Cairo: Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Rania Mashat, engaged in discussions with Executive Director of UNICEF, Catherine Russell, focusing on the joint development priorities between Egypt and UNICEF. The discussions were anchored in the Egypt-UN Strategic Partnership Framework for Sustainable Development Cooperation 2023-2027.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the meeting occurred at the end of Mashat's participation in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9). The talks underscored the significance of TICAD9 in fortifying relations between Japan and African nations, while fostering multilateral partnerships with international financial institutions and development partners to propel the continent's development agenda and address prevailing challenges.
Mashat highlighted that the discussions centered on UNICEF's 2023-2027 program, which aims to support the Egyptian government's initiatives to broaden services for children. This involves ensuring a safe childhood through health, nutrition, and development, thereby enhancing children's prospects for a better future. Additionally, the two parties reviewed ongoing efforts in preparing Egypt's upcoming National Human Development Report, which showcases the country's consistent progress on the Human Development Index over the past two decades.
Egypt has transitioned from the 'medium' human development category to 'high' human development, ranking 100 out of 193 countries in 2023, marking an advancement of five positions compared to 2021. The discussions also addressed enhancing South-South and trilateral cooperation, particularly in the context of TICAD9, and discussed Egypt's experience in fostering inclusive and sustainable economic development to cater to the needs of the most vulnerable groups.
The Minister stated that they examined mechanisms for implementing activities aimed at economically empowering vulnerable groups, along with UNICEF's role in supporting the Egyptian government's execution of the Integrated National Financing and Sustainability Strategy. This strategy, developed in collaboration with UNDP and ESCWA, offers a national framework for sustainable development and financing until 2030. It aids in identifying development gaps at the sector level and in improving resource allocation to priority sectors.
Mashat also mentioned that the discussions covered one of Egypt's major national initiatives, "Shabab Balad" (Youth of the Country), which is the Egyptian adaptation of the international 'Generation Unlimited' initiative. Launched during the World Youth Forum in Egypt in 2022, it is the first national, multi-stakeholder platform in the Middle East and North Africa, aimed at empowering youth and integrating them into sustainable development plans.
The talks further included Egypt's efforts to localize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under Egypt Vision 2030, and UNICEF's role in supporting government efforts to ensure access to essential services for the most vulnerable populations.