In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, a delegation from UNFPA met with Egypt’s Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala El-Said to discuss further cooperation and UNFPA’s support to the Egyptian government in adapting to the new reality imposed by the pandemic.

UNFPA’s delegation was headed by Georges Georgi, Officer in Charge of UNFPA, and Aleksandar Bodiroza, UNFPA Representative who just wrapped up his tenure in in Egypt.

The Minister highlighted the importance of the activities carried out in cooperation with UNFPA, including the localization of the sustainable development goals.

She indicated that the government has a comprehensive family planning strategy, based on women’s economic empowerment, reducing the unmet need for family planning and increasing public awareness of the basic concepts of population.

Furthermore, the Egyptian government aims to build an integrated database of family planning services and develop a governing legislative and regulatory framework for policies taken to control population growth.

El-Said awarded Bodiroza the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development shield in appreciation of his efforts to enhance cooperation with Egypt over the past years.