Underscoring Egypt’s commitment to sustainable development, Minister of Environment Dr. Yasmine Fouad, accompanied by South Sinai Governor Major General Dr. Khaled Mubarak, honored leading private sector investors advancing eco-tourism in Sharm El-Sheikh during a high-profile celebration hosted by the Ministry of Environment’s “Green Sharm” project.
The ceremony marked the official launch of a major redevelopment initiative in Gharqana Village, located in the Nabq Protectorate, and served as a showcase for Egypt’s broader environmental transformation launched during COP27 in 2022.
As Egypt continues to invest in clean energy, eco-tourism, and public-private cooperation, Sharm El-Sheikh stands as a compelling example of how environmental innovation and economic growth can go hand in hand—turning climate ambition into real-world impact.
Private Sector as a Strategic Partner
Dr. Fouad hailed the private sector as a “cornerstone” in Egypt’s green transition. She praised hoteliers and tourism investors for installing solar energy systems, overcoming significant challenges including tight deadlines, and partnering with the Ministry step by step. The banking sector also played a vital role, offering low-interest loans to support green investments.
She stressed the need for a just green transition, providing fair and financially viable alternatives for private businesses to align with sustainability goals. The Ministry, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism, has launched initiatives to enable access to eco-financing tools, helping businesses adopt renewable energy and reduce their carbon footprint.
Egypt’s Renewable Energy Progress
Highlighting Egypt’s national climate reporting, Dr. Fouad shared that the country has reached 37% of its energy mix from new and renewable sources as of 2024, edging closer to the government’s target of 42% by 2030. She emphasized that clean energy not only cuts emissions but also creates economic opportunities, reduces electricity costs, and supports job creation—core elements of the country’s sustainability roadmap.
Recognizing Impactful Partnerships
UNDP Resident Representative Alessandro Fracassetti praised the Green Sharm initiative, noting a tenfold increase in solar capacity in the city, driven by collaborations across national ministries, international partners like the EU and Japan, and financial institutions. He commended Egypt for positioning Sharm El-Sheikh as a model of integrated environmental policy.
Mr. Fracassetti also extended personal congratulations to Dr. Fouad on her new position at the United Nations, recognizing her leadership in championing environmental transformation at both national and global levels.
Green Hotels Honored
During the event, ten hotels were honored for installing solar power systems, bringing the total number of solar-powered hotels in Sharm El-Sheikh to over 25. One hotel chain received special recognition for eliminating single-use plastic water bottles and introducing in-house purification and bottling systems. Another was commended for adopting eco-friendly methods for disposing of used cooking oil.
Engineer Mohamed Alioha, director of the Green Sharm project, noted that solar energy installations under the initiative now total 31 megawatts, with $2.2 million in grants provided for 3.8 MW in capacity and technical assistance for an additional 3.6 MW.
Replicating the Model
Governor Khaled Mubarak applauded the role of both national institutions and private sector pioneers in driving the green transition, describing the honorees not just as individuals, but as representatives of a transformative vision. He emphasized the importance of extending this model to other cities, making all of South Sinai a beacon of sustainability under Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
He also called for workshops to educate citizens and expand public participation in environmental initiatives.
Sharm El-Sheikh’s inclusion in the ICLEI Global Network for Sustainable Cities marks a significant milestone in Egypt’s journey, with the Green Sharm project at the heart of efforts to make the city a regional leader in green tourism.
