Minister of Planning, Sawiris FSD & Ain Shams University sign a tripartite protocol to develop the needy villages

H.E. Dr. Hala El-Said, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, recently witnessed the signing of a cooperation protocol between the ministry, Ain Shams University, and the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development to develop rural communities under the umbrella of the national project for the development of the Egyptian countryside, "A Decent Life".

The signing ceremony witnessed the presence of Dr. Ahmed Kamali, Deputy Minister of Planning and Economic Development who signed the Protocol on behalf of the minister, Dr. Jamil Helmy, Assistant Minister for Follow-up Affairs of the Sustainable Development Plan.

Moreover, the signing ceremony witnessed the presence of Dr. Ghada Farouk, Vice President of Ain Shams University for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs. Engineer Nora Selim was present on behalf of the Sawiris Foundation.

In that context, Dr. Hala El-Said, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, clarified that the protocol came within the framework of cooperation between the three bodies to develop and improve the social conditions of families and individuals most in need in rural communities’ areas, adding that this is done through a range of development interventions.

El-Said noted that the Protocol also reflects the integration and consolidation of efforts between national State institutions, private sector institutions, civil society, and Egypt's development partners.

She further asserted the pursuit of the “Decent Life” initiative to provide an integrated package of services, covering various aspects of sustainable development.

As El-Said explained, the "Decent Life" initiative aims to advance and honor Egyptian human beings and preserve their dignity, allowing them to live a decent life.

Deputy Minister of Planning and General Supervisor of the “Decent Life” Initiative, Dr. Gamil Helmy clarified that the recent period has witnessed intense cooperation with Ain Shams University, represented by the Community service and environmental development department, and the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development.

This cooperation came in the form of several studies and field visits to detect the developmental needs of the targeted villages, according to Helmy.

He also indicated that these efforts culminated in signing a cooperation protocol that sets the framework for the three parties' roles.

“This protocol ensures the integration of the different development interventions executed by the states through the Decent Life Initiative. Through such interventions, it is possible to root sustainable development goals at the governorate level,” he said.

Dr. Helmy outlined the different development interventions set for execution, according to the protocol, including consolidating the infrastructure, offering innovative solutions to provide citizens with basic infrastructure (potable water, sanitation, and energy), improving the channels for healthcare service access, offering education services and literacy activities, raising social and environmental awareness and raising housing efficiency.