Today, Professor Mohamed Loutfi, President and Vice-Chancellor of the British University in Egypt and Mr. Alessandro Fracassetti, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the British University in Egypt (BUE) and UNDP in the presence of H.E. Gareth Bayley, British Ambassador to Egypt.

The Memorandum of Understanding paves the way for continuous exchange of knowledge, the development of innovative sustainable strategies, the engagement of youth, and the development of an entrepreneurial culture in Egypt. UNDP and the British University in Egypt will also work together on research activities and initiatives to help strengthen Egypt’s rapidly expanding role in supporting climate sustainability policies, ahead of the Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 27) in Sharm El Sheikh.

After welcoming the participants, Professor Mohamed Loutfi, President, and Vice-Chancellor of the British University in Egypt said: “This Memorandum of Understanding enables us to work together to foster peace and prosperity, through the implementation of various policies and projects, and the mutual exchange of knowledge that aids the university in upholding its social and environmental responsibilities. The British University in Egypt has always worked towards being a frontrunner when it comes to taking proper climate action, reducing the range of trade barriers through economic integration, supporting women, youth, and minorities nationwide, as well as implementing programmes that enable the creation of a more socially and environmentally conscious generation of young students and graduates.”

Mr. Alessandro Fracassetti, UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt, said, “The Memorandum of Understanding will help redouble our efforts to create new and better opportunities for Egypt’s young women and men. Our cooperation with the British University in Cairo is based on the main principle that lies at the heart of the 2030 Agenda: To leave no one behind”, adding that the focus of the cooperation will be on advancing lifelong learning, community development initiatives and youth dialogues --for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

H.E. Ambassador Gareth Bayley said: “It is fantastic to witness the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding today between UNDP and the British University in Egypt - the first of its kind in the region. The aim is laudable: to support Egypt in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and to do this by sharing knowledge and working to benefit local communities. This is exactly the kind of initiative Egypt needs, especially as we approach an Egyptian COP27, and collectively think about the vital importance of sustainability. The UK is a proud supporter of the work of UNDP, and it is truly encouraging to see the sense of social responsibility shown by BUE. I wish the initiative the best of luck and the greatest of success.”

The signing of this memorandum reinforces the role of the university as a valuable partner in supporting the achievement of the SDGs at the national and international level.

The British University in Egypt also seeks to become a driving force in supporting the country to achieve developmental and environmental commitments as part of the Agenda 2030 and help meet the objectives of the new presidential initiative “Haya Karima”.

Egypt has been taking full initiative when it comes to the implementation of several new programmes and projects that aim to shift public awareness on sustainability concepts and initiatives. The partnership between UNDP and the British University will help raise further awareness on sustainability issues among the students in the country.

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For more information:

Fatma Elzahraa Yassin, UNDP Communications Head, fatma.yassin@undp.org