Cairo: The Ministry of Local Development and Environment participated in a roundtable discussion focused on 'Civil Society and a Just Energy Transition: Toward Greater Efficiency and More Sustainable Consumption.' The event saw participation from Saber Othman, Assistant Minister for Sustainability and Social Responsibility, alongside representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector, universities, research centers, and experts in energy, climate, and sustainable development.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the roundtable aimed at supporting the transition to more sustainable and efficient energy systems. Discussions included expanding the use of renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, rationalizing consumption, exploring investment, and green financing opportunities. It also aimed to strengthen civil society's role in supporting the state's sustainable development and climate action efforts at the local level.
Minister of Local Development and Environment, Manal Awad, emphasized the crucial role of civil society organizations as partners in ensuring a just energy transition. She highlighted their ability to communicate directly with citizens and identify local community needs. Awad underscored the importance of these organizations in raising awareness about energy-saving practices, promoting sustainable energy culture, supporting green initiatives, and building capacities within target groups.
Awad further explained that a just energy transition is essential for sustainable development, encompassing clean energy expansion, improved energy efficiency, consumption rationalization, and enhancing local community participation in the transition. This approach aims to balance environmental, economic, and social considerations.
Saber Othman pointed out the increasing pressure climate change places on the energy system, with rising temperatures elevating electricity and energy demand. He stressed the need for efficient, resilient solutions and expanded renewable energy applications to reduce consumption and emissions, enhancing local communities' climate change adaptation capabilities.
Othman added that achieving significant results will require stronger partnerships among the government, private sector, civil society, universities, and research centers. Effective mechanisms for expertise exchange, encouraging innovation, and developing scalable low-cost solutions are crucial to support the state's shift toward a green economy.
Key areas addressed in the roundtable included the energy sector's current state and challenges, energy efficiency, consumption rationalization, digital transformation, renewable energy's future, investment and green financing, governance, legislation, and partnerships. The role of civil society and social responsibility in supporting a just energy transition was also highlighted.
Discussions underscored promising opportunities for expanding renewable energy applications, especially solar power, and integrating energy-efficiency technologies across various sectors. The need to develop financing mechanisms, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and encourage local clean energy project investments was emphasized.
The roundtable's outcomes are expected to contribute to recommendations and proposed policies, a roadmap outlining intervention priorities in targeted governorates, and a clear allocation of roles and responsibilities among stakeholders. Proposals for community initiatives and partnership-strengthening mechanisms among the government, civil society, and private sector will also be included.
The Ministry of Local Development and Environment's involvement is part of its efforts to integrate environmental considerations with local development goals and encourage society-wide participation in tackling climate challenges, aligned with Egypt's sustainable development and green transition goals.