The Ministry of International Cooperation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) celebrated the achievements of the ‘Egypt Network for Integrated Development’ (ENID) through its first fashion show. 

A number of talented fashion designers exhibited their latest collections, which were inspired by the local artisanal heritage of each region in Egypt and also reflected the culture and traditions of the various governorates.

The event witnessed the signature of the new project “Egypt Network for Integrated Development (ENID) – Expanded interventions in support of Hayah Karima” at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. The keynote speaker of this event was  Dr. Rania Al Mashaat, Minister of International Cooperation and UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt Alessandro Fracassetti and Dr. Heba Handoussa, ENID Director. 

The new project aims to contribute to three main pillars under the “Hayah Karima” initiative: “Human Development”, “Social Integration”, and “Economic Empowerment”. It focuses on integrating with national initiatives, including Hayah Karima (Decent Life), knowledge sharing and and new digital solutions such as e-learning and e-marketing.

As part of this new project, supporting the development of value chains and productive clusters will further boost employment and productivity in the South of Egypt. ENID project contributes to the initiative by introducing an integrated development approach that has been tested and validated in the context of Upper Egypt during the past years. 

The event also included ENID’s first Fashion show that introduced a new brand called ‘Hoopoe’ and a live handicrafts exhibition that displayed the outcome of several years of design, training and marketing along the principles of Fair Trade.

In his opening remarks, UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt Alessandro Fracassettii expressed UNDP’s appreciation for the valuable partnership with the Ministry of International Cooperation and the Ministry of Social Solidarity in bringing about positive change, innovation and sustainable transformation in Egypt. He added: “This project is a comprehensive, area-based integrated development initiative aimed to address some of the key challenges faced by women and youth.”

To date, ENID has significantly promoted sustainable economic and social progress in Qena, Luxor and Sohag. These interventions have benefited 21,000 women, men and youth through training and creating job opportunities.  

ENID’s interventions are in line with national and global development strategies. They cover nine SDGs and more than 30 indicators, focusing on poverty alleviation, gender equality and women’s empowerment.

ENID is supported by the Government of Japan, the Embassy of the Netherlands and the Embassy of Sweden, UK Aid (DFID), the Sawiris Foundation, the Big Heart Foundation, Italian Cooperation, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Global Water Challenge, and Oxfam.