LocationsEU-UNDP PARTNERSHIP: FROM MINES TO MILESTONES
May 9, 2024
In today’s world, emergencies and conflicts are rife, impacting countries amidst pervasive global challenges, ranging from geopolitical tensions to economic uncertainties.
Addressing such complexities requires collaborative efforts; no single country or organization can tackle them alone.
Europe Day is an opportunity to reflect on a 20+ year partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union (EU). This collaboration has significantly contributed to improving lives in Egypt.
The EU stands as a stalwart supporter and major partner of UNDP’s global initiatives. Over two decades, the UNDP-EU partnership has evolved, working together in over 100 countries to amplify voices, enhance livelihoods, and promote local solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Rooted in shared values enshrined in the UN charter, the EU-UNDP partnership strategically addresses pressing societal issues.
In Egypt, joint efforts focus on advancing the SDGs, encompassing environmental sustainability, capacity building, institutional strengthening, and empowerment of women and youth, to leave no one behind.
Working alongside the Government of Egypt and local stakeholders, our initiatives aim for inclusive growth, sustainability, and community resilience. Europe Day serves as a reminder of the years of dedicated partnership between UNDP and the EU.
“In the face of global challenges, international cooperation is crucial for addressing poverty, inequality, and climate change. Over the past two decades, the EU-UNDP partnership has played a pivotal role in advancing Agenda 2030 in Egypt. This partnership is an example of how working together can create grounds for a sustainable future.” Alessandro Fracassetti, UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt
SOCIAL INCLUSION: EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
In the realm of social inclusion, joint efforts have addressed critical socio-cultural issues across Egypt.
Initiatives like the ‘Wa’ai Programme for Community Development’ target challenges such as child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation, while advocating for healthcare, education, and economic empowerment for the most vulnerable communities.
Our partnership with the Ministry of Social Solidarity has led to the establishment of the first ever National Social Observatory in Egypt, enhancing social protection schemes and driving socio-economic development. The National Social Observatory collects vital data on vulnerable families, particularly beneficiaries of programmes like Takaful and Karama, informing policymaking and facilitating responsive interventions by MOSS to ensure program effectiveness over time. By training 3,200 social workers from 15 governorates, we support the outreach and impact of the National Social Observatory. These social workers are the cornerstone of support for social protection issues.
Addressing urgent humanitarian crises, such as the influx of Sudanese refugees into Egypt has been another priority, offering vital support to vulnerable populations. Since the Sudan conflict began, nearly 500,000 people have fled to Egypt. In response, we have provided 27 tons of essential healthcare supplies at Egypt’s southern border, to support both Sudanese refugees and host communities in need.
SUPPORTING A JUST AND GREEN TRANSITION TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENT ECONOMY IN EGYPT
Both UNDP and the EU are dedicated to bolstering climate action, crucial for meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. We supported Sharm El Sheikh's Green Vision during the COP27 Presidency and implemented a series of initiatives aimed at advancing environmental sustainability in the region.
One key focus of our collaboration has been the elimination of single-use plastics, coupled with a swift transition towards cleaner energy sources. This transition has been facilitated by the installation of solar panels in strategic locations across Sharm El Sheikh. Notable installations include a large solar car shed at Sharm Museum, boasting a total capacity of 280 KW, smaller car sheds with a combined capacity of 100 kW, and a rooftop solar power station at the Sharm Convention Center, the venue that hosted the COP in Egypt, with a capacity of 1 MW.
Additionally, our initiatives reach protected areas such as Ras Mohamed, where the renowned Ras Mohamed Laboratory Center has successfully transitioned to solar energy. This transition, backed by the EU-funded COP27 Presidency project implemented by UNDP, highlights our commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
ADVANCING MINE ACTION EFFORTS
With funding from the EU and in collaboration with the Ministry of International Cooperation, UNDP has fully supported mine action efforts in Egypt. From 2007 to 2019, our tireless work has focused on clearing landmines and unexploded remnants of war, removing threats to communities and fostering socio-economic development. In the North-West Coast region alone, over 1,950 KM2 of land has been cleared, resulting in the creation of more than 270,000 job opportunities and the establishment of the region's first artificial limbs center.
"We wanted to prove that we really can work and be productive. The evidence is our actual work and not words on paper; this is why people trusted us. The landmine destroyed my leg in a blink of an eye, yet my determination helped me achieve my dreams," - Abdallah El Shehaby, Head of Mine Victims Association for Development and landmine victim
These achievements underscore our commitment to mine action and its pivotal role in ensuring the safety and prosperity of communities.
Looking ahead, we remain committed in our mission to promote inclusive growth, advance social protection, and build resilient communities -- a partnership for people and planet, that will leave no one behind.
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