Bayley’s statement was in response to Ahram Online’s question about how the UK views the anticipated event and the potential the country has for successfully implementing its sustainable development goals (SDGs) strategy.

Bayley made the comments at an event at the British University in Egypt (BUE) held on Monday to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Egypt.

The MoU aims to achieve constant mutual exchange of knowledge, the development of innovative sustainable strategies, the rehabilitation of young people, and the development of an entrepreneurial culture in Egypt.

The two partners are seeking support to conduct research activities and initiatives as well as strengthen Egypt’s rapidly expanding role in supporting climate sustainability policies, which is perfectly embodied in Egypt’s hosting of the upcoming COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh.

Bayley also noted that Egypt has been exerting great efforts on the governmental and non-governmental levels to achieve the SDGs, especially in regards to the climate action.

“It is a global opportunity for Egypt to show its capabilities and potentials, especially in the renewable energy sector. Egypt is really a superpower in this regard,” the ambassador expounded.

During the event, the BUE’s president Mohamed Loutfy noted that the BUE is the first Arab university to sign this agreement, which involves the implementation of various policies and projects that should aid the university in upholding its social and environmental responsibilities.

“The BUE has always worked towards being a frontrunner when it comes to taking proper climate action, reducing the range of trade barriers through economic integration, supporting women, youth, and minorities nationwide, as well as implementing programmes that enable the creation of a more socially and environmentally conscious generation of young students and graduates,” he added.

Meanwhile, UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt Alessandro Fracassetti said that this MoU will help redouble the UNDP’s efforts to create new and better opportunities for Egypt’s young women and men. 

“Our cooperation with the BUE is based on the main principle that lies at the heart of the 2030 Agenda: To leave no one behind. We will focus on lifelong learning, community development initiatives and policy dialogue for a more inclusive and sustainable future. Policy dialogue will give a further boost to important research topics such as local economic development, digital transformation, social and governance issues,” Fracassetti explained.

For her part, Sarah El-Khishin, assistant professor of economics at the BUE said that a group of around 20 created (Hayah Karima) working group with a shared mandate of making the university more engaged in supporting the community, Egypt’s national agenda (Egypt’s Vision 2030) and the global SDGs.