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Cairo Governor Dr. Ibrahim Saber attended the adoption and launch ceremony for the Green City Action Plan for Cairo Governorate, developed in collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Cairo Governor Ibrahim Abdel Hadi, Assistant Minister of Local Development for National Projects Dr. Hisham El-Helbawi, Assistant Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation Moataz Mansour, Managing Director of the EBRD for the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean region Dr. Mark Davis, Chairman of the Public Transport Authority Rezq Ali, Chairman of the Sanitary Drainage Company Adel Hasan, Chairman of the General Authority for Land and Dry Ports Sayed Metwalli, and several officials and experts from the Cairo Governorate.

The ceremony was held to mark the conclusion of a study conducted by an international consulting firm commissioned by the EBRD to select several projects for implementation from the 13 proposals submitted by the bank. These projects align with the governorate's current priorities in green infrastructure development, including solid waste management, water and sanitation, urban roads and lighting, environmentally friendly urban transportation, energy efficiency in public buildings, renewable energy, and energy efficiency in electrical infrastructure, among other areas that adhere to green city standards.

During the ceremony, Governor Saber reviewed the development projects undertaken in Cairo and the initiatives implemented by the Egyptian government to enhance the city.

Governor Saber stated during his speech that this important event comes at a pivotal moment as Cairo confidently advances toward realizing the vision of a green and sustainable city. This commitment aligns with the directives of political leadership and adheres to the Sustainable Development Goals for Egypt 2030. He further noted that Cairo, the most influential urban area in the Middle East and Africa, has experienced significant population growth, with over 11 million residents, in addition to a similar number of individuals commuting daily from neighboring governorates for work or to access services.

Saber added that despite the environmental challenges and the intense pressure on the governorate's infrastructure, we are committed to preserving our heritage in conjunction with ongoing development. Cairo Governorate adopts a clear vision: a sustainable, clean city that blends the old and the new.

Moreover, Saber said the Cairo Governorate has experienced a significant transformation across various sectors over the past decade, particularly in its road and transportation infrastructure. The implementation of sustainable transportation methods has enhanced road services and facilitated movement within the governorate. Additionally, there has been an expansion of green spaces and the establishment of safe residential communities, all aimed at ensuring a decent quality of life and a brighter future for citizens.

Saber also highlighted that, within the context of its focus on sustainability and pressing environmental issues—some of the most significant concerns for the governorate—the governorate has signed an agreement to implement the Green City Action Plan project in Cairo, in collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Work on developing the action plan commenced in July 2023. The project's objective is to provide consultancy solutions to the Cairo Governorate, enabling it to identify and prioritize its most urgent environmental challenges and climate change risks. These issues will be addressed through a variety of short- and long-term projects targeting different infrastructure sectors, along with strategies for implementation through targeted investments. Additionally, the project aims to attract the necessary funding to execute the proposed initiatives across various sectors, ultimately fostering sustainable urban development.

Saber further said the Cairo governorate has developed an ambitious action plan to transform the capital into a model of urban sustainability. This transformation will be achieved through the development of energy sectors, the expansion of green spaces, and the enhancement of smart infrastructure. The plan is based on close cooperation with relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Local Development and the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation. It is coordinated in collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development as part of the Green Cities Program, which aims to address challenges that reduce carbon emissions and improve the quality of life for citizens.

Saber also said the governorate has organized several workshops and multiple meetings involving its technical teams, various representatives from Cairo, and stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, along with the advisory team from the European Bank. Through these efforts, a shortlist of key priorities for implementation was identified, and the study concluded with thirteen integrated projects spanning various sectors, including transportation, traffic management, green spaces, energy, buildings, and infrastructure, such as water and sanitation, as well as waste collection and treatment.

At the forefront of these projects was the smart electric bus terminal in Badr City, along with the funding for several electric buses to benefit the Cairo Public Transport Authority. Additionally, there was a project aimed at developing stations for the collection and transportation of municipal solid waste to support the new 10th of Ramadan complex for solid waste treatment and management.

Furthermore, Governor Saber said the governorate believes transitioning to a green city is not merely a choice but a necessity driven by environmental, economic, and social challenges. He emphasized that this endeavor requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, including the government, the private sector, and civil society, to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development.

Saber also urged everyone to actively participate in the implementation of this ambitious plan so that together we can create a brighter future for our capital, Cairo, and leave a cultural legacy that honors its rich history and the aspirations of its people.

Saber expressed profound appreciation for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), describing it as a vital strategic partner that has consistently demonstrated its commitment to supporting Egypt’s development and reform initiatives. He also commended the efforts of the ministers of planning and economic development and local development, as well as his colleagues at the EBRD and the project’s advisory team, for their contributions and dedication in achieving the desired progress for Cairo Governorate.

It is important to note that Cairo joined the EBRD Green Cities Program in July 2019 and signed a memorandum of understanding with the bank in April 2021, under the auspices of the Ministry of Investment.

Source: Media Department, Cairo Governorate