Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, recently inaugurated the foundational workshop for preparing Egypt’s Human Development Report (HDR) for 2025. The event was organized in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and included key figures such as Dr. Ashraf El-Araby, Head of the National Planning Institute, Dr. Magid Osman, Head of the Baseera Center for Public Opinion Research, and Alessandro Fracassetti, UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt, along with experts and representatives from national institutions, civil society organizations, and universities.
A Critical Tool for Policymaking and National Development
In her opening remarks, Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized the crucial role of the Human Development Report as a powerful tool for analyzing Egypt’s development progress. She noted that the 2025 report holds particular significance due to the current global economic volatility and its impact on Egypt’s developmental trajectory. The report aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to decision-makers, addressing key issues such as education, healthcare, and living standards, all while mapping the national human development index.
“The Human Development Report for 2025 is essential not only for assessing Egypt’s achievements but also for identifying existing gaps in development that require immediate attention. It provides an in-depth, objective analysis of the state of human development in the country, which is crucial in a world of escalating challenges,” Dr. Al-Mashat said.
She further noted that Egypt’s Human Development Reports have consistently influenced policy decisions and contributed to national dialogues about human development since 1994. The 2025 report marks the 13th edition of the series, and reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and evidence-based policymaking. Dr. Al-Mashat also mentioned that the return to publishing the report in 2021, after a decade-long hiatus, underscores Egypt’s dedication to sharing its development experiences and seeking constructive input from both domestic and international stakeholders.
Addressing Global Challenges and Local Realities
As the world faces unprecedented changes in technology, climate, and geopolitics, Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted the need for dynamic and responsive development strategies. She pointed out that Egypt’s policy agenda, including initiatives such as “Haya Karima”, “Bidaya”, and “100 Million Health,” will be fully integrated into the preparation of the report, ensuring alignment with national development priorities.
The 2025 report will also complement Egypt’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform the nation into a knowledge-based economy, sustainable growth model, and social equity paradigm. As Dr. Al-Mashat explained, the government’s current actions are designed to foster inclusive growth by focusing on human capital development, job creation, and access to essential services.
She further emphasized the formation of three ministerial task forces — Industrial Development, Human Development, and Entrepreneurship — to drive these national agendas forward. The collaborative efforts across ministries and sectors are vital to achieving the goals of the 2025 report and ensuring that Egypt continues on its path toward sustainable development.
A Platform for National Dialogue
Mr. Alessandro Fracassetti, UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt, also delivered a speech underscoring the value of the Human Development Report not just as a tool for analysis but as a national platform for dialogue. “The report serves as a national space where key stakeholders, from citizens to policymakers, can come together and discuss the priorities for Egypt’s future. Given the complex global challenges, including climate change and digital transformation, the report provides an opportunity to rethink Egypt’s development path,” Fracassetti noted.
Building on Previous Successes
Dr. Magid Osman, Head of Baseera Center for Public Opinion Research, shared insights into the methodology and framework used in preparing the report. He explained that the 2025 Human Development Report would build upon the findings of previous reports, particularly the 2021 edition, titled “Development is a Right for All: Egypt’s Path and Course”. The 2021 report offered a comprehensive review of Egypt’s development journey between 2011 and 2020, with a specific focus on the policies implemented during this period and their impact on the Egyptian population. It also identified critical areas for improvement in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Role of National and International Partnerships
The preparation of the 2025 report will involve extensive collaboration between national entities, including the Ministry of Finance, the National Council for Women, and the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, as well as international development partners such as the UNDP. The participatory approach adopted in the workshop ensures that all relevant stakeholders contribute to the discussion and formulation of the final recommendations.
Dr. Ashraf El-Araby, Head of the National Planning Institute, stressed the importance of the report in shaping future policies and ensuring that Egypt’s development objectives are rooted in evidence and practical solutions. “The report offers valuable insights to decision-makers and is an indispensable reference for researchers, academics, and policymakers aiming to steer Egypt towards greater prosperity,” El-Araby remarked.
Looking Ahead: The Path to 2025
The 2025 Human Development Report will address both immediate challenges and long-term priorities for Egypt. It will offer a roadmap for overcoming obstacles such as income inequality, healthcare access, educational quality, and gender disparities while proposing actionable steps to improve the quality of life for all Egyptians.
