The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Egyptian government, successfully hosted the First Annual Green Growth Conference under the theme “Advancing Innovation for a Sustainable Future”. The event attracted over 200 participants, including high-ranking representatives from international organizations, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and youth advocates, all united in their commitment to fostering sustainability and green innovation.
Key Outcomes and Announcements:
The conference witnessed the signing of several significant Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) aimed at advancing green growth. Among the key partnerships were agreements with Banque du Caire, Plan International, Vodafone Business, and the Danish-Egyptian Dialogue Initiative (DEDI). These agreements aim to bolster collaborations across various sectors, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), youth empowerment, and sustainability-focused initiatives.
A central milestone of the event was the official launch of the National Green Taskforce, targeting to foster collaboration between entrepreneurs, policymakers, and private sector representatives. This taskforce aims to promote actionable partnerships and drive green transformation across Egypt. Additionally, a new digital learning platform was introduced to empower youth as Green Ambassadors, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and skills necessary to lead sustainability initiatives within their communities.
High-Level Discussions:
The conference featured a high-level panel discussion focused on the successes and challenges of Egypt’s green transformation. Notably, the UNDP-Denmark Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator Programme (GGJAP) was highlighted as a key success in supporting SMEs and youth empowerment. Panelists explored the ongoing challenges in the green economy and emphasized the importance of sustainable innovation to achieve Egypt’s broader development goals. The discussion underscored the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to foster a resilient and inclusive future for the country.
Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, highlighted the significant progress made by Egyptian youth in supporting a circular economy and environmental sustainability. He reiterated that this conference is not the culmination of Egypt’s green journey, but rather the beginning of a long-term commitment to more work and greater achievements in sustainability.
Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, emphasized that innovation is the cornerstone of a sustainable and resilient future. She further noted that Egypt remains steadfast in integrating sustainability into its economic policies and development plans. Through partnerships and collective action, Egypt seeks to create a greener, more inclusive world that thrives on innovation and empowers future generations.
Dr. Ali Abu Senna, Assistant Minister and CEO of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, reinforced that green growth is not merely a concept but a concrete strategy that is essential to achieving Egypt’s Vision 2030. He highlighted the importance of green entrepreneurship and the need for entrepreneurs to have access to green financing in order to drive significant environmental and economic change.
Ambassador Hamdy Shaaban, Assistant Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the importance of joint efforts between government, the private sector, and international partners to address environmental and economic challenges. He reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to sustainable economic growth and environmental preservation, underscoring the country’s expansion of renewable energy projects and the promotion of sustainable infrastructure.
Frej Jackson, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of Denmark, spoke about Denmark’s commitment to the green transition, particularly through its Strategic Partnership with Egypt. He noted the significant progress made under the Danish-Egyptian Dialogue Initiative (DEDI), which focuses on issues such as sustainability, youth empowerment, and job creation.
Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurial Innovation:
The conference featured six interactive workshops addressing topics such as circular economy practices, digital transformation for sustainability, and green financing for SMEs. These workshops provided participants with practical knowledge and strategies for implementing sustainable business models and creating a green economy. Additionally, twenty-four SMEs that graduated from the Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator Programme (GGJAP) had the opportunity to pitch their sustainable projects to potential investors and stakeholders. Winners of these pitch sessions received rewards to help scale their solutions and foster further green innovation.
Recognition of Green Ambassadors:
The day concluded with a recognition ceremony that honored exceptional youth green ambassadors who have demonstrated significant leadership in sustainability initiatives. This inspiring segment showcased the achievements of youth leaders and awarded certificates to further motivate the broader community to engage in green efforts. The recognition ceremony highlighted the impact of youth in driving sustainable change across Egypt.
Corporate Contributions and Support:
During the event, May Yassin, Head of External Communications and Sustainable Business at Vodafone Business, expressed the company’s pride in collaborating with UNDP through the Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator initiative. Vodafone’s contribution focuses on supporting SMEs in their journey toward sustainable growth through digital solutions that enable businesses to digitally transform and thrive in a green economy.
Heidi El Nahas, Head of Sustainability at Banque du Caire, emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting SMEs in their transition to sustainable business models. She highlighted how the non-financial services provided by Banque du Caire align with the goals of the accelerator program, helping SMEs achieve resilience and innovation.
Ms. Rozan Khalifa, Country Director of Plan International Egypt, highlighted the organization’s extensive work in promoting economic empowerment and social cohesion. Plan International’s projects are focused on improving the livelihoods of vulnerable communities, including Syrian refugees, and providing education, psychosocial support, and sexual and reproductive health rights.
The First Annual Green Growth Conference marked a pivotal moment in Egypt’s green transformation journey. By fostering collaboration between government, businesses, entrepreneurs, and youth, the event underscored the critical importance of innovation and sustainability in advancing Egypt’s green development agenda. The partnerships, initiatives, and insights shared at the conference are expected to catalyze further progress towards a greener, more inclusive future for Egypt.
