Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber attended an awareness-raising seminar targeting executive bodies of Cairo governorate on intensifying registration at the third phase of the National Initiative for Smart Green projects in the presence of General Coordinator of the Smart Green Projects Initiative Ambassador Hisham Badr, Managing Director and CEO of Misr Insurance Company Omar Gouda, the Executive Director of the Smart Green Projects Nermin Sadiq.
Saber emphasized that the third round of the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects comes in line with the directives of political leadership to implement Egypt's Vision 2030, particularly the provisions regarding protecting the environment, improving the quality of life for citizens, and considering the rights of future generations. He added that the initiative aims to achieve the National Climate Change Strategy 2050 and implement numerous renewable presidential initiatives related to environmental issues, such as the "100 Million Trees" initiative and others.
Moreover, Saber said the National Initiative for Green Projects is an outstanding example of civil society participation, whether by citizens or NGOs, aimed at creating job opportunities and implementing eco-friendly smart projects.
Saber also directed district chiefs to raise awareness about the importance of participating in the initiative by organizing meetings and awareness seminars.
Saber added that the Smart Green Projects Initiative has achieved great success and received high praise from development partners during its first two rounds. This initiative has inspired our youth and organizations to present new local solutions and implement innovative environmental treatments. It also emphasizes the involvement of citizens and the integration of the local community in achieving SDGs in the era of the New Republic.
Furthermore, Saber urged all segments of Cairo’s society and its various institutions to actively participate in the third round of the initiative, asserting that attention to environmental issues is no longer a luxury but has become a crucial and fundamental component for attracting investment and improving the economic level by creating job opportunities, stressing that considering the environmental dimension is essential for sustainable development.
Saber pointed out the importance of building on the success and accumulated experiences from the previous two rounds, expanding participation, and increasing the number of projects to genuinely reflect the momentum in raising civil society's awareness positively and enhancing its involvement in environmental issues. This success has garnered global attention, transforming what began as a local success story into a unique model the world looks forward to.
Saber added that the environmental challenges facing the capital are parallel to the remarkable and noticeable increase in the awareness and capabilities of our youth, as well as the skills and experiences of our institutions, agencies, universities, and various civil society organizations regarding the critical importance of the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects.
Therefore, Cairo Governorate strives to enhance the potential of the green projects presented in the third round to attract investors while ensuring a significant diversity of projects and a broad scope across large-scale projects, medium-sized projects and encouraging small local initiatives (Decent Life Initiative), in addition to the projects offered by startups and non-profit community initiatives, as well as developmental projects related to women, climate change, and sustainability.
Saber also confirmed that Cairo governorate will work in the coming period to make a qualitative leap in environmental improvement in the capital, increasing green spaces and afforestation, noting the continuation of the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects in its third round this year and future rounds will enhance the efforts of Cairo governorate in this regard.
The seminar was attended by deputy governors, directors of Cairo’s directorates and authorities, district chiefs, representatives of ministries of planning, communication, and environment, the National Council for Women, and the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency.
During the seminar, owners of several winning projects from Cairo in the previous two rounds presented the successes their projects achieved and the growth in investments.
Additionally, a team of people of determination showcased their project entitled "The Ideal City," which they submitted to the initiative this year. This project aims to establish a city that provides essential resources for living by utilizing alternative energy, unconventional water sources, solar energy, and recycling processes.
The initiative includes green smart projects in six categories: large projects, medium-sized projects, small-scale domestic projects (as part of Decent Life Initiative), projects by start-ups, not-for-profit community activities, and gender-related, climate change- and sustainability-focused projects.
Applications for participation in the initiative for companies, individuals, and institutions must be submitted electronically via the link (https://www.sgg.eg/) by the end of August. The submitted project must be green and intelligent according to the evaluation criteria specified for each category, and the project must be within the geographical boundaries of Cairo Governorate.
Source: Media Department, Cairo Governorate
