Egypt’s Acting Minister of Environment Manal Awad announced on Wednesday the launch of the Sharm El-Sheikh Sustainable Development Strategy (SESSDS), aimed at supporting the Red Sea resort city’s transition to a green, resilient, and sustainable destination. The strategy was unveiled in cooperation with South Sinai Governorate and the Green Sharm El-Sheikh project under the environment ministry, with participation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It offers a unified, long-term framework to guide sustainable development efforts in the city.
Awad emphasized that the strategy was developed through a participatory planning process involving national and local stakeholders, including a series of technical consultations and workshops. She described its launch as a decisive step toward positioning Sharm El-Sheikh as a regional model for sustainable cities, by translating high-level commitments into practical, long-term development pathways.
Ali Abu Sena, head of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, stated that the strategy marks a shift from isolated initiatives to a comprehensive, long-term approach, transforming Egypt’s national and international commitments—including Vision 2030 and the National Climate Change Strategy 2050—into concrete action on the ground.
South Sinai Governor Khaled Mubarak said the plan serves as a roadmap for transforming Sharm El-Sheikh into a green and resilient city, enhancing the local economy and quality of life while positioning it as a regional example of balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
UNDP Resident Representative Chitose Noguchi noted that the strategy reflects joint efforts by the government, UNDP, the private sector, and local communities, stressing that sustainability is a shared responsibility requiring continuous adaptation to emerging challenges and opportunities. This launch aligns with Egypt's broader efforts to advance green transitions in key tourist areas.