Davos: Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat discussed, in a meeting with the new UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo, ways to enhance the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United Nations, as well as to advance sustainable development efforts amid growing global challenges. The encounter was held on the sidelines of the 2026 annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.According to State Information Service Egypt, Al-Mashat said the relations between the Egyptian government and the UNDP represent a model of development cooperation, as they come within the framework of Egypt's strategic partnership with the UN dating back to the 1950s. She added that the Country Program Document (CPD) for Egypt for the period (2023-2027) is fully aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, focusing on human capital development, sustainable growth, governance, climate action, and women's empowerment.Al-Mashat explained t hat her ministry is working to advance development finance in Egypt, ensuring that financing decisions are aligned with macroeconomic discipline and stability. This goal can be achieved by integrating development priorities into economic and social plans and budgets, within the framework of the second National Narrative for Comprehensive Development and Egypt's Vision 2030, alongside close coordination with international and multilateral development partners.The meeting also reviewed the outcome of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, recently held in the Spanish city of Seville. The minister stated the 'Seville Commitment' constitutes a pivotal step towards narrowing the global financing gap for Sustainable Development Goals, by mobilizing large-scale investments, tackling the global debt crisis and reforming the international financial architecture to make it more inclusive and responsive to the needs of developing countries.She expressed Egypt's appreciation for the central role played by the UNDP in backing the preparation and development of the Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF), noting that Egypt has now entered the phase of practical implementation of the action plan. She stressed this requires continued technical support and close coordination with development partners and international financial institutions to maximize the developmental impact of available resources.The two sides addressed the 'Borrowers' Club' initiative-one of the outcomes of the Seville conference-which aims to raise the voice of developing countries within the global financing system and to strengthen the exchange of expertise and capacity-building in sovereign debt management. In this context, the Minister said Egypt is ready to bolster the initiative and to consider hosting its activities in partnership with the UNDP, demonstrating the State's commitment to promoting a more just and balanced international financial system.The meeting further addressed the importance of deepening coop eration to engage the private sector through blended and catalytic financing instruments, while benefiting from relevant UNDP initiatives in this regard. She emphasized that the second National Narrative for Comprehensive Development serves as the governing framework for Egypt's development policies, reflecting the State's commitment to achieving economic growth, social justice and human development, in addition to securing decent job openings and strengthening the economic empowerment of women and young people. She highlighted that the narrative closely aligns with United Nations priorities and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.Al Mashat also reviewed the key features of Egypt's Human Development Report 2025, which focuses on maximizing the value of human capital in light of global and technological transformations, underlining the importance of cooperation with the UNDP in providing evidence-based recommendations to support public policy and promote productivity-led growth and sustainable employ ment.At the conclusion of the meeting, the minister said Egypt is keen to continue working closely with the UNDP under its new leadership, building on the long-standing strategic partnership. She stated that cooperation with the UNDP would promote Egypt's active role in supporting multilateral international action, its positive engagement in global forums and initiatives, and its contribution to the advancement of sustainable development at both regional and international levels.