At the first Arab Sustainability Expo in Cairo, Egypt’s Environment Minister, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, hailed the event as a vital platform for advancing sustainable development across the Arab region. Held from May 18 to 20, 2025, the expo fosters partnerships to tackle climate challenges, aligning with Egypt’s broader sustainability efforts like Haya Karima (Decent Life).
Organized by the Arab League Partners for Sustainability Alliance and backed by the League of Arab States, the expo unites policymakers, businesses, and NGOs to exchange best practices. Dr. Fouad, a keynote speaker at the opening, praised its diverse panels addressing food security, water scarcity, and climate finance—issues critical to Arab communities.“The expo sends a powerful message: our ambition for sustainability remains unwavering,” she said. By integrating social, economic, and environmental priorities, it supports Agenda 2030, ensuring vulnerable communities, like those served by Haya Karima, are not left behind in the face of climate change.
Public-Private Partnerships for a Green Future
In a panel on “Effective Partnerships for a Sustainable Future,” Dr. Fouad detailed Egypt’s approach to green investments. She highlighted simplified environmental regulations and incentives under the Investment Law, promoting sectors like renewable energy, green hydrogen, and waste management. Since 2019, Egypt has implemented climate finance projects, including a pioneering initiative supported by the Central Bank to train national banks.Dr. Fouad showcased Egypt’s renewable energy progress, from a 2015 feed-in tariff to $470 million in climate funding. The ministry’s climate investment unit and a platform with 62 investment opportunities further enable private-sector involvement, aligning with the National Climate Change Strategy 2050.Leading by ExampleThe expo, attended by figures like Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, and Nada Al-Agizy of the League of Arab States, positions the region as a leader in sustainable innovation. Dr. Fouad’s emphasis on actionable policies and youth engagement ensures that Egypt’s efforts, complemented by initiatives like Haya Karima, pave the way for a resilient, inclusive future.
