Egypt′S 2018 Voluntary National Review Egypt′S 2018 Voluntary National Review

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Egypt′S 2018 Voluntary National Review Egypt′S 2018 Voluntary National Review Egypt′s 2018 Voluntary national rEViEw Egypt′s 2018 Voluntary national rEViEw Contents 1. Opening Statement 4 2. Policy-Enabling Environment 6 2.1. Governing Framework 6 2.2. Leaving no one behind as an overarching principle 8 2.3. Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanisms 13 3. Review Methodology 15 4. Bold Reforms in the Face of Challenges 16 4.1. Egypt›s Economic Reform Program 16 4.2 Mega-projects to Foster Growth 20 5. Progress Towards Goals and Targets 22 SDG 1: No Poverty 23 SDG 2: Good Health and Wellbeing 25 SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing 26 SDG 4: Quality Education 28 SDG 5: Gender Equality 30 SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation 32 SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy 35 SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth 38 SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 40 SDG 10: Reduced Inequality 41 SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities 42 SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production 47 SDG 13: Climate Action 49 SDG 14: Life Below Water 51 SDG 15: Life on Land 52 SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions 54 SDG 17: Strengthen Implementation and Partnerships 56 6. Challenges 57 7. Final Word 60 Annexes 62 Egypt Voluntary National Review 2018 3 1. opening statement The Government of Egypt is committed to its fscal resources from programs of direct achieving the Sustainable Development Goals price subsidies, especially in energy, towards (SDGs). This commitment is refected in its better-targeted cash transfer programs, both understanding of the intertwined nature of conditional and unconditional. These cash sustainable development and is embodied in transfer programs have witnessed a substantial the framework of Egypt’s national strategy, increase in the number of benefciaries and “Sustainable Development Strategy: Egypt the amount of fnancial support they distribute Vision 2030” (SDS). The strategy refects the since the reforms began in 2016. three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social and environmental. The plan Government programs in infrastructure, is a national framework that guides and sets particularly those in housing, energy and policies and programs in order to achieve the water, are ensuring that Egypt makes SDGs, as well as other national objectives. The considerable progress towards achieving the SDS is not only a strategy for the Government, SDGs, particularly in the long term. Egypt’s but also a plan for all stakeholders, including the housing sector is rapidly expanding in order private sector, civil society and international to accommodate the needs of an increasing organizations. population and to diffuse the extremely high population densities of major cities. Multiple Given the importance of creating an enabling housing projects are targeting different environment for sustainable development, income groups, especially low-income groups, the Government of Egypt has embarked on a through a large social housing program. The homegrown economic reform program that Government also plans to develop 13 new is supported by the international fnancial cities, guided by principles of sustainability. institutions. The program includes long In addition, Egypt has increased its capacity overdue economic measures to ensure to produce electricity by at least 15 gigawatts, macroeconomic stability, increase social using advanced and effcient technologies. The protection and place Egypt on a high-growth Government has taken major steps to reform trajectory that is inclusive of all classes. These the regulatory framework of its electricity reforms included liberalizing the exchange rate sector, allowing increased private sector regime, consolidating government fnances and participation and an effective regulatory role improving the investment environment. While for the state. For the frst time, the private necessary, some of these measures have had sector is producing renewable energy and an adverse impact on Egyptian households, can compete with the Government to provide which in turn has required an expansion power for industrial and residential usage. in the size and scope of social protection programs. In order not to leave anyone The scarcity of water, and the associated behind, the Government has also redirected regional challenges, is a major driver for the 4 Opening Statement Government to actively implement projects Egypt to advance rapidly in the implementation that ensure effcient use of water resources, of the SDS, its national strategy, and of increased availability of fresh water resources, the 2030 Agenda, with full engagement and improved quality of water. Moreover, the from stakeholders. The role of both the Government, in collaboration with international private sector and civil society is key in the organizations, has expanded its program of realization of these goals. The inclusivity and monitoring water pollution along the Nile. transformability aspects of the 2030 Agenda and its national counterpart necessitate active The economic reform program has, thus far, contributions from both the private sector and achieved its objective of macroeconomic civil society, and given this, the Government of stabilization. It also aims to enhance Egypt is working to capitalize on the positive competitiveness in international markets, synergies between the combined efforts of and to continue to improve the well-being of the Government, the private sector and civil Egyptian citizens. This program will enable society to achieve this ambitious agenda. Egypt Voluntary National Review 2018 5 2. policy-Enabling Environment 2.1 governing Framework Out of Egypt’s commitment to achieving the national strategy, whereby the national sustainable development, the Government strategy acts as the national version of the of Egypt launched its frst-ever sustainable SDGs. development strategy, Sustainable Development Strategy: Egypt Vision 2030 (SDS), in February The localization of the SDGs through the 2016. The strategy is aligned with the 17 SDS was adopted by a number of ministries SDGs, as well as the African Agenda 2063, and entities that have developed their own and acts as the governing framework for all medium- and long-term strategies: the National development programs and projects that Strategy for Science and Technology for will be implemented until 2030. The SDS is Sustainable Development 2030 (the Ministry the frst long-term strategy that has been of Higher Education and Scientifc Research); developed in Egypt following a participatory, the Industry and Trade Development Strategy open and transparent approach involving all 2020 (the Ministry of Trade and Industry); relevant stakeholders. Egypt’s Transformation Program 2030 (the Ministry of Education and Technical Education); The launch of the strategy was followed by the Sustainable Energy Strategy 2035 (the the establishment of a national committee, Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy); the National Committee for Monitoring and the Agricultural Sustainable Development the Implementation of the Sustainable Strategy (the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Development Goals, as the result of a prime Reclamation). ministerial decree. The committee falls under the remit of the prime minister’s offce and is In an unprecedented move towards translating composed of representatives of 17 ministries the concept of inclusive sustainable and state entities.1 The committee is mandated development into action, the National Council to act collaboratively to ensure that Egypt is for Women (NCW) has also launched its moving in the right direction towards achieving National Strategy for Women Empowerment sustainable development. The committee 2030. The strategy focuses on empowering also ensures the alignment of the SDGs with women to accelerate the achievement of sustainable development, as well as 1 The Ministry of Social Solidarity, Ministry of promoting gender equality in all felds of life. Environment, Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation, Ministry of Local Development, Ministry Likewise, the National Council for Childhood of Education and Technical Education, Ministry of and Motherhood launched its strategy in April Higher Education and Scientifc Research, Ministry of Planning, Monitoring and Administrative Reform, 2018, which aims at promoting the well-being National Council for Women, National Council for of mothers and children. Childhood and Motherhood, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities, Ministry of Health and Population, Ministry of Finance, The governing policy framework outlined Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, above was further reinforced by the Accountability State Authority, National Council for Disability Affairs, and the Cabinet’s Information and establishment of sustainable development Decision Support Center. units and working groups in different ministries 6 Policy-Enabling Environment and entities assigned to act as the focal points geopolitical situation, and the desire to ensure for developing and implementing sustainable a secure and stable economic and business development plans and strategies within their environment conducive to investment and own entities. The units and working groups development. As such, the review process was also facilitate the coordination and monitoring initiated based on the following principles: process, led by the Ministry of Planning, Monitoring and Administrative Reform. Reinforcing the multidimensional aspect of sustainable development and its Furthermore, two years since the launch of the interconnected nature. SDS,
Recommended publications
  • Vocal Empowerment for Young Egyptian Women: Increasing Contributions to Sustainable Development
    i Vocal Empowerment for Young Egyptian Women: Increasing Contributions to Sustainable Development Sarah Fahmy B.A., Theatre, University of Kentucky, 2017 B.A., Arts Administration, University of Kentucky, 2017 A Thesis submitted in the partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts In Theatre and Performance Studies University of Colorado, Boulder 2019 ii This thesis entitled: Vocal Empowerment for Young Egyptian Women: Increasing Contributions to Sustainable Development written by Sarah Fahmy has been approved for the Department of Theatre & Dance Beth Osnes, PhD Marcos Steuernagel, PhD Date:____________ The final copy of this thesis has been examined by the signatories, and we find that both the content and the form meet acceptable presentation standards of scholarly work in the above mentioned discipline. IRB protocol # 16-0261 iii Abstract: Fahmy, Sarah (M.A. Theatre & Performance Studies, Department of Theatre & Dance) Vocal Empowerment for Young Egyptian Women: Increasing Contributions to Sustainable Development Thesis Advisor: Beth Osnes, Ph.D., Associate Professor This study assesses the impact theatre based vocal empowerment activities can have on young Egyptian women’s self-perception of their ability to contribute to sustainable development. Through the presentation and analysis of the qualitative and quantitative data collected from 55 participants from conducting the SPEAK: Vocal Empowerment curriculum in Alexandria and Aswan, Egypt between June - July 2018. This study depicts how the change in perceived
    [Show full text]
  • Egypt : a Path Forward for Future Prosperity
    The Egyptian Cabinet Information and Decision of Ministers Support Center (IDSC) Egypt : A path Forward for Future Prosperity March 2020 The Egyptian Cabinet Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC); is the leading governmental Egyptian think tank which is entitled with the responsibility of conducting high quality policy research through using and disseminating information to support the decision-making process in Egypt. IDSC has a diversified working agenda which tackles several economic, social and political issues related to the development process. IDSC relies on highly qualified staff and experts, with distinguished academic backgrounds who are able – at the same time – to creatively think ahead for realizing prosperity all over Egypt. www.idsc.gov.eg In view of Egypt’s ultimate goal of upgrading the quality of life of Egyptians, the Government of Egypt (GOE) has embarked on a very comprehensive economic reform program, and has undertaken very bold measures towards a more stable resilient economy. In this context, Egypt has succeeded in creating an enabling environment for inclusive growth and sustainable development, where economic fundamentals are stabilizing with reduction in fiscal deficit, curbing in the rate of inflation, and increasing the growth rate of output , together with strengthening the local currency, this is met with increased confidence from domestic and international investors, which makes Egypt the promise land for businessmen to come and invest. While implementing its comprehensive reform program, citizens are always the government’s first concern, that’s why the government was keen on reducing the negative impact of this program especially on the most vulnerable. In this regard providing social safety nets was considered as a crucial component of Egypt’s economic reform.
    [Show full text]
  • Potentials and Challenges for Egypt to Achieve Blue Growth: an SDG 14 Perspective
    World Maritime University The Maritime Commons: Digital Repository of the World Maritime University World Maritime University Dissertations Dissertations 11-3-2019 Potentials and challenges for Egypt to achieve blue growth: an SDG 14 perspective Mamdouh Awad Abdelrahman Shahhat Follow this and additional works at: https://commons.wmu.se/all_dissertations Part of the Natural Resource Economics Commons, and the Place and Environment Commons Recommended Citation Shahhat, Mamdouh Awad Abdelrahman, "Potentials and challenges for Egypt to achieve blue growth: an SDG 14 perspective" (2019). World Maritime University Dissertations. 1179. https://commons.wmu.se/all_dissertations/1179 This Dissertation is brought to you courtesy of Maritime Commons. Open Access items may be downloaded for non-commercial, fair use academic purposes. No items may be hosted on another server or web site without express written permission from the World Maritime University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. WORLD MARITIME UNIVERSITY Malmö, Sweden Potentials and Challenges for Egypt to Achieve Blue Growth: An SDG 14 Perspective By MAMDOUH AWAD ABDEL RAHMAN SHAHHAT EGYPT A dissertation submitted to the World Maritime University in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE In MARITIME AFFAIRS (OCEAN SUSTAINABILITY, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT) 2019 Copyright: Mamdouh Awad Abdel Rahman, 2019 Dissertation Declaration I certify that all material in this dissertation that is not my work has been demonstrated, and the contents of this dissertation show my view in analysis and demonstrated issues that discussed in the whole dissertation chapters. Name: Mamdouh Shahhat Signature: ______________ Date: Supervised by: Professor Ronan Long Co-supervised by: Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Strategic Synergy Between Egypt “Vision 2030” and China's “Belt And
    CHEN J. STRATEGIC SYNERGY BETWEEN EGYPT “VISION 2030” AND CHINA’S “BELT AND ROAD” INITIATIVE PP. 107–121 DOI: 10.23932/2542-0240-2018-11-5-219-235 Strategic Synergy between Egypt “Vision 2030” and China’s “Belt and Road” Initiative1 Juan CHEN PhD in Arabic Language and Literature, Post-doctoral Fellow of the Institute of International Studies, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Address: No.220 Handan Road, Yangpu District, 200433, Shanghai, China. E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT. China and Egypt have estab- gy between the two countries’ strategies lished diplomatic relations for 62 years. In has made significant achievements under 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping put for- the frequent promotion of top leaders, but ward the “Belt and Road” Initiative (BRI) there are also political, economic and secu- and welcomed countries along the routes rity risks in the process of strategic synergy, to take part in co-operations in the frame- which still hinder thesynergy. work of the BRI. And in 2014, Egyptian new-elected President Sisi visited China KEY WORDS: Egypt“Vision 2030”, Chi- and both sides improved the bilateral re- na’s “Belt and Road” Initiative, Strategic lationship to the comprehensive strategic Synergy, Risks, Foreign Policy, Internation- partnership. Then in 2016, Egyptian Presi- al Relations dent Sisi launched a new national develop- ment strategy named “Egypt Vision 2030”. Therefore China and Egypt want to look 1. Introduction to Egypt “Vision for suitable areas to cooperate according 2030” to these two plans. In this case, this paper analyzes the implementation of the stra- Egypt is located in North Africa, with tegic synergy between the BRI and “Egypt an area of about 1.02 million square kilo- Vision 2030”, including the introduction to meters and a population of about 95.69 mil- the “Egypt Vision 2030”, the mutual cogni- lion (statistical data from the World Bank tion of the developmental strategies of Chi- in 2016)2.
    [Show full text]
  • Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS): Egypt Vision 2030 Represents a Foothold on the Way Towards Inclusive Development
    1 INTRODUCTION Inspired by the ancient Egyptian Civilization, linking the present to future, the Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS): Egypt Vision 2030 represents a foothold on the way towards inclusive development. Thus cultivating a prosperity path through, economic and social justice, and reviving the role of Egypt in regional leadership. SDS represents a roadmap for maximizing competitive advantage to achieve the dreams and aspirations of Egyptians in a dignified and decent life. It also represents an embodiment of the new constitution’s spirit, setting welfare and prosperity as the main economic objectives, to be achieved via sustainable development, social justice and a balanced, geographical and sectoral growth. Therefore, SDS has been developed according to a participatory strategic planning approach; as various civil society representatives, national and international development partners and government agencies have collaborated to set comprehensive objectives for all pillars and sectors of the country. The current local, regional and global circumstances gives the SDS a comparative advantage and importance; for revisiting the strategic vision to cope and deal with international updates and developments. Thus, helping Egypt recover and achieve specific objectives. SDS has followed the sustainable development principle as a general framework for improving the quality of lives and welfare, taking into consideration the rights of new generations in a prosperous life; thus, dealing with three main dimensions; economic, social, and environmental dimensions. In addition, SDS is based upon the principles of “inclusive sustainable development” and “balanced regional development”; emphasizing the full participation in development, and ensuring its yields to all parties. The strategy, as well, considers equal opportunities for all, closing development gaps, and efficient use of resources to ensure the rights of future generations.
    [Show full text]
  • National Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2030 2019
    Arab Republic of Egypt Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research National Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2030 2019 Contents Statement of Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research 4 Introduction 6 Executive Committee of Strategy Update 7 Vision .. Mission .. Ruling Values 8 Current Situation of Scientific Research in Egypt 9 SWOT ANALYSIS 15 Objectives of the NSSTI 22 Accomplishments of Executive Authorities 24 Phase One 62 The component of policies and legislations of science, technology and 64 innovation The component of science, technology and innovation 64 The component of supporting and developing human resources and 64 developing infrastructure The component of achieving international leadership in science and 66 technology The component of investment in scientific research and partnership 66 The component of scientific research, industry of education and scientific 67 culture The component of international cooperation 68 Phase Two 69 The component of Energy 71 The component of water 73 The component of Health and Population 74 The component of Agriculture and Food 75 Environment and Natural Resources Protection 76 The of technological applications and future sciences focus 78 Strategic Industries 79 Information, Communication and Space Technology 83 Education as a National Security Matter 84 Mass Media, and Social Values 85 Investment, Trade and Transportation 86 Tourist Industry 88 Social Sciences and Humanities 89 MOHESR STI- EGYPT 2019 Statement of Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research In September 2015, the UN General Assembly decided to include the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which focuses on achieving the sustainable development in different regions around the world, through the achievement of integrated social and economic development that addresses a number of major issues and matters, such as: poverty, hungry, health, education, climate change, gender equality, water, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS REPORT: Egypt 2030
    SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS REPORT: Egypt 2030 November 2018 Sustainable Development Goals Report: Egypt 2030 Pardee Team (authors) David K. Bohl Taylor L. Hanna Andrew C. Scott Jonathan D. Moyer Steve G. Hedden UNDP Team Pedro Conceição Sylvain Merlen Tasneem Mizra Nermine Mohamed Wally Strategic Partners in Egypt Ministry of Planning, Monitoring and Administrative Reform (MoPMAR) Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) National Institute for Planning (NIP) 2 Executive Summary Over the past few decades, Egypt has realized major improvements in human development, including expanding access to education, reducing the burden of communicable diseases, and increasing life expectancy. Today, Egypt is one of the largest economies in the Arab world and home to one of the fastest growing middle classes in the Middle East and North Africa region. This growth has created its own challenges, typical of developing and growing countries. For instance, an expanding middle class will have higher expectations for public service delivery and a more educated population will expect better jobs. Further, these challenges are compounded in Egypt by a number of factors: economic growth slowed after the social unrest beginning in 2011; high levels of both unemployment and informality persist; the population is still relatively young and growing; and the ability of the government to provide services is constrained by low levels of capacity and transparency. This report explores Egypt’s current development trajectory to 2030 across areas
    [Show full text]
  • Islamic Heritage As a Framework for Creating Sustainable Art Work
    مجلة العمارة والفنون والعلوم اﻻنسانية – عدد خاص )2( ابريل2021 الموتمر الدولي السابع " التراث والسياحة والفنون بين الواقع والمأمول" Islamic Heritage as a Framework for Creating Sustainable Art work Dr/ Asmaa Elnawawy Painting department - faculty of Fine Arts - Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt [email protected] Dr/ Ragia Belal Painting department - faculty of Fine Arts - Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt [email protected] Abstract The major part of Islamic art is famous for its decorative patterns, which are particularly known in Egypt. The Islamic heritage also contains many indicators of the concepts of sustainability and environmental conservation, which are integrated with the social values and human behaviors of the Muslim community. The ancient view of Islamic heritage has evolved from a limited subject of archaeology and museums, to a new interpretation that results from a comprehensive scientific perspective. This development was helped by a comprehensive functional approach, based on multidisciplinary cognitive integration of philosophical, aesthetic, creative and critical theories of Islamic art. This development in the interpretation of Islamic heritage is in lines with the Egyptian artist's challenge, that represents one of his main tasks, namely, the creation of an effective artwork as a landmark for the development of artistic awareness in society. This research aims to present a model for creating Egyptian art work within the concepts of sustainability of Islamic art as aesthetic knowledge, a knowledge consisting of many theories that can be described as founding and structural theories in the formation of Islamic art. The study concludes with a proposal for a sustainable functional virtual artwork to be located in an Egyptian square.
    [Show full text]
  • International Journal of Architectural Research
    ISSN - United States (Online) 1938-7806 OCLC & World Cat # 145980807 Library of Congress Catalogue # 2007212183 International Journal of Architectural Research An international fully refereed journal published three times a year- http://www.archnet-ijar.net | https://archnet.org/collections/34 Archived and Architecture Indexed by Planning Courtesy M. G. Abdelmonem Archnet Built Environment Studies Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals Chief Editor CNKI: China Ashraf M. Salama National Knowledge Collaborating Editor Infrastructure Farzad Pour Rahimian DOAJ-Directory of Open Access Journals EBSCO Current Abstracts-Art and Special Issue Volume (11) - Issue (3) November 2017 Volume Architecture Architectural and Urban ProQuest Heritage in the Digital Era SCOPUS Web of Science Guest Editor Core Collection Mohamed Gamal Abdelmonem Copyright © 2017 Archnet-IJAR, Archnet, MIT- Massachusetts Institute of Technology 2016 Metrics Archnet-IJAR is published and archived by ARCHNET, the most comprehen- Archnet-IJAR is a Q1Journal in sive online community for architects, planners, urban designers, interior de- Architecture and Q2 in Urban Studies signers, landscape architects, and scholars working in these fields, developed at the MIT Libraries-Aga Khan Documentation Center, MIT School of Archi- tecture and Planning in close cooperation with, and with the full support of SCOPUS RANKING The Aga Khan Trust for Culture, an agency of the Aga Khan Development Architecture (Q1) 23 out of 87 Network. Urban Studies (Q2) 60 out of 134 SCIMAGO Architecture (Q1) 18 out of 117 Urban Studies (Q2) 57 out of 138 Rankings are based on last metrics of Copyright Permission Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) May 2017 for Scopus and July 2017 for Users are free to copy, distribute, or display the work for non-commercial purposes only, but must Scimago credit the copyright holder (author, photographer, etc.).
    [Show full text]
  • State of the Environment 2017 Arab Republic of Egypt Summary for Policymakers
    State of the Environment 2017 Arab Republic of Egypt Summary for Policymakers Arab Republic of Egypt In the Name of God the Most Gracious the Most Merciful In the Name of God the Most Gracious the Most Merciful Production: The Ministry of Environment 30, Misr Helwan Agricultural Road Maadi, Cairo, Egypt Te l : 2525656452 -202+ Fax: 2525656490 -202+ Website: www.eeaa.gov.eg The report was prepared by: Egyptian Ministry of Environment, Cairo, Egypt Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE), Cairo, Egypt Consultant: Dr. Islam Abul Magd Cover and Layout Design: Mohab Mahdy, Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE) Cover photos: Rice straw: Richard McGovern 2011 Nile River in Aswan: Reference.com 2018 Plastic collection in “Wadi El Gemal”: Mohamed Sobhi 2017 Ospery in fight Sinai Egypt: Ye h i a A l A l a i l i 2010 Egypt from space: NASA Marshall Space 2010 The Egyptian Ministry of Environment promotes environmentally sound practices. This publication is printed on chlorine free paper made of wood pulp from sustainably managed forests, using vegetable-based inks and water-based coatings. This aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the Egyptian Ministry of Environment as much as possible. Assessment of Egypt’s State of the Environment 2017 Egypt’ State of the Environment Report 2017 is an was adopted. Therefore, the 2017 assessment identifes integrated assessment of the Egyptian environment the following priority environmental issues: and a comprehensive programme involving extensive participation of ministries, agencies, the civil society, «Air and energy quality and its impact on the academia, women and youth for conducting a environment, water quality affecting the lives and health comprehensive and scientifcally credible assessment of Egyptians, waste management, ecosystems balance, to support decision-making processes at the biodiversity and climate change as a cross-cutting issue environmental, economic and social levels.
    [Show full text]
  • The City of the Dead As a Place to Live: Unpacking the Narratives About Tomb Communities by Lindsey Bertrand Logan B.A., Univers
    The City of the Dead as a place to live: unpacking the narratives about tomb communities by Lindsey Bertrand Logan B.A., University of Arkansas, 2018 A THESIS submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree MASTER OF REGIONAL AND COMMUNITY PLANNING Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional & Community Planning College of Architecture, Planning, and Design KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY Manhattan, Kansas 2020 Approved by: Major Professor Dr. Susmita Rishi Copyright © Lindsey Bertrand Logan 2020. Abstract The housing crisis in Cairo, Egypt is a “wicked problem” that has stumped planners and built environment professionals for decades. Cairo’s 20 million residents are engaged in an everyday struggle for space, particularly housing. The current housing stock does not respond to the residents’ everyday needs. Overpopulation and lack of affordable housing has resulted in residents squatting and self-building housing. My research centers around one such “informal” settlement called the City of the Dead (COD). A series of cemeteries located in Cairo’s city center, COD is home to many of Cairo’s poor and rural migrants. Planning efforts such as the Masterplan Cairo 2050 outline intentions to evict these residents, without details on their rehabilitation. Standing between decision makers and new or modified development, are embedded place narratives that cannot be erased. Narratives hold power to shape, change, and ignore what already exists. This thesis explores the narratives about the City of the Dead that are ignored in Masterplan Cairo 2050. Using qualitative methods, I focus on unpacking these narratives about COD, held by major stakeholders such as government officials, urban planners, popular media, and other sources, in order to elucidate how these, determine the negative planning outcomes proposed in policy documents.
    [Show full text]
  • Discordant Egyptian and Saudi Visions 2030 and the Forgotten Quest for Mena Economic Integration
    DISCORDANT EGYPTIAN AND SAUDI VISIONS 2030 AND THE FORGOTTEN QUEST FOR MENA ECONOMIC INTEGRATION Mahmoud A. El-Gamal, Ph.D. Rice Faculty Scholar, Baker Institute Professor of Economics and Statistics and Chair of Islamic Economics, Finance and Management, Rice University September 2016 © 2016 by the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy of Rice University This material may be quoted or reproduced without prior permission, provided appropriate credit is given to the author and the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy. Wherever feasible, papers are reviewed by outside experts before they are released. However, the research and views expressed in this paper are those of the individual researcher(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy. Mahmoud A. El-Gamal, Ph.D. “Discordant Egyptian and Saudi Visions 2030 and the Forgotten Quest for MENA Economic Integration” Discordant Egyptian and Saudi Visions 2030 Abstract The Arab Spring brought about, simultaneously, an oil-price geopolitical premium for Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries and economic hardships for Egypt and other countries of the Spring. Over the past five years, GCC countries offered financial support to soften the economic blow to the Egyptian economy. However, an envisioned major injection of investments to ensure long-term economic success did not materialize due to a combination of lower oil prices—which forced Saudi Arabia, in particular, to worry about its own long-term economic success—and the inability of successive Egyptian regimes to implement sufficient reforms to reassure prospective investors.
    [Show full text]