On Monday, Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity, Nevine El-Kabbag, and the Ministries of Youth and Sports, Environment, and Local Development took part in the seventh phase of the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program (GEF SGP).
El-Kabbag voiced her enthusiasm for the program, citing its compatibility with Egypt’s pursuit of a decent life intertwined with social and environmental justice.
She praised the GEF SGP’s support for civil society organizations (CSOs) and highlighted the country’s vibrant environmental CSO landscape, which includes 2,800 active associations, including 274 dedicated to climate change, with investments totaling LE3.3 billion.
This initiative aims to empower non-governmental organizations (NGOs) through innovative projects that address critical environmental issues such as biodiversity, climate change, and waste management.
Minister Kabbag verified the wide range of environmental projects carried out by CSOs, which include waste management, sustainable agriculture, green economy initiatives, smart agriculture, water conservation, and waste disposal.
She announced the first phase’s selection of 16 projects from 7 governorates across four regions, demonstrating a balanced representation and exemplary models of innovation, social responsibility, and contribution to national and international development objectives.
Moreover, El-Kabbag highlighted the fundamental link between environmental issues and poverty, which affects the quality of life, economic development, and individual livelihoods.
She further emphasized the importance of environmental awareness, particularly among vulnerable groups, and encouraged future collaboration with the Ministry of Environment on its initiatives.
Concluding her speech, the minister commended Egypt’s efforts at the COP27 Climate Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh 2022, emphasizing the country’s commitment to climate justice and equitable distribution of environmental burdens.
