Egypt has launched the first national workshop under the umbrella of the “Taqarob” (Convergence) Initiative, signaling a major step in aligning the country’s food, health, and climate policies. The event brought together Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar and Minister of Agriculture Dr. Alaa Farouk.
The workshop, supported by the United Nations, World Health Organization, and World Bank, brought together key stakeholders from the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Planning, and Foreign Affairs, along with international and regional development partners. It marks the beginning of an ambitious multi-sectoral collaboration designed to enhance resilience, achieve sustainable development goals, and future-proof Egypt’s food systems against climate-related shocks.
Unified National Vision for Convergence
“This is more than a policy discussion—it is a moment of national convergence,” said Dr. Abdel Ghaffar in his opening remarks. “Today, we’re shaping the future of food systems and climate action in an inclusive and innovative manner.”
The “Taqarob” initiative is coordinated in partnership with the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Egypt. The initiative reflects Egypt’s strategic commitment to integrate food security, climate resilience, and public health efforts under one cohesive framework.
Dr. Abdel Ghaffar highlighted Egypt’s key advancements, including the One Health National Strategy, the 2022–2030 Food and Nutrition Strategy, and its operational roadmap through 2030. Egypt’s role as host of COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh and its leadership in launching global climate-food initiatives such as “FAST” and the Loss and Damage Fund further emphasize its international influence.
He pointed to measurable progress in public health, including the reduction of child stunting under age five to 13% in 2021—with a target of reaching 10% by 2030—while also recognizing ongoing challenges such as malnutrition, climate risks, and economic pressures.
Food Systems Transformation as a Strategic Imperative
Minister of Agriculture Dr. Alaa Farouk emphasized the urgency of food systems transformation. “This is no longer a choice—it is a necessity,” he said, noting the global and regional challenges affecting agriculture and food supply chains.
He outlined unprecedented national measures to ensure food security and improve livelihoods, including increased domestic food production, support for smallholder farmers, access to finance and modern technology, and sustainable agricultural practices. These efforts are coordinated through Egypt’s National Food and Nutrition Systems Committee.
Dr. Farouk reinforced Egypt’s commitment to equitable and inclusive food systems that ensure safe, nutritious, and sustainable food for all—especially vulnerable populations.
A Strategic Platform for Investment and Integration
In a recorded statement, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Dr. Rania Al-Mashat reaffirmed Egypt’s integrated approach across health, food, and climate sectors, echoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres’s warning that the world is falling short on over half of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
She referenced the launch of Egypt’s 2050 Climate Change Strategy and the NWFE program—an investment-driven platform that connects water, food, and energy projects and is being adopted as a model globally.
National Action Plan and International Partnerships
The workshop concluded with the introduction of the Convergence Action Plan (CAB)—a comprehensive national roadmap for intersectoral coordination, long-term resilience, and inclusive development. Dr. Abdel Ghaffar called on all stakeholders to embed food systems goals into Egypt’s climate and development strategies, boost community engagement, and promote innovation and investment.
Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, described the initiative as a “strategic tool” for aligning national efforts and ensuring adaptive, inclusive, and health-centered food systems. He emphasized the importance of building partnerships across government, civil society, and the private sector to deliver tangible results.
A Model for Regional and Global Emulation
Egypt’s “Taqarob” initiative stands as a pioneering model for nations seeking to align public health, food security, and climate policy. Through integrated planning, cross-sector collaboration, and visionary leadership, Egypt aims to set a new standard for sustainable development in a rapidly changing world.
