The inaugural “Green Connect” Forum, organized by JRNY under the patronage of the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture, concluded with the presentation of a strategic framework for Egypt’s transition to a green economy. The three-day event, held with the collaboration of international partners including Hivos, Tetra Pak, USAID Business Egypt Program, GIZ, and Track3, brought together key stakeholders from across Egypt’s sustainability ecosystem to explore solutions for advancing a green economy.
Key Stakeholders Unite for Sustainability
The forum brought together Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), and the “Erada” initiative. The discussions focused on five crucial sectors: energy, agriculture and food, waste management, sustainable finance, and sustainable business. These discussions laid the foundation for Egypt’s green transition, aligning policies, investments, and innovation to promote sustainability and inclusivity in the country’s development.
Ministry of Environment and Agriculture Lead the Way
The Ministry of Environment, represented by Mohamed Moatamed, Assistant Minister for Planning, Investment, and Institutional Support, led an awareness session highlighting various programs designed to facilitate business innovation and support the green transition. Other contributions included Ayman Refaie, G.M. of Mitigation & CDM at the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, and Eng. Sherif Abou El-Magd, Head of the IT Department at the Waste Management Regulatory Authority.
Collaborating closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, represented by Dr. Sherine Assem, Vice President of the Agricultural Research Center, and Dr. Fadl Hashem, Executive Director of the Climate Change Information Center, both ministries emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting sustainable policies, local communities, and resilience against climate change.
Private Sector and NGOs Showcase Green Innovations
Leaders from the private sector, including Tetra Pak, Sanofi, Siemens, and Vodafone, presented innovations in clean energy, circular economy models, and sustainable business practices. Companies such as Karm Solar and Agrona showcased scalable solutions that can be adopted across Egypt. International NGOs like USAID, GIZ, Hivos, and UNDP also stressed the importance of global collaboration in building capacity, mobilizing resources, and aligning financing with sustainability goals.
Financial institutions, including Crédit Agricole and the Agricultural Bank of Egypt, discussed green financing mechanisms and how to integrate sustainability into the financial sector. Universities and research centers emphasized the need to foster green innovation and workforce development, while civil society organizations highlighted the role of community-driven initiatives in achieving long-term sustainability.
A Vision for Green Economic Growth
Dalia Saeed, co-founder and CEO of JRNY, described the Green Connect Forum as a critical step toward unifying efforts to transform Egypt’s green economy. She noted that the forum laid the groundwork for achieving resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable growth, and marked the beginning of a broader network for sustainable development in Egypt. Based on the success of the first edition, the second Green Connect Forum will take place in 2025, tracking progress on implementing the green transition roadmap and expanding its impact.
Establishing Initial Frameworks for Green Transition
The forum concluded with the establishment of several initial frameworks aimed at driving Egypt’s green transition. These included the development of sustainable policies and green financing mechanisms, which are critical for supporting the country’s shift towards a low-carbon economy. Finally, the development of human capital emerged as a vital element in the transition, with a particular focus on aligning education and training programs with the demands of a green economy.
