Monday, May 4, 2026
News

Tourism Minister Inaugurates Egypt’s Pavilion at 2024 World Travel Market in London

News Agencies
written by News Agencies
 Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, officially inaugurated the country’s pavilion at the 43rd World Travel Market (WTM) in London on Wednesday. The WTM, held annually from November 5 to 7, is the leading global event for the travel industry, bringing together key players from across the tourism sector, including tour operators, travel agents, airlines, and tourism experts.
Covering an expansive 800 square meters, Egypt’s pavilion at this year’s WTM hosts 80 participants, including 38 tourism companies, 38 hotels, and two airlines: Air Cairo and Nesma Airlines. Additionally, representatives from the Red Sea and South Sinai governorates, as well as the Cultural Tourism Preservation Association, are on hand to promote Egypt’s wide array of tourism offerings.
On opening day, the pavilion drew significant attention with a series of engaging activities, interactive displays, and films showcasing the country’s rich cultural and natural tourism assets. Minister Fathy toured the pavilion, engaging with exhibitors and discussing strategies to increase tourism from the UK and other international markets. The focus is on positioning Egypt as a top destination for diverse tourism experiences, ranging from historical and cultural tourism to beach resorts and adventure tourism.
Strategic Focus on Global Tourism Growth
This year, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is emphasizing a variety of tourism products, aiming to attract a broad spectrum of potential visitors. Minister Fathy’s participation in the event underscores Egypt’s commitment to expanding its global tourism footprint, particularly through targeted marketing and collaborations with international stakeholders.
Minister Fathy is also expected to take part in the ministerial summit organized by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in collaboration with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). This summit brings together global tourism leaders to discuss strategies for sustainable tourism development and increasing global travel.
Exhibitors at the Egyptian pavilion expressed optimism about the future of Egypt’s tourism industry, pointing to the current rise in incoming tourism. With growing international interest, many are hopeful that Egypt’s strong presence at WTM 2024 will help secure higher tourist arrivals in the coming months, further boosting the country’s tourism recovery and economic growth.
0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Highlights

Tadamun and EBank Forge Strategic Partnership to Empower Egyptian Women Entrepreneurs

News Agencies
written by News Agencies

Tadamun Microfinance Foundation and the Export Development Bank of Egypt (EBank) have recently inked a significant EGP 50 million credit facility agreement, a move that underscores their commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs in Egypt. This strategic partnership aims to provide much-needed financial support to women-led micro-enterprises, bolstering their growth and economic impact.

By securing this substantial funding, Tadamun will be able to expand its reach and offer a wider range of flexible financing programs tailored to the specific needs of women entrepreneurs. This will enable them to access the capital necessary to start and grow their businesses, create jobs, and improve their livelihoods.

In this regard,Reham Farouk, CEO of the Foundation, said that the Foundation will redirect funding to women-owned enterprise owners through a package of flexible financing programs that suit the needs of different categories, based on the Foundation’s role as a leader in the field of financing micro-enterprises

On the other hand Mona Zulfikar, Chairperson of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, expressed her pride in signing the contract. She explained that Tadamun is constantly seeking to enter partnerships that aim to support women’s projects and help them grow, in line with the directions of the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) and CBE to support micro-enterprises as the engine of economic growth.

.

This collaboration aligns perfectly with the Egyptian government’s vision to empower women and stimulate economic growth. By investing in women entrepreneurs, Tadamun and EBank are not only contributing to the country’s economic development but also fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the journey towards empowering women entrepreneurs in Egypt. By providing access to finance, training, and mentorship, Tadamun and EBank are empowering women to realize their full potential and drive positive change.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
News

Egypt Launches First-Ever ERA Pledge Initiative to Promote Gender Equality in Arbitration

News Agencies
written by News Agencies
For Empowering women in financial sectors, the Chairman of the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) and Chairman of the Egyptian Center for Arbitration and Non-Banking Financial Dispute Resolution, Mohamed Fares, joined Baker McKenzie, the international law firm, to launch the Equal Representation in Arbitration (ERA) Pledge initiative for the first time in Egypt. The launch marks a significant milestone in efforts to promote gender equality in arbitration and dispute resolution within the country’s rapidly evolving non-banking financial sector.
Founded in 2015 by a group of international legal professionals, the ERA Pledge is a global initiative aimed at increasing the representation of women in arbitration bodies. The pledge encourages firms, institutions, and companies to adopt policies that prioritize gender diversity in arbitration processes, both as part of corporate governance and as a commitment to equality in dispute resolution. To date, the pledge has garnered the support of over 5,000 signatories worldwide, including corporations, law firms, and individuals.
Fares, a vocal advocate for empowering women in the financial and legal sectors, expressed his pride in Egypt’s participation, calling the launch a pivotal step toward advancing women’s roles in arbitration, a traditionally male-dominated field. “This initiative is not just about fair representation, it’s about recognizing the invaluable contributions women make to the legal profession and ensuring they have a seat at the table,” he said.
Fares highlighted that the launch of the ERA Pledge aligns with the FRA’s broader commitment to empowering women and fostering gender diversity across all sectors under its supervision. Over the past year, the authority has made significant strides in increasing the representation of women in corporate boards. In 2023, the number of women serving on boards across the FRA-regulated entities reached 1,072, up from 920 in 2022. This represents a 16% increase in just one year and exceeds the FRA’s own target of 25% female representation.
Moreover, nearly half of the companies in Egypt’s non-banking financial sector now boast at least two women on their boards, a clear indication that gender diversity is becoming the norm rather than the exception. Fares emphasized that these gains reflect the FRA’s steadfast dedication to gender parity. “This is more than just a numbers game. It’s about fostering inclusive environments where women can contribute to decision-making and leadership,” he said.
Capital Markets Lead the Charge
According to Fares, the capital markets sector has seen the most significant progress, with women now representing 25.7% of board members, the highest percentage among all sectors regulated by the FRA. Close behind are the microfinance, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) financing, real estate financing, leasing, and factoring sectors, all of which have seen their female board representation rise to 25.1%.
This surge in female representation is particularly notable given the often conservative nature of financial markets, suggesting a fundamental shift in how companies in Egypt are thinking about leadership and governance.
Empowering Women Through Financial Literacy
Fares also stressed that empowering women goes beyond representation. The FRA is focused on equipping women with the financial knowledge and tools they need to succeed, particularly when it comes to non-banking financial services. One area of focus is long-term investment in the stock market, which can help women build financial independence and secure their futures.
“Financial inclusion and literacy are key to empowering women,” Fares explained. “Our goal is to help women understand and navigate the full spectrum of non-banking financial services, so they can make informed decisions about their finances and investments.”
In addition to working with multilateral development partners to drive financial inclusion, the FRA is also committed to fostering a work environment that encourages the professional development of women within its own ranks. As of 2023, women represent 35% of the FRA’s workforce, and 65% of new hires at the authority are women.
 Private Sector’s Role 
The ERA Pledge launch also saw the participation of numerous private sector entities, with 50 companies and institutions publicly committing to uphold the principles of the pledge. Marian Qaldas, Executive Director of the Egyptian Center for Arbitration and Non-Banking Financial Dispute Resolution, stated that these companies would now formally integrate gender parity policies into their arbitration processes and broader governance practices.
“By signing the ERA Pledge, these companies are not only committing to fairness but are setting a strong example for the wider business community,” Qaldas said. “This initiative is about ensuring that women have the opportunity to participate equally in the arbitration and dispute resolution processes that shape our business landscape.”
The Future of Gender Equality in Egypt’s Financial Sector
The launch of the ERA Pledge in Egypt is just the beginning. As the country continues to modernize its financial regulatory framework and integrate more inclusive policies, the role of women in leadership and decision-making will only continue to grow. The FRA’s actions, paired with initiatives like the ERA Pledge, send a strong message that gender equality is not a distant goal but a present and ongoing commitment.
“Empowering women is not just a moral imperative; it’s an economic one,” Fares concluded. “As more women take on leadership roles in finance, the entire sector will benefit from their perspectives and expertise. This is just the beginning of a more inclusive, more equitable financial landscape in Egypt.”
0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
HighlightsNews

Egypt’s Logina Salah Shines at Miss Universe 2024

News Agencies
written by News Agencies

As the world’s most prestigious beauty pageant, Miss Universe 2024 is set to captivate audiences worldwide. Among the 130 stunning contestants, Egypt’s Logina Salah is a standout, representing her country with grace and determination.

Salah, a 34-year-old Dubai resident and model, has openly shared her journey of overcoming bullying due to vitiligo, a skin condition that causes patches of skin to lose pigment. Her inspiring story and unwavering confidence have made her a role model for many.

“I am excited to represent Egypt, women with vitiligo, and anyone who has ever felt that they don’t belong,” Salah told The National. “After enduring bullying throughout my childhood, it took me 15 years to embrace self-love. My mission is to empower those who feel marginalized, letting them know they are not alone, and I aspire to make a significant impact on the global Miss Universe stage.”

As the competition heats up in Mexico City, Salah is poised to make history and inspire millions with her beauty, intelligence, and unwavering spirit.

 

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
HighlightsNews

Judge Amal Ammar Newly Chairs NCW

News Agencies
written by News Agencies

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has appointed Judge Amal Mahmoud Atta Ammar as the new Chairwoman of the National Council for Women (NCW). The presidential decree, issued on Monday and published in the Official Gazette, outlines a restructuring of the NCW, increasing its membership to 29.

Judge Ammar, a seasoned legal professional and a prominent figure within the NCW, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She currently serves as a presiding judge at the Qena Court of Appeals and holds the position of Assistant Minister of Justice for Human Rights, Women, and Children’s Affairs.

A graduate of law with a master’s degree in international business law, Ammar has held various significant positions throughout her career. She has been a member of the Administrative Prosecution Authority, worked in the Technical Office of the Minister of Justice, and was among the first 30 women appointed to the Egyptian judiciary.

Ammar succeeds Maya Morsy, who chaired the NCW from February 2016 to July 2024. Her appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective and further strengthen the council’s efforts to promote women’s rights and empowerment in Egypt.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Highlights

Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity Attends Doha’s Global Conf.

News Agencies
written by News Agencies

Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity, Maya Morsy, was among the prominent figures who participated in  a high-level global conference in Doha. The conference has underscored the pressing issues facing families worldwide, with a particular focus on the challenges faced by Arab families. The event, attended by over 2,000 experts and policymakers, was organized by Qatar Foundation’s Doha International Family Institute (DIFI).

Key challenges discussed at the conference included technological addiction, population decline, work-family balance, climate change, conflict and displacement.

The conference participants called for urgent action to address these challenges, including the development of family-friendly policies, increased investment in social services, and greater international cooperation.

The ‘Doha Call to Action’ outlined a series of recommendations to empower families and strengthen their role in society. These recommendations will be presented to governments and policymakers worldwide.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
News

Egypt Ventures’ Rolls out Corporate Partnership Initiative

News Agencies
written by News Agencies

Egypt Ventures announced the launch of its Corporate Partnership Initiative. This strategic move aims to foster collaboration between Egypt’s leading corporations and its burgeoning startup ecosystem. By combining the strength and scale of established companies with the innovation and agility of high-growth startups, this initiative will unlock significant value for all stakeholders.

The first partnership with Cleopatra Hospitals Group is a testament to the potential of this initiative. By leveraging corporate resources and industry expertise, startups can accelerate their growth and bring innovative solutions to market. In return, corporations can benefit from the fresh perspectives and disruptive technologies that startups offer.

Egypt Ventures envisions a future where corporations and startups work together to drive sustainable economic growth in Egypt. By expanding this initiative across various industries, the firm aims to create a thriving innovation ecosystem that benefits both businesses and society as a whole.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Highlights

Egypt’s Local Development Min. Calls for Strengthened SDGs at Ministerial Roundtable on Sustainable Urban Development

Mona Yousef
written by Mona Yousef

Egypt’s Minister of Local Development, Manal Awad, made compelling opening remarks during a ministerial roundtable at the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12) in Cairo, calling for a strengthened approach to multilevel governance as a key strategy for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular focus on urban development and climate resilience.

During her remarks, Minister Awad emphasized the necessity of strong collaboration between national and local governments to meet Egypt’s sustainable development objectives and the broader SDGs.

Awad  pointed to Egypt’s decentralized governance structure as a cornerstone of the country’s approach to sustainable development, which focuses on integrating local needs and capacities into national policy frameworks.

The Minister also highlighted Egypt’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with both international financial institutions and the private sector to diversify financial resources, particularly for underdeveloped regions in Upper Egypt. Awad also touched on the importance of Egypt’s broader strategy to align its urban development goals with the SDGs.

The Ministerial Roundtable at WUF12 will to lay the groundwork for future international collaboration in urban climate action, with the aim of integrating its  outcomes of the Roundtable will inform COP29 discussions and contribute to shaping global climate policy and urban governance frameworks in the coming years.

The Roundtable, a high-level event that gathers ministers and senior representatives from national governments and regional political bodies,  reflects on  advancing the implementation of the New Urban Agenda (NUA) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The timing of the Roundtable, just months ahead of COP29 and the UN Summit of the Future in 2024, underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and urban challenges in the context of global development.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Highlights

Egypt Sets Bold Vision for Resilient Urbanization: Minister Yasmine Fouad at WUF12

Mona Yousef
written by Mona Yousef
In her address at the 12th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12), Egyptian Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, emphasized Egypt’s proactive approach to tackling the twin challenges of urbanization and climate change. Amidst a global dialogue on cities and the climate crisis, Fouad highlighted the urgent need for cities, particularly in vulnerable regions like Egypt’s Nile Delta, to take center stage in climate strategies, integrating resilience, adaptation, and decarbonization efforts into urban planning.
As host country of the World Urban Forum, Egypt is not just participating in the conversation — it is shaping the future of climate-conscious urbanization. Minister Fouad’s remarks underscored the critical importance of “climate resilience and inclusive development” in urban planning, with a particular focus on the world’s most vulnerable populations: women, children, and low-income communities.
“The most vulnerable members of our societies, women and children, and low-income communities, are often the first to face the consequences of climate change, grappling with the harsh realities of floods, hurricanes, heat waves, and loss of homes” Minister Fouad said, emphasizing how urgent it is for nations to address both the impacts of climate change and the social inequities exacerbated by these disasters.
The Minister’s speech, delivered to an international audience of urban planners, government officials, and development partners, aligned with a broader call for cities to take a more active role in shaping national climate plans. She referenced the upcoming revision of the “Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)”  under the Paris Agreement, which she stressed should place cities at the forefront of decarbonization efforts. “We stand on the brink of an incredible opportunity to not only address climate risks but also to position cities as leaders in sustainability,” Fouad remarked.
Cities, Fouad emphasized, account for approximately 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from sectors such as transportation and building construction. Yet, at the same time, urban areas, especially those in low-lying coastal regions, are disproportionately impacted by climate events, with the Nile Delta being one of the most vulnerable regions in Egypt.
“We cannot ignore that Egypt is not a major emitter of greenhouse gases on a global scale, yet we face some of the harshest consequences of climate change. The Nile Delta is at risk of rising sea levels, threatening millions of lives. Our cities must adopt a more holistic approach that integrates social, economic, and environmental considerations,” the Minister noted.
A Comprehensive Approach: Integrating Nature-Based Solutions
Minister Fouad’s vision for Egypt’s climate action extends beyond mitigation to adaptation, emphasizing nature-based solutions (NBS) as essential tools for building resilience in vulnerable communities. “In the Nile Delta, where seven governorates face the threat of sea level rise, nature-based solutions are crucial. These solutions not only address climate risks but also support local economies and communities,” she explained.
The Egyptian government has already made significant strides by incorporating NBS in urban planning, with projects funded through international collaborations, including the “Green Climate Fund”. These solutions are designed to reduce flood risks, preserve biodiversity, and enhance the livelihoods of local communities, especially in coastal areas.
By engaging local communities directly in the design and implementation of these solutions, Egypt has created a model of inclusive urban climate action, where the people most affected by climate change are also the key drivers of its solutions. Minister Fouad pointed out that local knowledge and participation are essential in crafting effective climate strategies that not only preserve the environment but also protect the most vulnerable populations.
Challenges and Opportunities: A Holistic Review of Urban Climate Planning
One of the highlights of Minister Fouad’s speech was Egypt’s recent collaboration with the OECD to review the country’s urban climate strategies. The review, which focused on improving the governance structure of Egypt’s cities in relation to climate change, highlighted key challenges in financing adaptation projects and the need for better integration between national and local adaptation plans.
“We cannot rely solely on the central government for climate solutions. It is the governors, mayors, and local communities who will ultimately decide how to implement climate strategies. That’s why we’ve worked to establish local committees focused on integrated coastal zone management in vulnerable areas,” Fouad explained, highlighting the importance of local-level governance in climate adaptation.
The review also revealed critical gaps in the governance of Egypt’s urban areas and how cities could be better equipped to tackle climate change by improving access to climate finance and developing national adaptation plans.
A Vision for the Future: Sustainable, Resilient Cities
Looking ahead, Minister Fouad emphasized the importance of  land use planning as an integral part of Egypt’s climate strategy. The country is already exploring innovative solutions such as water desalination and sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security and environmental sustainability in the face of climate challenges.
“We must ensure that our cities are not just resilient to climate change but also lead the way in creating a sustainable and just future for all. A city that is climate-smart and people-centered must provide food, shelter, and employment opportunities to its residents — ensuring that the benefits of sustainability are equitably shared across society,” said the Minister.
As Egypt prepares for COP29, which will take place in just a few days, Minister Fouad’s remarks serve as a reminder that cities are not merely passive victims of climate change, but active players in shaping the global climate agenda. The upcoming COP29 conference will be an opportunity for Egypt, alongside other nations, to bring urban voices to the forefront of the global discussion on climate action.
 A Call for Bold Action
Egypt’s leadership in hosting WUF12 underscores the country’s commitment to confronting the climate crisis through inclusive, integrated solutions that prioritize both environmental and social resilience. As Minister Fouad aptly stated, “Every fraction of a degree counts.”
In a world where climate risks are escalating, cities hold the key to both survival and progress. Egypt’s experience, especially in regions like the Nile Delta, shows how integrated, people-centric urban planning can provide a blueprint for other nations facing similar climate vulnerabilities. With the right investments in nature-based solutions, governance, and climate adaptation, Egypt is positioning itself as a model for sustainable urbanization in the era of climate change.
As the world watches, the lessons learned in Egypt could shape the global response to the climate crisis, reinforcing that the path forward requires urgent, collective action — both locally and globally.
0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Highlights

Minister Rania El-Mashat Highlights Egypt’s Role in COP27 on the Path to Sustainable Growth Conf.

News Agencies
written by News Agencies
Egypt’s hosting of the COP27 Climate Change Conference of the Parties in 2022 was more than just a milestone event in global climate diplomacy—it marked the beginning of a new chapter for Egypt in its commitment to confronting climate challenges. Rania El-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning,  emphasized this transformative shift during her participation in a recent discussion on “Climate Risk” at the annual conference, *The Path to Net Zero Emissions*, organized by the Chapter Zero Egypt Foundation.
I”Egypt’s hosting of COP27 was a pivotal moment, not just for the nation but for the entire world. As Minister El-Mashat emphasized, ‘COP27 was a call for collective action, and Egypt remains committed to being a central partner in tackling climate challenges.’ This commitment is evident in Egypt’s ambitious National Climate Change Strategy 2050, which outlines a clear roadmap for reducing emissions, building resilience, and mobilizing resources.
The Minister addressed how companies and corporate leaders can navigate the opportunities and challenges posed by climate risks, stressing the importance of integrating climate governance principles into business strategies. This, she explained, was key to ensuring that the private sector contributes effectively to the global climate agenda. She also discussed the financing opportunities available to companies, chairpersons, and CEOs, urging them to recognize the long-term value of sustainability in their investment decisions.
El-Mashat pointed to the growing recognition that climate change cannot be tackled in isolation. “The importance of partnerships across sectors and borders has been a recurring theme in the climate discussions of successive conferences,” she said. “Egypt’s hosting of COP27 reinforced the need to bring together diverse stakeholders to address the key pillars of adaptation, mitigation, and financing—three principles that must guide all climate strategies.”
Aligned with this vision, Egypt launched its National Climate Change Strategy 2050 just ahead of COP27. This ambitious strategy serves as a national roadmap aimed at fulfilling Egypt’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. The strategy focuses on reducing carbon emissions, enhancing resilience to climate impacts, and mobilizing resources for climate action, all while driving inclusive economic growth.
A central focus of the Minister’s discussion was the role of her ministry in fostering cooperation among key stakeholders to integrate climate considerations into Egypt’s national planning frameworks. “We recognize that the path to a sustainable future is not just about setting goals but about building the institutional capacity to achieve them,” El-Mashat said.
As part of its efforts to drive a green economy, Egypt has introduced the *Sustainability and Finance for Economic Development Framework*, a policy initiative designed to create a comprehensive approach to economic growth. The framework seeks to deliver sustainable economic outcomes by leveraging data-driven insights to inform decision-making. “This framework is about making growth sustainable, inclusive, and measurable,” El-Mashat noted. “It helps identify the gaps in development, including those that may hinder progress in the climate domain, and addresses them in a targeted, evidence-based way.”
T Al-Mashat emphasized that this effort is not just about meeting international obligations, but about securing a better, more resilient future for all Egyptians.
In conclusion, Egypt’s experience hosting COP27 and its ongoing commitment to integrating climate action into national policies and strategies showcase the country’s determination to be a driving force in global sustainability efforts. As Minister El-Mashat outlined, Egypt’s climate action agenda is an all-encompassing effort, involving governments, businesses, and civil society alike—a clear demonstration of the collaborative spirit needed to address the climate crisis.
0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts