Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, conducted a comprehensive visit to the Aswan Governorate to oversee progress on various development projects, according to the “SEE” website.
These initiatives, pivotal for local empowerment and economic enhancement, mainly focus on women’s roles in sustaining cultural heritage and boosting the local economy.
Dr. Al-Mashat’s visit shone a spotlight on the Women’s Productive Cooperative Society for Handicrafts and Heritage, a collaborative project involving the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This initiative, a testament to the power of partnerships, is dedicated to preserving traditional handicrafts and empowering female artisans by equipping them with the necessary skills to monetize their crafts. Notable figures such as Major General Ashraf Attia, Governor of Aswan, Alessandro Fracasetti, UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt, and Basel Rahmi, CEO of MSMEDA, accompanied the Minister during this inspection.
Moreover, Dr. Al-Mashat reviewed a capacity-building program aimed at enhancing the Ministry of Social Solidarity’s institutional and human resources. This program, supported by the UNDP and the European Union, trains social entrepreneurs in Aswan on the “Awareness for Community Development” program curriculum, reflecting a commitment to holistic community development.
Throughout her visit, Dr. Al-Mashat praised the tangible outcomes of these development initiatives. She highlighted how these programs benefit citizens, particularly in Upper Egypt, by improving living standards and income through strategic international partnerships.
