UNDP Egypt, Partners Host 1st Annual Green Growth Conference Advancing Innovation for Sustainable Future

See - Sada Elbalad

05-02-2025

Ahmed Emam
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Egypt and the Government of Egypt is proud to host the Annual Green Growth Conference, themed 'Advancing Innovation for a Sustainable Future'. At the conference, UNDP Egypt Resident Representative Alessandro Fracassetti was joined by Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation (via recorded video message); Ambassador Hamdy Shaaban, Assistant Minister, Director of the International Cooperation for Development Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Ali Abu Senna, Assistant Minister, CEO of Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency and Mr. Frej Jackson, Chargé d'Affaires a.i., Embassy of Denmark.
The event brought together over 200 participants including high-level representatives from international organizations, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and youth advocates, fostering dialogue on actionable pathways to sustainability and green innovation. Their insights underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in advancing Egypt's green development agenda.
Several key Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) were signed to strengthen partnerships for green growth. These include agreements with Banque du Caire, Plan International, Vodafone Egypt and the initiation of an agreement with the Danish-Egyptian Dialogue Initiative (DEDI). These partnerships aim to support SMEs, youth empowerment, and sustainability-focused initiatives.
The conference also marked the official launch of the National Green Taskforce to foster collaboration among entrepreneurs, policymakers, and private sector representatives. A digital learning platform was also introduced to empower youth as Green Ambassadors, equipping them with tools and knowledge to lead sustainability efforts.
A high-level panel discussion highlighted the successes of the UNDP-Denmark Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator Programme (GGJAP), showcasing its impact on SMEs and youth empowerment. Panelists also addressed key challenges in the green economy and the importance of sustainable innovation in achieving Egypt's development goals. The conversation emphasized actionable insights and inspired partnerships for a resilient, inclusive future.
At the conference, H.E. Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, emphasized that the programme was founded with a clear vision: to invest in the potential of youth and prepare them to be pioneers in building a sustainable future. He stated that, 'In recent months, we have witnessed significant progress in the ideas and projects presented by our youth, reflected in impactful initiatives that support the transition towards a circular economy and environmental sustainability. Today, at this important gathering, we reaffirm that this is not the end of the journey, but rather a new beginning—one filled with more work and greater achievements.'
From his side, Assistant Minister and CEO of Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency of the Ministry of Environment H.E. Dr. Ali Abu Senna highlighted that 'Green growth is not merely a slogan —it's an actionable strategy that we champion, believe in and strive to implement on the ground. We have an opportunity to achieve sustainable and environmental growth and impact the next generation. There is no contradiction between using natural resources in a rational way and sustainable economic growth.' He added that 'In Egypt, through our Vision 2030, we are placing the environment and a sustainable economy at the very heart of our development plans, encouraging innovation, green entrepreneurship, and supporting entrepreneurs with proper access to green financing to drive real change.'
Assistant Minister and Director of International Cooperation for Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs H.E. Ambassador Hamdy Shaaban stated that 'This cooperation comes in the context of the environmental and economic challenges, highlighting the importance of joint efforts to achieve sustainable development.
The Egyptian government is committed to sustainable economic growth and environmental preservation, with the country's green transformation efforts reflected in the expansion of renewable energy projects, the promotion of renewable energy concepts, the development of sustainable infrastructure, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.'
In turn, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Denmark Frej Jackson highlighted that "Denmark's commitment to a green transition, both globally and especially in Egypt, has taken a giant leap forward with our new Africa Strategy and the groundbreaking Strategic Partnership between Egypt and Denmark, signed in December during President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's State Visit to Copenhagen. Today, we celebrate the continuation of the Danish-Egyptian Dialogue Initiative (DEDI), in new settings in a close partnership with UNDP and the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA). DEDI's focus on sustainability, youth, climate, and job creation through sustainable design and fashion, green environmental literacy, and youth dialogue, will empower the next generation to drive green growth and address critical global challenges."
Alessandro Fracassetti, UNDP Egypt Resident Representative, stated: "UNDP was pleased to host the 'Green Growth Conference' today under the umbrella of our flagship "Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator" programme, which is strategically designed to create green jobs for youth and propel SMEs on the path of sustainability by fostering the development of innovative ideas and scaling existing solutions. The launch of the National Green Taskforce and the Digital Learning Platform mark significant steps in equipping youth and young entrepreneurs with the resources, networks, and opportunities needed to transform their ideas into impactful, scalable green solutions."
He added: "We are especially inspired by the young entrepreneurs graduating from the programme and UNDP remains committed to working with partners to support Egypt's green transition."
The event also featured six interactive workshops on topics such as circular economy practices, digital transformation for sustainability, and green financing for SMEs. Twenty-four SMEs graduating from GGJAP presented their projects in a high-energy pitch session, connecting them with potential investors and stakeholders. Winners received financial rewards to scale their sustainable solutions.
The day concluded with a recognition ceremony honoring exceptional youth green ambassadors who have demonstrated leadership in sustainability initiatives. This inspiring segment showcased testimonials and awarded certificates to motivate broader engagement in sustainability efforts.
May Yassin, Head of External Communications and Sustainable Business at Vodafone Egypt: 'We are proud of our successful collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, as we believe in the vital role played by SMEs in achieving sustainable impact. In line with this, we were eager to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with UNDP under the 'Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator' project to provide these companies with Vodafone Business digital solutions, helping them achieve sustainable growth through advisory services that support their digital transformation journey.'
She added that this partnership aligns with Vodafone Egypt's Annual Sustainability Report, which outlines the company's purpose-driven strategy and key efforts in empowering people, protecting the planet, and maintaining trust, with the goal of driving positive and sustainable change in our communities.
Heidi El Nahas, Head of Sustainability, Sustainable Finance and Corporate Communications Group Banque du Caire: 'We are all observing the global economic order transforming all around us, and with it the need for innovative and sustainable solutions have become more essential than ever before, setting the way for this accelerator and cooperation. This agreement signals an important milestone in our continuous efforts to provide our partners with strategic support to ensure a more resilient and sustainable SME ecosystem. With BdC's valuable experience in providing non-financial services to our SMEs clients, this gives us a unique perspective into their needs, fitting perfectly into the goals of the accelerator's participants. Since their role is integral in the country's economic development, BdC is committed to creating a smooth pathway for the SMEs sector towards sustainable transformation through innovation and sustainable resilience.'
Ms. Rozan Khalifa, Plan International Egypt Country Director: 'Plan International has been working in Egypt since 1981 according to an agreement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Solidarity. Since 2014, Plan International Egypt has extended its target to work with Syrian Refugees to promote their integration and social cohesion among Syrian refugees and host communities in Cairo, Giza, Qalyoubya, Alexandria, Damietta, and Sharkaya. Work with all Refugees focuses on economic empowerment and livelihoods, child protection and education, providing psychosocial support, and promoting sexual and reproductive health rights. Today Plan International Egypt's development and humanitarian work are implemented in 10 governorates namely: Cairo, Giza, Qalyoubya, Alexandria, Beheira, Damietta, Assuit, Sohag, Qena, and Aswan.'