Egypt’s Minister of Local Development and Environment Manal Awad discussed with Rawad Halabi, Resident Representative and Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Egypt, ways to boost co-operation and future projects.
Minister Awad praised the WFP’s initiatives across several Egyptian governorates, expressing pride in the strong partnership between the ministry and the programme.
She stressed her commitment to continuing co-operation in line with the political leadership’s development vision and the government’s priorities.
For her part, Halabi highlighted the ministry’s support for WFP projects, particularly in areas such as consolidating agricultural holdings, modernising irrigation systems, recycling agricultural waste, enhancing food security, and empowering women.
The meeting reviewed progress under the 2023–2028 co-operation agreement between the two sides. This includes support for the presidential “Decent Life” initiative, funded by a European Union grant, as well as institutional capacity-building programmes at the local administration level and cooperation in supporting the Local Development Fund.
Discussions also covered expanding joint projects in 11 governorates, including the project on supporting rural development, climate change adaptation, resilience and food security in “Decent Life” villages.
The project is implemented in partnership with the ministries of agriculture, social solidarity and education, along with the WFP and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Officials reviewed progress in 120 targeted villages under “Decent Life.” In Assiut, Sohag, and Qena, technical committees have been formed, villages selected, preliminary studies completed, and a three-year action plan developed.
Awad stressed the importance of ensuring sustainable impact so beneficiaries can become self-reliant after project completion, and called for close coordination with governorates during implementation.
She also encouraged building on successful co-operation models and supporting smart green projects that promote economic empowerment and green jobs.
Halabi reaffirmed the WFP’s commitment to expanding co-operation in support of sustainable development goals.
She also expressed interest in sharing Egypt’s “Decent Life” experience with other Global South countries.
Awad welcomed the idea, noting plans to organize training workshops for African officials in co-operation with relevant ministries.
