Source: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) |

Top UN Development Official for Arab States concludes a visit to Egypt after fruitful meetings to support development in Egypt

Dr. Mourad Wahba praised Egypt’s positive steps to achieve sustainable development and the launch of mega projects in addition to progress on women’s agenda

CAIRO, Egypt, March 7, 2017/APO/ --

Dr. Mourad Wahba Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Assistant Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Director of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Arab States and Chair of the Arab States, Middle East and North Africa Regional United Nations Development Group (UNDG), concluded his 3-day visit to Egypt after meeting with Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Investment and International Cooperation, Social Solidarity, Planning, Follow-Up, and Administrative Reform, the National Council for Women, Local Development and Environment as well as the League of Arab States Secretary General. In his meetings, Dr. Wahba discussed support to Egypt’s development agenda and regional cooperation.   

Dr. Wahba began his visit’s engagements at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shokry. Dr. Mourad Wahba praised Egypt’s positive steps to achieve sustainable development and the launch of mega projects in addition to progress on women’s agenda.  

On another side, Dr. Wahba discussed with Dr. Hala El Said, Minister of Planning, Follow-up and Administrative Reform the preparations to hold the first international conference on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategy – Egypt Vision 2030.  

Dr. Wahba also met with Dr. Maya Morsy, President of the National Council for Women where they discussed the official global launch of “Taa Marbuta” campaign for women empowerment which coincides with the Year of Egyptian Women celebration, announced by President Abdel Fattah El Sissi last year.   

With regards to social protection, Dr. Wahba was hosted by Dr. Ghada Wally, Minister of Social Solidarity where they discussed social protection projects and “Takfol w Karama” (Diginity and Solidarity) programme which helps thousands of Egyptians.  

During his visit, Dr. Wahba also met with Dr. Khaled Fahmy, Minister of Environment, to discuss joint cooperation and the preparations to host the Conference of Parties meeting for the Convention on Biodiversity (COP14), planned to be hosted in Egypt in 2018. This is the first time since 2000 for an African country to host this important conference. 

In the meeting with Dr. Hisham El Sherif, Minister of Local Development, Dr. Wahba welcomed the potential cooperation between the ministry and UNDP to boost social and economic development in the various governorates. 

Dr. Wahba had another important engagement with the League of Arab States Ahmed Abou ElGheit, confirming eagerness to support the League especially in areas of crisis prevention and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.  

From her side, Dr. Sahr Nasr, Minister of Investment and International Cooperation congratulated Dr. Wahba for his appointment and stressed in their meeting the importance of the joint cooperation as well as the consultations to prepare the new UNDP country programme document which will be implemented in the next five years (2018-2022). 

The visit confirms the fruitful and effective cooperation between the Egyptian government and UNDP to achieve Egypt’s national priorities as well as the Sustainable Development Strategy – Egypt Vision 2030 in addition to the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).