensuring a high quality of life for their residents.
The Path to a Sustainable 6th of October City
The Green City Action Plan (GCAP) for 6th of October City outlines a clear and strategic approach to transitioning to a green, low-carbon city. It includes a roadmap for implementing environmentally friendly infrastructure and technologies, reducing carbon emissions, improving waste management, and enhancing public services for a better quality of life. Through these initiatives, 6th of October City is set to become a model for urban sustainability in Egypt.
Some of the key objectives include reducing the city’s carbon footprint, increasing energy efficiency, promoting sustainable mobility, and ensuring the protection of natural resources. The GCAP’s implementation will create jobs, improve air and water quality, and contribute to the city’s economic growth.
Moreover, the Green Cities Program in 6th of October aligns with the government’s broader vision of sustainable urbanization as part of Egypt’s long-term development plans. It is expected that these efforts will not only contribute to a cleaner and greener environment but will also attract green investments, boost the local economy, and foster community engagement.
