As prepared for delivery

Dear Ministers,

Dear partners,

Ladies and gentlemen, 

On behalf of the United Nations Development Programme, it is a great pleasure to welcome you to this year’s Annual Green Growth Conference.

We are meeting at a critical time. The world faces significant challenges, from political and social unrest to the impacts of climate change. Yet, these challenges also bring opportunities. 

By working together, sharing ideas, and taking action, we can create a greener, fairer future that benefits everyone.

I want to begin by thanking our partners in the Government of Egypt. Special thanks go to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources, the Ministry of Environment, and MSMEDA. Your dedication and leadership make this important work possible.

I also want to express our gratitude to the Danish Government and the Danish Arab Partnership Programme. Your support, along with contributions from international and private-sector partners—including Plan International, banks, and telecom companies—has been instrumental in advancing green growth.

This conference demonstrates what is possible when diverse groups—governments, businesses, civil society, academia, and young leaders—come together with a shared vision.

Today, we will hear from the inspiring enterprises graduating from the Green Growth Accelerator Program. These young innovators are proving how sustainable businesses can drive meaningful change.

We are also proud to announce the next phase of the Danish-Egyptian Dialogue Initiative. This partnership will help further promote a circular economy, and foster youth-driven innovation.

Our goals for today are ambitious, but they must be if we are to achieve progress quickly.

Launching the National Green Taskforce and unveiling the Digital Learning Platform marks a significant step toward integrating sustainability into Egypt s economy and society.

Through workshops, discussions, and the recognition of youth ambassadors, we aim to exchange ideas and inspire action. 

Together, we will explore solutions for green and circular economies, sustainable investments, and digital innovation to tackle the pressing challenges of our time.

The Sustainable Development Goals remind us that sustainability is about more than protecting the environment. It is about empowering people, supporting businesses, and building partnerships that connect communities, countries, and industries.

As we look to the future, let us stay focused on collaboration and practical solutions. 

UNDP remains fully committed to supporting Egypt’s green transition. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities and ensure that no one is left behind.

Thank you once again for being here today. 

Your support and partnership are what make this work possible. 

I look forward to the ideas and collaborations that will emerge from today’s discussions.