Egypt would not have been able to confront the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic had it not undertaken many reforms, said a World Bank official.
The Regional Director for Human Development in the Middle East and North Africa, Keiko Miwa, said that Egypt succeeded in overcoming the crisis and transforming challenges into opportunities because of its investment in technology.
Miwa's remarks came during the closing session of Egypt's International Cooperation Forum (ICF) 2021 in its first edition, which focused on Egypt's role in development through the "Decent Life" initiative and other projects.
Speaking at the event, VP for Human Development at the World Bank Mamta Murthi asserted that Egypt had done outstanding work.
Murthi indicated that projects like "Decent Life" confirm that human development is the first investment that encompasses all fields, adding that human investment is an investment in the growth of countries.
According to the official, the recent reforms enabled Egypt to address the repercussions of the pandemic.
She explained that supporting education was essential for students to continue their studies after the pandemic, which is considered the second generation of reforms to enhance human capital.
Meanwhile, Egypt's Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Hala al-Saeed, said that Egypt is looking forward to a comprehensive partnership with the United Nations to support efforts to address climate change and achieve sustainable development.
Saeed met with UN's Special Adviser and Assistant Sec-Gen for Climate Action Selwin Hart in preparation for the 27th session of the Conference of Parties UN Climate Change conference 2022.
The minister explained that Egypt is among the countries most affected by climate change, despite its low greenhouse gas emissions.
She noted that the devastating impact of climate change is everywhere and poses significant risks to livelihoods, public health, supply chains, infrastructure, agriculture, and food security.
Saeed warned that this could put more pressure on the economy.
The minister noted that Cairo has completed the development of its national strategy for climate change based on the Supreme Committee of the National Council for Climate Change. It also established its national hydrogen strategy to encourage the use of blue and green hydrogen as a zero-emissions energy source.
