Egypt, UN sign declaration of intent on support to Sinai development program

CAIRO - 18 July 2018: Minister of Investment and International Cooperation Sahar Nasr and UN Assistant Secretary General and Director of the UN Development Programe (UNDP) Regional Bureau for Arab States Mourad Wahba on Wednesday signed a declaration of intent to support Egypt's program for Sinai Peninsua development.

Minister of Environment Yasmin Fouad attended the signing ceremony which was held on the fringe of the Economic and Social Council Forum on Financing for Development, currently in session in New York.

A statement released by the Ministry Investment and International Cooperation (MIIC) on Wednesday said the signed document stipulates that the UNDP will offer Egypt a grant to support Sinai development program, which is being financed by a number of international financial institutions and Arab development funds.

Nasr asserted that the government is keen on accelerating the implementation of Sinai development plan upon directives of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi so as to contribute to the establishment of mega development projects to provide job opportunities for youths and women.

Wahba, on his part, pointed out that that UNDP was keen on extending necessary support to continue the development drive in Sinai, praising the rate of Sinai development projects which are currently under construction.

The meeting also addressed means of supporting women empowerment with a focus on the most needy areas in addition to backing good governance and climate change mitigation efforts. In this regard, Nasr said the government has several initiatives that will be put into effect in the coming phase.

The investment minister also said the government's program that was referred to the parliament has given priority to eradicating poverty, enhancing sustainable economic growth through pumping new investments and providing appropriate job opportunities as well as upgrading a sustainable infrastructure.

Nasr also reiterated the necessity that UN programs should focus on the most poor areas, pointing out that its partnering with the UN to do so comes at a very critical and strategic timing for Egypt.

Priority in the coming phase will be directed to development of the most needy areas especially in Upper Egypt and Sinai, Nasr noted.