The Smart Green Governorates Presidential Initiative

The “National Initiative for Green Smart Projects in Governorates” in Egypt is a remarkable example of a collaborative effort to address climate change and promote sustainable development. This initiative, which gained prominence in the lead-up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm El Sheikh in November 2022, involves the cooperation of several key ministries, including the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Ministry of Local Development, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of International Cooperation, and the National Council for Women.

A key contributor to this initiative is Al Alfi Foundation, which provided vital technical assistance under the guidance of Dr. Mahmoud Mohi El Din, a Climate Change high-level Champion, and Ambassador Hisham Badr, the National Coordinator. The initiative’s main focus is on the practical implementation and application of green projects at the governorate level, aiming to create a comprehensive map of green and smart projects across Egypt.

The response to this initiative was overwhelming, with over 6,000 projects submitted for consideration. Out of these, 162 projects were selected, representing six projects from each governorate. Ultimately, 18 winning projects were chosen for presentation at COP27 in both the Green and Blue zones. This project stands out for its bottom-up approach to green development and aims to raise awareness and foster a “smart-green movement” throughout Egypt, showcasing the country’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious development.