Egypt Launches Decent Life Initiative for a Climate Resilient Africa by 2030

SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt - 13 November 2022: Egypt launched the Decent Life Initiative for a Climate Resilient Africa by 2030 on Saturday at COP27. The initiative aims to improve the quality of life for all Africans in a changing climate by 2030. 

The initiative supports the efforts of African nations to implement their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) by integrating climate action into sustainable rural development and enhance the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Designed to provide Africa’s rural communities with basic services, and to eradicate poverty through climate resilient solutions, the initiative will address adaptation and mitigation with access to innovative R&D technologies. The initiative will also build and sustain capacity among low-income communities through relevant education programs and vocational training and creating more decent green jobs in rural areas.

The multi-stakeholder partnership will actively engage with governments, private sector, civil society, research and academia, development partners and philanthropies to deliver across climate-resilient farming systems, infrastructure and shelters, ecologically balanced environments, managing climate risks and livelihoods, and planning and resource allocations.

Commenting on the launch, COP27 President H.E. Sameh Shoukry said: “Through the Decent Life initiative, African countries, together with partners, will collaborate to ensure that no one is left behind. Our collective effort will build on the success stories that are already implemented in the continent, working with the best available science, talent, and addressing the national priorities of different African countries. Unique to the initiative is its consideration of each country’s specific requirements and risks, which enable fit-for-purpose solutions.”

Hala H. Elsaid, Egypt's Minister of Planning and Economic Development, Major General Hisham Amna, Local Development Minister and Khalida Bouzar, Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator, and Regional Director for UNDP, alongside other panellists spoke about the opportunities of the initiative. 

During the panel session today, Dr. Hala H. Elsaid, Egypt's Minister of Planning and Economic Development said: “Through Decent Life For a Climate Resilient Africa, African countries together with different partners, will work collaboratively to improve the quality of life in 30% of the most vulnerable and poorest villages and rural areas in the continent by 2030, in a climate sensitive manner.”

The Decent Life Initiative was first launched by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in 2019, according to Dr. Elsaid “around 60 million people in Egypt living in more than 4,400 villages and rural areas will be benefiting from this initiative, at a total cost of around USD 50BN over a timeframe of 3-5 years.”  

A press release by the COP27 Presidency