Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry headed for New York on Saturday 16/09/2023 to represent Egypt in the high-level segment of the United Nations General Assembly meetings (UNGA 78), held during the period from September 18 to 26, 2023, under the theme: "Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all" with the participation of presidents, kings, prime ministers and leaders of the 193 member states.

The General Assembly is the main policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations. It is composed of representatives of all Member States of the UN, which meet in sessions dedicated to discussions on current issues of critical importance to the international community.

This year's session of the General Assembly is of particular importance, as it is held with the aim of enhancing joint work towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, in a way that achieves peace, prosperity and development for all, especially in light of the interconnected global challenges that will affect the pace of achieving those goals.

Agenda of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

On September 23, Shoukry is scheduled to deliver Egypt's speech to the United Nations General Assembly.

Shoukry's agenda also features high-level summits and events of particular importance, including the Sustainable Development Goals Summit and the Climate Ambition Summit.

The Egyptian top diplomat will preside over the Transitional Committee on Loss and Damage ministerial conference, as well as the Global Counter-Terrorism Forum, which Egypt co-chairs with the European Union.

Shoukry will speak before the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) and the US Council on Foreign Relations and meet with officials from the World Economic Forum.

Minister Shoukry is expected to attend the Future Summit preparatory ministerial meeting, the coordination meeting of Arab foreign ministers, and the ministerial meeting of Sudan's neighbouring countries, as well as the ministerial meeting to support the humanitarian response in Sudan and the region, which Egypt organizes in collaboration with several international partners.

Also, Shoukry will participate in the Conference of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Ministerial Meeting of the Peacebuilding Committee, the Tripartite Meeting (Egypt-Cyprus-Greece), and the Palestinian Aid Coordination Committee (AHLC) meeting, in addition to the European/Arab Ministerial Meeting.

Sunday: September 17, 2023

The Minister of International Cooperation H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat headed to New York to participate in the Climate Ambition Summit within the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as part of a high-level Egyptian delegation.

The summit represents an important step towards strengthening the global will to accelerate the pace and scale of a just transition towards a renewable energy based and climate-resilient global economy. The summit will be held with the participation of António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the UN.

The Climate Ambition Summit comes within the framework of the activities of the 2023 United Nations GA, which are held under the theme “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all”.

The participation of the Arab Republic of Egypt in the Climate Ambition Summit comes as an affirmation of the successive steps taken by the country to advance climate action and enhance development and green transformation efforts, especially in light of Egypt’s presidency of the United Nations Climate Conference COP27, and the effective measures that have been taken. A key example is the launch of the national platform “NWFE”, which is a model for national platforms aimed at mobilizing climate finance from multilateral and bilateral development partners and stimulating private sector participation in financing mitigation and adaptation projects to climate change.

Moreover, the Minister’s participation in high-level meetings of the United Nations coincides with the completion of the Egypt - United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027, launched last May, establishing a new phase of constructive cooperation between the government and organizations. and UN agencies in Egypt to advance multilateral cooperation efforts and implement the SDGs.

In tandem, the Minister will participate in many high-level events and hold many bilateral meetings with multilateral and bilateral development partners, including the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) “Sustainable Development Impact Meetings” from September 18 to 22. This is held to coincide with the UNGA and includes the participation of decision-makers, politicians, business community leaders and governments from various countries of the world, to accelerate progress towards the SDGs in light of the changes and challenges that the world is going through.

Within the framework of following up on the implementation of the WEF initiative to enhance the role of philanthropic organizations in climate action: Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA), launched at the Davos Forum at the beginning of this year, the Minister of International Cooperation participates in a high-level session alongside the leaders of the WEF and representatives of the government and private sectors and philanthropic organizations on developments of the initiative and its integration with the national platform for green projects, the “NWFE” program. The initiative is based on basic pillars, including comprehensive solutions to enhance climate action, preserve the environment, support inclusion, cooperation between the government and private sectors and non-profit organizations, and mobilize new capital.

The Minister is also participating in the high-level dialogue on “Financing for Development” for the year 2023, within the activities of the high-level week of the 78th UNGA themed “Financing the SDGs for a World Where No One is Left Behind”. This is being held in light of the successive global crises and economic challenges that pose a threat to financing the SDGs.

In confirmation of Egyptian leadership and its role in promoting climate action and the leadership it showed at COP27, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) are hosting Al-Mashat, along with a high-level group of speakers and government representatives, at the headquarters of the Permanent Mission of Germany at the UN, in a high-level event titled “Building the Economies of the Future: The Power of Investing in NDCs and LTS to Deliver the Paris Agreement and the SDGs.”

The speakers are scheduled to review the role of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and long-term financing to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, and the importance of financing for the transition towards clean energy and expanding the scope of nature-based solutions. During her participation, the Minister will present Egypt’s efforts to implement the Paris Climate Agreement and the SDGs, the experience of launching the NWFE platform, and the importance of the debt swap mechanism to enhance climate action and development.

The various sessions in which the Minister of International Cooperation participates will also witness a review of the most important initiatives of the climate conference, the most important of which is the issuance of the Sharm El-Sheikh Guidebook for Just Financing, which enhances international efforts to mobilize climate finance.

Additionally, the Minister will speak at the high-level round table organized by the Glasgow Financial Alliance (GFANZ), the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, about mobilizing private investments to enhance climate action in emerging markets and developing countries. H.E. will also participate in the advisory board meeting of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), as well as the Advisory Board of the UN initiative Generation Unlimited (GenU), to discuss preparing new generations for green and digital transformation.

During the activities, the Ministry of International Cooperation, in cooperation with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), will organize a meeting of the advisory committee to increase the financial value of climate change adaptation projects.

The Minister of International Cooperation will also participate in the celebration organized by the Women Political Leader (WPL) Foundation, in the presence of prominent women leaders from various countries of the world and government officials, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of its founding, and in celebration of its role in enhancing women’s empowerment efforts and increasing their influence globally.

In the same context, the Minister participates in the round table on the Advisory Council for the Climate Policy Initiative, and H.E. will also participate in a roundtable discussion to increase support for young entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries, organized by UNICEF, UNDP and the UNICEF, UNDP, Tony Elumelu Foundation, specializing in entrepreneurship in Africa to promote economic growth, eradicate poverty and enhance employment opportunities.

Monday 18 Sep 2023

As a member of Egypt's official delegation, Dr. Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, Minister of Health and Population, headed to the United States on Monday morning to attend the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York State.

the Minister will participate in the opening session of the Assembly, in addition to attending in a number of meetings and discussion sessions since the health issue is one of the most important ones to be discussed during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, pointing out that the discussions include the session of "Expanding Local Manufacturing of Health Products and Technologies" and the " Regional Vaccine Manufacturing Collaborative" hosted by the World Economic Forum, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, and the World Bank.

Moreover, the minister will attend many other meetings and sessions, namely, the high-level meeting on universal health coverage, the second meeting of the Global Group of Heads of State and Government for the Prevention and Control of NCDs, the session on universal health coverage and bridging the survival gap in childhood cancer, the meeting of the UN Group of Friends to Eliminate Hepatitis, and the high-level meeting on tuberculosis.

Abdul-Ghaffar pointed out that these meetings will provide a historic opportunity to put health at the forefront of their political concerns while recommitting to ending tuberculosis, providing universal health coverage, and strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness and response to achieve health-related goals by 2030.

Activities of Egypt’s Participation

Monday 18 Sep 2023

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry headed the Egyptian delegation at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Summit, which opened its proceedings at the UN’s premises in New York, in the presence of Dr. Hala Al-Saeed, Minister of Planning and Economic Development.

Shoukry delivered a speech, in which he stressed the importance of the global commitment to accelerating the pace of achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in light of successive international crises, which hindered the international development path over the past years.

He underlined the need of taking swift steps to enhance the capabilities of the multilateral development banks to provide the necessary development financing, in accordance with the national priorities of developing countries.

In this respect, Shoukry reviewed Egypt’s priorities and efforts in implementing its development agenda “Egypt Vision 2030”, including “Decent Life” initiative.

He also asserted that Egypt gives top priority to attaining human development, especially in the health and education spheres, as well as increasing women’s participation in the labour market, enhancing the participation of the private sector in the business, industrial and all other economic and development activities in the Egyptian market, and setting criteria to put an end to poverty by 2027.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala El-Saied participated in a session entitled “Local 2030 Coalition: Pushing key transitions and achieving the SDGs by 2030”, which was held as a part of the weekend events on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), on the sidelines of the UN Summit on SDGs which is held from 17-19 September in New York.

El-Saied pointed out Egypt’s efforts towards localizing the SDGs, noting the significance of the evidence-based policies to impactfully implement the SDGs. She alluded to the fact that three Egyptian governorates prepared their first voluntary local reviews in 2023 to assess the progress made in achieving the SDGs at the governorate level, in addition to launching the Egyptian competitiveness index at the governorate level this year with the aim of improving productivity and raising the efficiency of local institutions.

The Minister added that development plans can only be achieved with sound financial planning, explaining that this was reflected in the formulation of a financing equation according to a set of criteria for allocating resources to various governorates in an objective manner. 

El-Saied touched on the Decent Life initiative as part of the Egyptian efforts that were launched to improve the quality of life for rural communities in Egypt. Over 3 years, 17% of the population living in 1,500 villages have benefited from the Initiative, at a total cost of about 350 billion pounds, she explained.

El-Saied added that Egypt, in partnership with a number of African countries and international organizations, launched the Decent Life for Climate Resilient Africa Initiative during Egypt's presidency of the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27).

Concluding her speech, El-Saied stressed the need to pay great attention to localization, as two-thirds of the SDGs cannot be achieved without the participation of the local government, confirming that Egypt has included localization within its national commitments to expedite the achievement of the SDGs.

The Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Dr. Hala El-Said, participated in a session entitled: "The High-Impact Initiative on UN Digital Public Infrastructure" organized by the United Nations Development Program and the International Telecommunication Union as part of the activities of the UN Sustainable Development Goals Summit. 

The meeting was attended by Achim Steiner, Director of the United Nations Development Program, Doreen Martin, Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union, and Esther Dueck, Minister of Public Administration and Innovation of Brazil. 

In her speech, Dr. Hala El-Saied noted that the world is witnessing a digital transformation revolution, and that Egypt understands that digital public infrastructure is essential to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Plan, as Egypt's Vision 2030 recognizes that communication and information systems are. essential parts of the infrastructure. 

El-Saied added that to achieve this goal, Egypt's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has begun to build "Digital Egypt", a comprehensive vision and plan that lays the foundation for transforming Egypt into a digital society through digital transformation and improvement. 

Egypt proved to be an important data corridor at the international level, and to maintain this position, the international infrastructure was modernized and expanded, in addition to increasing the establishment of data centers, efforts were made to strengthen the infrastructure. at the national level, including strengthening mobile phone networks and services. 

From an institutional perspective, El-Saied referred to the establishment of the National Payment Council and the Supreme Council of the Digital Society to support the integration of databases and provide automated services to citizens and various entities. In addition, an electronic payment system and electronic public procurement and contracts were introduced to simplify contracting procedures and increase transparency, and fixed and mobile technology centers were established in the provinces to facilitate the delivery of services to citizens. Digitization of public services has played a key role in increasing the targeting of eligible beneficiaries under social protection programs. 

El-Saied added that Egypt's digital electronic platform offers better, wider, and more efficient access to a wide range of public services provided in cooperation with service providers.  Another important part of digital public infrastructure is its role in addressing the urgent global problem of climate change. 

This will facilitate the exchange of information needed to develop solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change and empower communities to prepare and respond more quickly to extreme weather events. 

Digital public infrastructure also contributes to the country's journey to a greener future by digitizing management processes, developing smart infrastructure, integrating clean energy sources, engaging citizens, and creating innovative waste management solutions.  

The Minister of Planning and Economic Development concluded his speech by underlining Egypt's commitment to achieve significant progress and widespread adoption of information and communication technology systems, connecting all geographic areas to the Internet and related services. In addition, Egypt aims to increase the reliance on big data and artificial intelligence in all sectors and to improve the availability and development of these modern technologies in all parts of society to bridge the digital divide and ensure the transition to a digital society.

The Ministerial Meeting to discuss ways of reviving the Middle East Peace Process

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78) in New York, which was co-hosted by the European Union, the Arab League, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan.

Shoukry stressed that a just peace is the only basis for achieving integration, cooperation, and coexistence in the Middle East.

The Egyptian foreign minister also reiterated Egypt's commitment to supporting peace efforts in the region, noting that Egypt was the first Arab country to sign a peace treaty with Israel in 1979.

He also highlighted Egypt's support for subsequent peace efforts, including the Oslo Accords and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Furthermore, Shoukry emphasized that further efforts in that direction must be grounded in a two-state solution which culminates in establishing an independent, viable, and territorially contiguous Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He also praised the efforts of Saudi Arabia, the Arab League, and the European Union to revive the Arab Peace Initiative, noting Egypt's cooperation with Jordan to support these efforts.

The Egyptian foreign minister concluded his speech by calling for the international community to take responsibility for creating a favourable environment for peace.

Moreover, Shoukry called on Israel to stop unilateral actions that forestall the peace process. He also urged Israel to fulfil the commitments made at the Aqaba-Sharm El-Sheikh meetings.

Tuesday 19 Sep 2023

“Preparedness, and Response to Any Disease Pandemics in the Future” Session

Minister of Health and Population Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar participated in the session entitled: “Preparedness, and Response to Any Disease Pandemics in the Future,” organised by the Africa Center for Disease Control and Control (Africa CDC) on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Egyptian Health Minister said that the COVID-19 pandemic revealed the importance of diversifying sources of vaccines to ensure equitable access for all people and to secure the global health situation.

Abdel Ghaffar explained that the data indicates the magnitude of the African health products market, which amounted to $28bn in 2021 with an expected growth rate of 5.5% annually during the next five years. Diagnostic devices and medical devices currently represent about 7% of the market, with a value of up to $1.9bn.

The minister said that with vaccines obtaining the smallest share of the African health products market, which is estimated at 5% with a value of $1.3bn, the lessons learned from COVID-19, which highlighted the importance of diversifying sources of vaccines, must be taken into account.

He stressed Egypt’s awareness of the importance of local production as an element of ensuring access to medicines and placing public health as a priority. 

He noted that it also recognises the importance of commercial aspects, opportunities and challenges related to intellectual property, transfer and localization of technology, and enabling countries to fulfil their responsibility towards protecting the true right to health.

He asserted that Egypt is aware of the importance of fulfilling its responsibility to protect the right to health and is focusing on localising the production of medicines and other health technologies, including raw materials, to cover local needs and export purposes, while ensuring quality, safety, effectiveness, and affordability.

He added that Egypt is working to achieve regional integration in the interest of equitable access for all, pointing out that achieving these goals requires benefiting from partnerships between the public and private sectors, through which multiple pillars can be achieved to enhance the local manufacturing of health products and technologies.

"Economic Perspective and Agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals" Session

Dr. Hala El-Said, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, attended the session entitled: "Economic Perspective and Agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals" organized by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

In her speech, Dr. Hala El-Saied explained that the world is currently facing unprecedented challenges that have had a great impact on various economic sectors, especially in developing and middle-income countries, because these challenges have caused high inflation. 

El-Saied noted that success in the implementation of the economic reform program and the existence of a financial situation during the confrontation of the COVID-19 pandemic helped Egypt to deal with these challenges, which helped to overcome the negative effects of the pandemic. 

El-Saied referred to the launch of a national restructuring program. The program focuses on improving the business environment, making Egypt's economy more resilient, and paving the way for a productive economy with competitive advantages that support the economy's ability to achieve balance and sustainable economic growth.  

The Minister of Planning and Economic Development emphasized the importance of the issue of food security in Egypt and the focus on the real side of the economy and showed pillars that support structural reforms, which include increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the labor market, as well as the development of technical education and the vocational training system.  Regarding Egypt's economic outlook for 2024; Dr. Hala El-Saied said that 4 percent growth is expected, but the most important thing is where this growth will come from, pointing to sectors achieving positive growth, which include tourism, agriculture, construction, and logistics fields.

In other words, growth comes from different sectors, which partially solves the problem of unemployment when the unemployment rate is 7%.  

Regarding the localization of sustainable development goals, the Minister of Planning emphasized the importance of localization and the fact that approximately 65% of international sustainable development goals must be implemented at the local level. 

El-Saied referred to the Decent Life initiative, which aims to improve the lives of citizens in rural areas, which make up more than 59 percent of Egypt's population, as an example of the localization of sustainability goals, because the initiative provides quality services in various sectors such as sanitation and clean water supply.

El-Saied added that the "Decent Life for Climate Resilient Africa" initiative was launched during COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh under the Egyptian presidency, supported by several international organizations United. Organizations of nations and some African countries. 

El-Saied also referred to the investment department of the Egyptian government, the Egyptian State Fund, which offers various investment opportunities to national and foreign investors, focusing on implementing the government's strategy to attract investments from the Egyptian and foreign private sectors. 

Regarding the digital and technological divide between men and women in developing countries, Dr. Hala El-Saied emphasized the importance of closing this gap and referred to the initiative "She is for the Digital Future" through the National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development” (NIGSD) - the education department of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, which focuses on capacity building. 

She also referred to the Green Minds initiative, which aims to make schoolchildren aware of climate change.  El-Said also emphasized the importance of the climate agenda, citing recent floods in Libya, an earthquake in Morocco, heat waves in India, and a cyclone in Pakistan.  

El-Saied explained that developing countries spend about 5% of their GDP to adapt to climate change, and according to recent estimates from the United Nations Environmental Report, developing countries need $150-300 billion to adapt.  

Dr. Hala El-Saied concluded her speech by emphasizing the importance of investing in people to realize the true prosperity of any country, especially developing countries, to fight against climate change, emphasizing that finance is an integral part of the climate.

High-Level Meeting of the Friends of the Global Development Initiative (GDI)

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry participated in the high-level meeting of the Friends of the Global Development Initiative (GDI).

The meeting was held by China on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Shoukry affirmed that multilateralism and development cooperation are the keys to facing global economic crises and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry stressed that simultaneous crises in food security, energy, public debt, and human displacement, are significantly hindering efforts towards the SDGs.

The FM also noted that these challenges cannot be addressed individually, but require a global response based on multilateralism and cooperative development.

Shoukry commended the GDI for its key role in promoting international cooperation, particularly between developing countries, and supporting the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

He hailed the successes of GDI projects, particularly in agriculture and e-commerce, for their benefits to the Global South.

Shoukry outlined Egypt's vision for developing countries to use agricultural development and trade to eradicate poverty and acquire the capabilities needed to achieve the SDGs.

The foreign minister also noted that Egypt has firmly supported the GDI since its launch in 2021.

Wednesday 20 Sep. 2023

High-level Meeting on “Giving to Amplify Earth Action” (GAEA) Initiative

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, participated in a high-level meeting chaired by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, and Mr. Klaus Schwab, Chairman of the World Economic Forum, to follow up on the implementation steps of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) “Giving to Amplify Earth Action” (GAEA) initiative, aiming to catalyze comprehensive partnerships between the government, private and philanthropic organizations to drive climate action.

The initiative was first announced at the COP27 climate conference, and then officially launched at the Davos events at the beginning of this year, by the WEF, in cooperation with more than 45 partners, and McKinsey Sustainability as a knowledge partner. The initiative catalyzes comprehensive partnerships between the government, private and philanthropic organizations to unlock $3 trillion in financing needed annually to achieve equitable solutions to advance climate action, advance net zero and restore biodiversity by 2050.

Mr. Badr Jaaar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises and Special Representative for Business and Charity at COP28, participated in the meeting. Many representatives of governments, philanthropic organizations, and the private sector also participated, including the European Commission and representatives of the governments of Gabon, the Philippines, and Germany, Norway, Indonesia, Tanzania, Barbados, Ghana, the UAE, Colombia, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the African Development Bank (AfDB),  the United Nations, the World Bank, and Colombia, in addition to the Rockefeller Foundation, the IKEA Foundation, the Bezos Land Fund, and the Bezos Foundation, Hoffman Family, Unilever, Apple, HSBC, BlackRock, Google and other institutions.

Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah and Mr. Klaus Schwab, Chairman of the WEF spoke about the importance of the initiative to maximize partnerships and mobilize funds based on shared responsibilities and the implementation of climate pledges. Mr. Badr Jafar also pointed out the importance of the initiative in light of the UAE’s hosting of the COP28 climate conference, which aims to enhance the role of philanthropic institutions.

Al-Mashat focused on reviewing the integration between the national platform for green projects, the “NWFE” program, and the GAEA initiative, in order to develop models of partnerships with philanthropic organizations to advance innovative solutions for climate action, stressing the importance of the strategic role that it can play by engaging stakeholders and policy makers to benefit from the great potential for cross-party integration to provide climate finance.

The Minister referred to the pillars of the “NWFE” program and the efforts made with multilateral and bilateral development partners since the launch of the platform, in order to mobilize investments for projects to mitigate and adapt to climate change. H.E. also pointed out the initiative launched by the Egyptian Presidency of the Climate Change Conference COP27 to promote equitable finance through the “Sharm El Sheikh Guidebook for Just Financing”, which consolidates the idea of comprehensive partnerships and defines the roles of all relevant parties to mobilize climate finance and reach net zero.

The event witnessed discussions on activating the initiative by applying it to the “NWFE” program, which is a model for national platforms aimed at promoting climate action and mobilizing investments, to integrate philanthropic organizations in efforts to mobilize climate finance, and to create comprehensive partnerships that unleash the potential and capabilities of relevant entities.

More on the Initiative: https://initiatives.weforum.org/giving-to-amplify-earth-action/home

World Economic Forum Initiative Meeting to support Local Manufacturing

Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar participated in the meeting of the World Economic Forum initiative to support local manufacturing, which was held on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The meeting discussed the challenges facing countries in the localization of pharmaceutical industries, vaccines, and mechanisms of cooperation between countries in the fields of research and development and technology transfer.  

Abdel Ghaffar added that the minister presented the capabilities of the Egyptian state, in terms of construction, roads, infrastructure, and human and research capabilities that qualify it to be a regional center for the manufacture of vaccines and medical diagnostics, with its human and logistical capabilities.

Abdel Ghaffar pointed out that the Minister of Health and Population reviewed the successful Egyptian experiences and experiences in cooperation with many leading countries in the manufacture of vaccines, the transfer of manufacturing technology, and safe storage, to achieve self-sufficiency, and work to open markets for export and contribute to providing the needs of countries.

Abdul Ghaffar added that the minister reviewed some examples of beneficial cooperation between the public and private sectors, as well as the support of the Ministry of Health and Population for cooperation between the local and international private sectors to achieve the maximum possible benefit for the Egyptian citizen and brothers in other countries.

“Challenges and Solutions to address Climate Health Crisis” Session

Minister of Health and Population Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar delivered a speech during his participation in the first session of the Challenges and Solutions to address the Climate Health Crisis meeting, which was held in cooperation with the World Bank, the Clinton Foundation, and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

At the outset, Abdel Ghaffar expressed his happiness for participating in this important session aimed at addressing one of the most current pressing issues, stressing that recognizing the relationship between health and climate change is a key factor in facing the threat of climate change. He also explained that rising temperatures, extreme weather, and the deuteriation of natural ecosystems globally, lead to a range of health concerns.

The Minister noted that heatwaves, forest fires, and hurricanes have become more frequent and severe, resulting in casualties, displacement, and the spread of infectious diseases. In addition, air pollution, water scarcity, and food insecurity exacerbate existing health issues and create new problems.

The minister pointed out the need to prioritize reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as the shift to renewable energy sources and the adoption of sustainable practices in sectors such as transport, agriculture, and industry will not only mitigate climate change but will also improve air quality and reduce health problems associated with pollution. Abdel Ghaffar also stressed that investing in clean technologies and supporting innovation will be crucial in achieving these goals. 

In this regard, the Minister expressed his pride that Egypt has launched the Green Hospitals initiative, which is a step towards promoting sustainable development in the healthcare sector by transforming healthcare facilities into environmentally friendly and energy-efficient buildings. Additionally, Abdel Ghaffar alluded to the fact that education and awareness play a vital role in addressing the climate health crisis, by understanding the links between climate change and health.

He stressed the possibility of bringing about positive change and finding solutions to the climate health crises with knowledge, technology, and collective will.

Concluding his speech, the Minister highlighted the importance of adopting a collective mindset and bringing about necessary changes to protect our planet and the well-being of future generations, calling for seizing this opportunity to pave the way towards a sustainable future for all.

High-Level Discussion Session entitled: "Building Sustainable Trust in a Fragmenting World”

The Minister of International Cooperation H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat participated in a high-level discussion session titled "Building Sustainable Trust in a Fragmenting World” within the World Economic Forum (WEF) Sustainable Development Impact Meetings in New York, held in conjunction with the 78th UN General Assembly.  

The session was chaired by the WEF’s President Børge Brende and also included the President and Chief Executive Officer, Yara International ASA, Svein Tore Holsether and the Special Representative of the European Union for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and Western Balkans, European Commission, Miroslav Lajčák. 

The session discussed developments in geopolitical challenges at the global level and their negative impact on economic, social and environmental priorities and their obstruction of efforts to achieve sustainable development.

During the dialogue, Al-Mashat noted that the current week includes high-level activities and two important summits, namely the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit, and also the Climate Ambition Summit, stressing the close relationship between them and the strong connection between development efforts and climate action. H.E. also noted that achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is only possible with a clear and purposeful climate agenda.

The Minister explained that when we talk about climate action, the issue of just financing emerges as a pivotal and important issue, especially for developing countries and emerging economies, stressing that these countries will not be able to achieve their climate ambitions without just financing at the qualitative and quantitative levels, which is sustainable and enhances South-South cooperation efforts, while supporting the ability to withstand climate change.

Al-Mashat identified 3 basic principles for just financing: ensuring access to quality and quantity finance to developing countries, the proper allocation of resources, and additionality of finance given the increasing cost of addressing climate change. 

The Minister stressed the recommendations of the G20 calling for developing the global system and the necessity of increasing financial flows through international multilateral financing institutions. At the same time, H.E. pointed out the importance of the responsibility placed on developing countries by creating the legislative environment and infrastructure to attract private sector investments, as well as preparing investable projects, and strengthening partnerships between the government and private sectors, as well as the need for just and innovative financing tools that enhance the private sector’s participation in projects. This was emphasized at the Glasgow conference, then the climate conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, and it will be addressed at the climate conference in the UAE.

Additionally, the Minister spoke about the launch of Egypt’s Country Platform for the NWFE program, a comprehensive platform for the private sector, development partners and philanthropic organizations to mobilize concessional development financing and climate investments, explaining that during the COP28, developments and efforts made over the course of the year will be presented. 

The Minister stated that Egypt has come a long way in transitioning to renewable energy and reducing dependence on traditional energy sources, noting that the country began in 2014 by taking a number of measures and structural reforms that stimulated private sector investments in the renewable energy sector, and resulted in many pivotal projects, most notably the Benban Solar Energy Complex, which also attracted blended financing that stimulated local and foreign private sector investments.

H.E. pointed out that in 2022, Egypt issued the National Strategy for Climate Change 2050 and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and then updated the contributions in 2023 to achieve its goal of reaching the percentage of renewable energy to 42% in 2030 instead of 2035, which confirms and reflects the government’s commitment in this regard. Al-Mashat stressed that the ambitious projects included in the “NWFE” program reinforce this commitment.

For his part, the President of the WEF applauded the development that has taken place in Egypt at the level of expansion of renewable energy projects, explaining that Egypt has many stories that can be focused on in the field of transition to renewable energy.

To rewatch the session: https://www.weforum.org/events/sustainable-development-impact meetings 2023/sessions/building-sustainable-trust-in-a-fragmenting-world

Ministerial Meeting to support the humanitarian response in Sudan and the Region

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry took part in a ministerial meeting held on the sidelines of the 78th Session of United Nations General Assembly in New York, with the chief aim of supporting the humanitarian response in the Sudan and the region.

The meeting was organised by Egypt, in co-operation with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the African Union, The European Union, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The event aimed to follow up the outcome of the High-level Pledging Event to Support the Humanitarian Response in Sudan and the Region, which was organised in June.

Addressing the meeting, Shoukry reiterated Egypt’s solidarity with the Sudanese people to overcome their crisis, as well as Cairo’s continued efforts to enable them to lead a decent life in a safe and stable country.

Reviewing Egypt’s political and humanitarian endeavours since the eruption of the crisis, mainly through the path of Sudan’s neighbouring countries, Shoukry said that Cairo is keen to carry on with providing urgent humanitarian aid to the Sudanese people.

He said that Egypt has so far received 310,000 Sudanese citizens, who were added to about five million already living in the country over decades.

Shoukry said that Sudan’s neighbours should not be left to bear the brunt alone, warning against escalating pressures and burdens on the public service sector in these countries, which is likely to aggravate vulnerability of the host communities, and threaten peaceful existence, prompting more illegal migration.

The 13th ministerial meeting of Global Counterterrorism Forum in New York

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry co-chaired the 13th Ministerial meeting of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell.

The meeting took place on the margins of the high-level week of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The Global Counterterrorism Forum is an informal, apolitical, multilateral counterterrorism platform. It is small, nimble, inclusive, and consensus-based. Its overarching mission is to reduce the vulnerability of people worldwide to terrorism by mobilizing expertise and resources to prevent, combat, and prosecute terrorist acts and counter incitement and recruitment to terrorism.

The Forum brings together policymakers and practitioners from around the world to share experiences and expertise, and to develop practical, publicly available tools and strategies on how to prevent and counter the evolving terrorist threat. The GCTF is currently co-chaired by Egypt and the European Union.

Shoukry shed light on the magnitude of suffering inflicted upon some peoples due to terrorism and its repercussions.

Shoukry warned against repeating past mistakes that led to providing terrorist groups with safe havens, enabling their members to move from one region to another. 

Shoukry underscored the need for consolidating international efforts to uproot terrorism, following innovative approaches that are in line with subsequent developments, while working for drying up the terror networks' sources of finance.

Shoukry also touched upon Egypt's comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, taking into account the security, economic, and social dimensions of the heinous phenomena.

High-Level Ministerial Meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for Coordinating International Aid to the Palestinian People (AHLC)

Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry participated in the high-level ministerial meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for Coordinating International Aid to the Palestinian People (AHLC).

Shoukry stressed "the important role played by the Contact Committee as one of the few internationally effective mechanisms in coordinating aid efforts between various parties - including the Palestinians and Israelis, based on a firm belief in the importance of supporting Palestine to achieve the two-state solution."

He further stressed the Egyptian side’s commitment to supporting the work of the committee, which it considers a fundamental pillar in the efforts aimed at fully implementing the Oslo Accords, which this year marks the thirtieth anniversary of their signing ceremony.

Shoukry stressed that supporting the Palestinian Authority is a basic and shared goal of international parties in order to save the two-state solution, which requires practical measures and procedures to be taken on this path, stressing the need for international donors to commit to continuing to support the Palestinian economy as well as the Palestinian brotherly people.

At the same time, he called on the Israeli authorities to remove all political, security and economic obstacles that weaken Palestinian institutions, and to refrain from adopting unilateral policies that undermine peace support efforts, especially settlement activities, as well as fulfilling the commitments and understandings that were reached in the course of Aqaba/Sharm El-Sheikh meetings in order to build appropriate momentum for the resumption of direct talks between the two parties.

Shoukry, also, referred to Egypt's commitment to continuing its efforts to reconstruct the Gaza Strip, and the tangible achievements achieved by Egyptian companies and the Palestinian workforce on this path, encouraging international donor parties in turn to renew their efforts in the reconstruction process.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs also stressed Egypt's firm commitment to alleviating the suffering of the brothers in Palestine on various economic and humanitarian levels, including mobilizing collective efforts, and through the Contact Committee. 

Thursday 21 Sep. 2023

High-Level Discussion Session on “Private Capital Mobilizations in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies”

Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, participated in a high-level discussion session on “Private Capital Mobilizations in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies”, organized by the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and COP28.

This took place in the presence of Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, IMF Director, Mr. Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, Mr. Sultan Al Jaber, President Designate of COP28, Mr. Mark Carney, GFANZ Chairman, and Mr. Mike Bloomberg, Chairman of Bloomberg Philanthropies, Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, climate pioneer for the Egyptian presidency of the COP27, and representatives of global investment banks and international institutions.

The session comes within the framework of international efforts to address investment risks and the high levels of external debt in emerging economies and developing countries, and their effects on development efforts, and to search for new methods of financing capable of curbing global crises to enhance sustainable financing for developing countries and emerging economies (EMDCs), to advance development efforts and reduce project risks, as well as to unleash climate finance in EMDCs to support the just, clean energy transition for climate action.

The Minister called on international financial institutions to follow a more comprehensive approach to mobilizing private investments in EMDCs, to pave the way for green transformation and climate action, explaining the need for the international community to realistically address the debt crisis and the contraction of the financial space of emerging markets.

Moreover, the Minister indicated that restructuring debt and alleviating its burdens should be an urgent priority to overcome development challenges and preserve the development gains achieved over the past decade, noting that the successive crises since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the food and energy crisis resulting from the Russian-Ukrainian war, have caused an increasing the debt burden in developing countries and eroding fiscal space.

Al-Mashat pointed to the report of the United Nations Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy and Finance issued in 2022, which revealed that 60% of the poorest countries in the world are already exposed to a debt crisis or at risk of one occurring in light of slow growth rates, high rates of inflation, and increasing interest rates. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) estimates external debt in developing countries at about $375 billion for 2020-2025.

The Minister stressed that the current global economic conditions emphasize the need to reconsider the structure of international financing in the medium and long term to mobilize investments on a large scale, while maximizing the effectiveness and efficiency of the current climate financing system, and the need to expand innovative financing mechanisms that can play an effective role in alleviating the debt burden on EMDCs, as well as pointing out the importance of the debt swap mechanism to enhance development efforts and climate action.

Al-Mashat added that, based on the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the “Sharm El-Sheikh Guidebook for Just Financing” has worked to reach a new perspective for a just, low-carbon transition that is in line with the development goals of EMDCs by presenting an implementable agenda for the relevant entities via innovative financing mechanisms and debt swaps for climate action, which Egypt has provided in a practical way through its country platform of the “NWFE” program, the nexus of  water, food and energy projects, which includes 9 projects in the areas of mitigation and adaptation within the priority projects of the National Country Climate Strategy 2050.

H.E. explained that generalizing the principles of just financing guarantees developing countries access to obtain financing, in addition to providing financing for the areas of mitigation and adaptation to climate change, and ensuring the availability of financing flows at the heart of development plans, noting that the guide provides a flexible and implementable framework for climate action in EMDCs, especially in Africa. It also defines the role required of relevant entities to transform financial commitments into implementable projects and utilize opportunities to benefit from available financial resources.

Additionally, H.E. stated that accelerating climate action and bridging the financing gap requires mobilizing financial resources and investments from various relevant entities, and benefiting from private capital, as well as grants and development financing facilitated by multilateral development banks, as well as philanthropic organizations, explaining that allocating all financial resources available from multilateral development banks represents less than 4% of what is needed to confront climate change in the areas of mitigation and adaptation, according to the World Bank.

The Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) Advisory Council meeting

As part of her participation in the meetings of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, participated in the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) Advisory Council meeting, which was held to discuss enhancing sustainable financing in developing countries, with the participation of the Capital Mobilization Steering Group. The meeting was hosted by the Energy, Environment and Water Council, where the Minister delivered the closing speech, reviewing the challenges facing climate financing in countries undergoing economic transformation, as well as the available opportunities.

The opening speech of the conference was delivered by Ms. Barbara Buchner, Global Managing Director of the CPI, and Dr. Arunabha Ghosh, CEO of the Energy, Environment and Water Council. The session also included Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP27, Ms. Rachel Kitty, member of the G20 Independent Expert Group on Strengthening Multilateral Development Banks, and other representatives of international institutions, climate action organizations and governments.

In her speech, the Minister spoke about the challenges the world is going through and their impact on developing countries and emerging economies, pointing to the state of global division as a result of the Russian-Ukrainian war, the tension in US-Chinese relations, and other global crises that exacerbated the challenges and caused a rise in energy and basic commodity prices, as well as challenges to supply chains and declining growth rates, pointing to the report of the United Nations Global Crisis Response Group, which indicated that more than 70 million people were affected by extreme poverty from 2019 to 2022 due to successive crises, in addition to about 180 million people who faced food crises in 2022. 

The Minister of International Cooperation indicated that the successive crises around the world had a negative impact on the economies of developing and emerging countries, causing their revenues to decrease by about $95 billion annually during 2022-2024, according to the expectations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the financing gap for sustainable development goals rose to $4.3 trillion. Annually from 2020 to 2025, according to a report by the United Nations Trade Conference (UNCTAD) and the International Monetary Fund, which represents a 70% increase from pre-coronavirus pandemic levels.

Moreover, the Minister indicated that the successive crises around the world had a negative impact on the economies of developing and emerging countries, causing their revenues to decrease by about $95 billion annually during 2022-2024, according to the expectations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the financing gap for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) rose to $4.3 trillion annually from 2020 to 2025, according to a report by the United Nations Trade Conference (UNCTAD) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which represents a 70% increase from pre-pandemic levels.

Al-Mashat added that despite the unprecedented increase in concessional development financing in 2020, it was not sufficient to achieve the development goals of developing countries that were affected by the COVID-10 pandemic. H.E. also pointed to the climate change crisis, which is adding great burdens to the entire world, especially developing countries and emerging economies.

H.E. noted the huge financing needs identified by the committee on financing for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which estimated climate financing needs for implementing nationally determined contributions are at about $5.9 trillion by 2030, noting that 60% of the needs included in those contributions have not been identified, especially given that the actual need for financing is much greater than that.

The Minister also stressed that the international community must generalize the principles of just financing, including to guarantee the right of developing countries to obtain just financing in quality and quantity, overcome challenges related to allocating financing to specific areas, increase funds directed to adaptation projects, and expand the use of the debt swap mechanism to enhance climate action to reduce burden, especially for developing countries and emerging economies. This includes the need to direct funding to climate projects that reduce emissions, promote the transition to a green economy, and stimulate infrastructure projects to withstand climate change.

H.E. stressed the importance of expanding the development of financing tools that enable various relevant entities to access new markets and reduce investment risks, including blended financing that stimulates the contribution of the private sector, as well as motivating philanthropic organizations to play a greater role in financing climate projects and mobilizing private investments. This is in addition to expanding concessional development financing, as well as increasing investment guarantees that reduce the risks of supporting mitigation or adaptation projects.

The Advisory Board of the CPI discussed the opportunities and challenges facing sustainable finance, the main initiatives for climate finance, and the roadmap for mobilizing capital and green investments, as they work to issue a series of reports supporting efforts to reform the international financial structure, with a focus on mobilizing capital and enhancing the innovative operating model of international financial institutions.

Pivotal Meeting of the World Economic Forum's initiative

Health Minister, Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, participated in a pivotal meeting of the World Economic Forum's initiative aimed at bolstering local manufacturing, on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Prominent attendees included Indonesia's Health Minister, Dr. Budi Gunadi Sadikin, representatives from the World Health Organization, the GAVI vaccine alliance, senior officials from the World Bank, the African Finance Bank, the Asian Finance Bank, and the Chairman of the CBEI Group.

The forum addressed challenges faced by nations in establishing a robust pharmaceutical and vaccine industry and discussed cooperative mechanisms between countries in areas of research, development, and technology transfer.

Egypt's Potential in the Pharma Sector:

Abdel Ghaffar showcased the capabilities of Egypt in terms of infrastructure, road networks, human and research capacities, which position the nation as a potential regional hub for the manufacturing of vaccines and medical diagnostic tools.

Egypt's vast human resources and logistic potentials further strengthen this proposition.

Overcoming Challenges and Ensuring Equitable Distribution:

In his address, Minister of Health and Population Khaled Abdel Ghaffar said Egypt welcomes a decision by the UN General Assembly to hold a high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, aiming to provide support for the ongoing efforts to formulate an international agreement in this regard.

Abdel Ghaffar touched upon strategies to overcome hindrances faced by countries and emphasized collaboration between relevant entities to ensure the safety and security of supply chains.

This is vital to meet the nations' needs and ensure fairness in the distribution of vaccines, medical equipment, and all pharmaceutical products.

Successful Collaborations and Future Endeavors:

The Health Minister shed light on Egypt's successful experiences in collaborating with leading countries in vaccine manufacturing, technology transfer, and secure storage, noting that this not only aims for self-sufficiency but also seeks to open export markets and help meet the requirements of other countries.

Dr. Abdel Ghaffar highlighted fruitful collaborations between public and private sectors, emphasizing the Ministry of Health and Population's support for partnerships between local and global private sectors. The ultimate goal? Maximizing benefits for Egyptian citizens and their counterparts in other nations.

The Annual Coordination Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the OIC Member States

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry participated in the Annual Coordination Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the OIC Member States, which was held on the sidelines of the meetings of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs indicated in his statement that convening the annual meeting of the OIC this year coincides with the escalation of manifestations of hatred and intolerance, the spread of Islamophobia, and incidents of desecration of the Holy Qur’an, which is a matter that Egypt condemns in the strongest terms and expresses its deep concern and denunciation of its recurrence.

Shoukry also stressed that it is indispensable to confront these crimes as they restrict the right to freedom of religion and belief and indicated that they do not in any way represent a manifestation of freedom of opinion and expression.

Shoukry emphasized the necessity for states to respect their obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and adopt national legislation that prohibits incitement to religious hatred and criminalizes such practices, in addition to striving towards developing strategies aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and societal harmony and spreading a culture of tolerance and acceptance of others.

In this context, Shoukry commended the Danish government’s proposal of a draft law prohibiting the desecration of sacred religious symbols, and called for mobilizing the necessary efforts to adopt the same approach in confronting these incidents that would further promote hatred and fuel extremist practices, in addition to threatening societal peace in various countries around the world.

Shoukry also stressed that partners in the international community must also realize the importance of confronting manifestations of fanaticism and hatred of others, as being one of the proactive elements in eradicating extremist ideology and drying up the sources of terrorism, noting that extremist ideology has nothing to do with religion or race, but rather seeks to spread its venom through exploiting hate incidents, the spread of poverty, and the deteriorating economic conditions.

He noted that it is necessary to find a lasting and just settlement for the Palestinian cause, highlighting Egypt’s firm belief in the necessity of achieving a just and comprehensive peace that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, topped by their right to establish their independent state on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the resolutions and terms of reference of the peace process. He also condemned the practices of the Occupation Forces that lead to the outbreak of violence and undermine the two-state solution.

Shoukry concluded his statement by emphasizing Egypt's intention to continue its active role in the OIC work, being the main platform for developing joint Islamic action in various fields.

The Preparatory Ministerial Meeting for the Summit of the Future

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry participated in the Preparatory Ministerial Meeting for the Summit of the Future, on the sidelines of the meetings of the high-level segment of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Shoukry welcomed the convening of the meeting to exchange views on the path of the “ Summit of the Future,” which Egypt hopes will constitute a milestone in the transition from the stage of pledges to the stage of actual implementation, and to establish a fair and just international order that addresses aspects of inequality in facing the successive challenges that have cast a negative shadow on developing countries and exacerbated their economic and social crises, which portends the difficulty of them catching up with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In his statement, Shoukry affirmed the importance that the Summit and its outcome, the “Pact of the Future,” give priority to the rights of current and future generations to enjoy a prosperous world, and reviewed Egypt’s vision in this regard, noting the importance of addressing the concept of development and achieving peace and security from a comprehensive perspective, being two sides of the same coin, especially since a number of African countries are still suffering from the brunt of terrorism and instability, as well as the challenges associated with achieving the sustainable development goals. Therefore, intensifying efforts to advance ways to sustain peace would accelerate national reconciliation processes and achieve prosperity and welfare for peoples in a sustainable manner.

Shoukry also stressed during his speech the urgent need to reform the structure of the global financial system and increase financing for development, indicating that this matter would meet the aspirations of a large number of developing countries to eradicate poverty, reduce the burden of debt, and reduce the inequality gap. He also expressed the importance that Egypt attaches to enhancing the developing countries’ ability to confront the repercussions of climate change, upholding the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

He further highlighted the importance for the aforementioned reform process to include a commitment to enhancing means and mechanisms for technology transfer and maximizing digital cooperation areas, in addition to research, development and capacity building programmes.

Shoukry called in his speech to renew commitment to the United Nations Charter and international law, and to implement it in accordance with fixed determinants that are not tainted by double standards. He also renewed the call to work seriously towards achieving international consensus and to benefit from the summit to establish new determinants that would reinvigorate the role of the United Nations and make it more responsive to confront emerging challenges and advance efforts aimed at achieving sustainable development for all.

High-Level Ministerial meeting in support of UNRWA in New York

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry, participated on September 21, 2023, in the High-Level Ministerial meeting in support of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which was held under the theme “Fulfilling the General Assembly’s commitments to UNRWA,” on the sidelines of the high-level segment of the ongoing session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

the meeting comes at an important timing in which UNRWA suffers from major financial challenges in its budget, and the possible potential effects on the Agency’s work and existing structures in providing basic services to Palestinian refugees and in their host countries, especially since these challenges coincide with a delicate regional circumstance that includes some political and economic crises accompanied by waves of displacement in the region.

Shoukry affirmed in his speech the important role played by UNRWA in supporting millions of Palestinian refugees, as well as being an entity that embodies the long-term political and legal commitment of the international community regarding the right of return for Palestinian refugees, noting the financing crisis that UNRWA is currently suffering from, its dire consequences on the provision of humanitarian services to Palestinian refugees, which actually portends exposing the Agency's tasks to the risk of reducing or suspending some of its basic activities and services, including education, health care and other vital needs.

Shoukry emphasized the necessity for concerted efforts by international donors to enable UNRWA to carry out the mandate entrusted to it and continue providing vital services to the Palestinian refugees in accordance with its UN mandate, until the refugees are empowered with their right of return in accordance with General Assembly Resolution No. (194). In this regard, he highlighted the Egyptian side’s constant efforts, in the framework of Egypt’s membership of the UNRWA Advisory Commission as well as its high-level contacts with international donors on the provision of the necessary financial and political support for preserving UNRWA’s mandate and sustaining its activities.

Minister Shoukry affirmed Egypt’s steadfast commitment to preserving the rights of Palestinian refugees, including the right of return, until a just and comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution is reached that guarantees the establishment of the independent, viable and contiguous Palestinian state, on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Friday 22 Sep. 2023

The “UHC Realization and Bridging Survival Gap in Childhood Cancer” Session

Minister of Health and Population Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar participated in the session entitled: “UHC Realization and Bridging Survival Gap in Childhood Cancer,” which was held on the sidelines of the meetings of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

In his speech, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar stressed that the Egyptian state has made great progress in recent years in improving the quality of services and outcomes of childhood cancer treatment, through implementing many informed policies that aimed to reach patients comprehensively.

The Minister thanked the Slovak Republic for organizing this session, and also thanked all countries and partners who are leading efforts to combat childhood cancer around the world.

The Minister of International Cooperation H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat delivered the speech of the Arab Republic of Egypt at the High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, with the aim of discussing reform of the global financial architecture and strengthening the call for increasing climate financing for developing countries.

In her speech, the Minister highlighted a number of key recommendations to address the issue of equitable financing for development, the most important of which are ensuring the rights of developing countries to quality and quantity finance, especially for the most vulnerable; ensuring access, affordability and resource allocation to overcome insufficient financing and distribution of finance in mitigation and adaptation efforts.

She also stressed exploring innovative financing tools such as debt swaps for economic resilience, as well as strengthening multi-stakeholder country platforms to catalyze private investments, focusing on public-private-philanthropic partnerships to efficiently provide soft financing that enhances development financing. 

The Minister said that emerging and developing countries were suffering from financial challenges even before COVID-19, and then the successive crises since the pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian war and its effect on food and energy prices, further burdened developing countries.

She indicated that developing countries represent 84% of the world’s population and account for 58% of the global GDP, but they possess less than 20% of global financial assets, and this disparity highlights the urgent need to overcome the financing gap for development.

Al-Mashat stated that the financing gap for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is expected to rise to reach $4.3 trillion annually from 2020 to 2025, an increase of 70% from pre-pandemic levels, and that successive global shocks have contributed to the exacerbation of financing the SDGs.

The Minister explained that although Official Development Assistance (ODA) reached an all-time high in 2020, with $162 billion, and Official Development Finance (ODF) reached $307.7 billion; it was still insufficient to meet the ambitious development objectives, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). H.E. added that redirecting just 1% of the trillions in the global financial system in support of SDGs in developing countries would be sufficient to bridge this financing gap and support progress towards the SDGs.

Al-Mashat concluded her speech by emphasizing that the challenges of financing development are immense, but the potential for positive change is equally substantial. H.E. said that: “It is our collective responsibility to bridge the financing gap, support climate action, and empower developing countries to achieve sustainable and inclusive development. By working together and implementing just financing principles, we can make significant strides towards a more equitable and resilient world for all.”

The “Universal Health Coverage” session

Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Minister of Health and Population, participated in the “Universal Health Coverage” session as part of the activities of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which is being held in the American state of New York.

Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar stressed that the pursuit of universal health coverage is no longer just an ambition, but rather a basic human right, and a vision that transcends borders and social and economic differences and unites all countries in a common commitment to the well-being of all peoples, regardless of their circumstances.

Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar pointed out that the Egyptian state has taken great steps towards achieving comprehensive health coverage, with the support of political will, as the new comprehensive health coverage program was launched, which guarantees the foundations of patient safety, with efficiency, quality and non-discrimination, with its ability to improve health indicators and enhance the right to health by achieving comprehensive health coverage for all.

Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar concluded his speech by emphasizing that achieving universal health coverage is not a luxury, but rather a moral duty, saying: “It is our responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind, and that life is not lost or diminished due to lack of access to good health care and let us seize this opportunity to recommit to the vision of universal health coverage, build resilient health systems, and create a healthier and more equitable world for all.”

An open dialogue with members of the American Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry, met on Friday, September 22, with members of the American Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), which includes a group of former American thought-leaders, politicians, and opinion writers, on the sidelines of the high-level segment of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City.

The meeting witnessed an open dialogue between Minister Shoukry and the CFR members, addressing several crucial topics. Foremost among them were the bilateral relations between Egypt and the United States, ways to enhance them, and the associated challenges.

The Foreign Minister also provided an overview of the comprehensive transformation and development taking place in Egypt, including the National Dialogue process, its objectives, and its inclusive participation of representatives from various political spectrums, making it a transparent framework for dialogue, expressing opinions, and change.

The meeting’s discussions also addressed attendees' inquiries regarding the nature of the economic challenges facing Egypt as a result of the global economic crisis.

On the international and regional issues, Ambassador Abu Zeid noted that the meeting witnessed a discussion between the Foreign Minister and CFR members regarding the Palestinian issue, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), Sudan, and the Russian-Ukrainian war.

The Ministerial Consultations on Funding Arrangements for Responding to Loss and Damage

Foreign Minister co-chaired the Ministerial Consultations on Funding Arrangements for Responding to Loss and Damage.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry, in his capacity as President of the 27th session of the United Nations Climate Conference COP27, co-chaired on September 22, 2023, the Ministerial Consultations on Funding Arrangements for Responding to Loss and Damage, jointly with COP28 President-designate, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Shoukry delivered an opening speech at the beginning of the meeting and moderated its second segment.

Shoukry opened his intervention in the meeting by referring to the historic agreement reached in Sharm El-Sheikh to set new funding arrangements, including the Loss and Damage Fund for developing countries, which attested the collective commitment to ensuring climate justice and responding to the calls of vulnerable communities to climate change.

He also indicated that it became apparent during this year that there are clear gaps in the current multilateral system, which require the establishment of rapid and effective mechanisms to address them, while commending the work of the Transitional Committee on the operationalization of the funding arrangements and new fund for responding to loss and damage, as well as the United Nations Secretary-General’s efforts to mobilize support and explore ways to provide the required funding.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs explained that the Loss and Damage Fund must possess the ability to support resilience and respond to slow onset events, provide direct support to governments and communities facing disasters and climate adverse effects, and contribute to supporting the recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction of affected infrastructure and other non-economic losses, affirming that developing countries should not face the increasing debt burden in order to recover the losses of their development gains.

The Ministerial Meeting of the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC)

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry participated in the ministerial meeting of the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) as part of the high-level meetings of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Shoukry stressed Egypt's strong belief that the best way for preventing conflicts and building peace is the faithful implementation of the sustainable development's agenda, which in turn helps achieve security and stability in face of current major challenges.

He reviewed Egypt's vision for enhancing the commission's role, through strengthening the response between peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities, in a way that contributes to addressing the root causes that lead to conflicts and supporting peace, security and development.

He stated that Egypt pays great attention to the reconstruction process and is keen under its presidency of the steering committee of the New Partnership for Africa's Development Agency (NEPAD) to push for consolidating the link between peace, security and development based on the outcomes of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development.

Shoukry underlined the importance of providing the adequate and sustainable finance for peacebuilding to address the decline in financial allocations for peacebuilding activities.

He emphasized the necessity of overcoming differences related to establishing peacebuilding fund, noting that Egypt looks forward to reaching a consensus among member states about the estimated contributions to the fund during the current session of the UN General Assembly.

He called for driving the efforts aimed at boosting the participation of women and youth in peacebuilding, while continuing to support countries in the process of building their national institutions and capabilities, as well as the foundations of good governance, to ensure security and stability for sustainable development.

Shoukry lauded the exerted efforts to develop the general framework of the new peace agenda, and the proposals included in that agenda to enhance the role of the UN peacebuilding commission.