The Final Conference for the Community Development Programme, held under the auspices of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA), brought together key stakeholders to highlight the success of the initiative, which was funded by a €15 million grant from the European Union through the investment facility and managed by the European Investment Bank.
Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Egypt’s Minister of Environment, underscored the critical connection between community development and sustainable economic growth, emphasizing that resource efficiency and environmental protection are essential for fostering both a green economy and social progress.
The event also saw the participation of Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development, and EU Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, among other distinguished guests, including representatives from UNDP, the French Development Agency, and various local government officials.
Sustainable Development and the Green Economy
During her speech, Dr. Yasmine Fouad highlighted that, over the last 15 years, the definition of community development has evolved significantly. Today, it is clear that sustainable economic growth, resource efficiency, and the creation of job opportunities are integral to any effective community development strategy.
She pointed out that projects like road construction, sewage systems, schools, and youth centers provide essential infrastructure that not only enhances citizen safety but also boosts economic opportunities. Moreover, these initiatives align with Egypt’s Constitution, which emphasizes the importance of environmental protection for the well-being of citizens.
Revolutionizing Waste Management and Environmental Preservation
In her address, Fouad also emphasized Egypt’s commitment to circular economy principles, particularly in the solid waste management sector. Egypt has been developing a national waste management law designed to organize waste handling and ensure that both the public and private sectors play active roles. Additionally, over 10 billion Egyptian pounds have been invested in waste management infrastructure in the past few years.
Fouad stressed the importance of transforming informal workers into formal employees, making them an essential part of Egypt’s waste management efforts.
Supporting Eco-Tourism and Conservation
Fouad also shared Egypt’s ongoing efforts to preserve its natural reserves, which represent 15% of the country’s land area. These reserves are vital not only for the environment but also for job creation and eco-tourism. The ministry has been working with the private sector to develop eco-tourism in these areas, ensuring that the benefits of conservation are linked to local economic growth.
Strategic Focus on Circular Economy and Plastic Waste Reduction
Another key point of focus during the conference was Egypt’s development of a National Circular Economy Strategy, supported by the EU. This strategy includes initiatives for waste management, water reuse in industrial sectors, and biodiversity preservation. It also addresses the growing issue of plastic waste, with a particular focus on reducing the use of single-use plastic bags.
86 projects in six Egyptian governorates
Bassel Rahmy, CEO of MSMEDA, highlighted the collaborative nature of the Community Development Programme, which has led to the implementation of 86 projects in six Egyptian governorates: Alexandria, Port Said, Menoufia, Sharqia, Giza, and Assiut. These projects have generated nearly 5,000 job opportunities for informal workers and have directly benefited over 2 million people.
Rahmy emphasized that this initiative stands as a model for successful cooperation between the Egyptian government, international development partners, and local communities, aiming to improve living standards and foster sustainable development.
During the event, Dr. Yasmine Fouad and Dr. Manal Awad were recognized for their contributions, alongside the governors of Giza, Port Said, Sharqia, and Menoufia, as well as representatives from development partners.
The conference concluded by underscoring the shared commitment to advancing Egypt’s SDGs plan, particularly in environmental protection, waste management, and community-based initiatives that aim to enhance the quality of life for all Egyptians.
