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Sharm El Sheikh becomes 1st Egyptian city to Join ICLEI Global Network of Sustainable Cities
Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad and the Governor of South Sina announced Sharm El Sheikh is 1st Egyptian city to Join ICLEI Global Network of Sustainable Cities- photo taken on June 1, 2025- press photo
CAIRO – 1 June 2025: In a major step toward sustainable urban development, Sharm El Sheikh has officially become the first Egyptian city (Green Sharm) and the fourth Arab city to join the ICLEI Global Network of Sustainable Cities, a milestone that underscores Egypt's commitment to environmental transformation.
Coinciding with this announcement, the city launched its official sustainability platform The website will serve as a knowledge hub and interactive platform, showcasing Sharm El Sheikh's environmental achievements, community initiatives, and progress in its green transition. It also provides tourists with up-to-date information on sustainable activities and hotel accommodations in the city, said Mohamed Aliwa, Green Sharm Project Manager
This achievement is the result of four years of collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, the South Sinai Governorate, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Their joint efforts have helped position Sharm El Sheikh as a model for sustainable tourism and development in the region.
According to South Sinai Governor Khaled Fouda, this development reflects Sharm El Sheikh's status as the first green touristic city in Egypt and the Middle East. The transformation is built on key pillars including renewable energy, sustainable transportation, water conservation, waste management, and biodiversity protection.
As part of its urgent environmental measures, the city has already banned single-use plastic bags in 50 hotels, the governor confirmed.
Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad highlighted that 39 projects have been implemented to enhance the city's capacity to host international conferences, contributing to its reputation as a green destination for global dialogue.
Fouad also noted that investments in renewable energy in the city have reached EGP 800 million, enabling the production of 51 megawatts of clean energy.
