Supporting innovation to overcome complex challenges such as pandemics, climate change, food insecurity, and wars is today’s priority. To promote the use of strategic innovation, the Ministry of International Cooperation, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Egypt held the ‘Strategic Innovations for Structural Transformations’ conference.

The conference participants highlighted the many benefits of strategic innovation, as well as global and local best practices. They also highlighted the importance of organizations becoming more resilient to cope effectively with unexpected events, bounce back from crises, and ensure future successes.

The conference included a panel discussion by key speakers from different sectors, who focused on the role of strategic innovation in overcoming challenges such as climate change, food insecurity and global pandemics. Other panel discussions covered entrepreneurship and leading responsive and adaptable organizations.

A ministerial panel brought H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, H.E. Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Mrs. Nevine Gamea, Executive Director of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency and Alessandro Fracassetti, Resident Representative, UNDP Egypt, moderated by Dr. Abeer Shawkeer, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative for Inclusive Growth and Innovation.

“Given the complex challenges of the world today, strategic innovation for a human-centered, agile, and impact-driven recovery is crucial in accelerating progress towards sustainable development, that is in line with the Government of Egypt’s national objectives” said Minister of International Cooperation H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat. “It is also imperative to put emphasis on the critical role of technology and innovative solutions in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and in building resilience to the impacts of climate change, particularly in Africa, and given the global economic and food security challenges. Through international cooperation with the country’s many development partners, such as the UNDP, we are committed to increasing stakeholder engagement and developing strategic frameworks within which we can increase knowledge-sharing and South-South Cooperation opportunities, enhancing global resilience and preparedness to potential shocks” H.E. Al-Mashat added.

In his opening remarks, Alessandro Fracassetti, UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt emphasized that embedding strategic innovation in all efforts is key for a sustainable future saying: “We have less than ten years to achieve all 17 SDGs, thus speed is of the essence. Adopting integrated and innovative solutions is the only way we will be able to build a greener, more inclusive and more prosperous future.” He added: “By fostering partnerships, focusing on strategic innovations and collectively investing in building global public goods, we can help contribute to a fairer and more sustainable future for all and take another step further to delivering on the promise of Agenda 2030.”