Egypt was re-elected as Vice-Chair of the Executive Board of the UN-Habitat for the African Group - over the period of 2021-2022 - during the first meeting of the Executive Board of the UN Habitat in 2021, the Egyptian foreign ministry stated on Thursday.

Egypt's Permanent Delegation to UN Habitat Ambassador Khaled El-Abyad voiced happiness over Egypt's re-election, expressing his appreciation for the African states over their confidence in Egypt on its ability to enhance African interests and its ability to defend them.

He also said the Egyptian side is seeking to cooperate and coordinate with the new members of the executive board to develop joint action and implement executive programs over the period from 2020 to 2023.

The first session of the executive board in 2021 took place online with more than 250 participants.

The UN Habitat Executive Board aims to increase the oversight of UN Habitat’s operations by member states and to strengthen its accountability, transparency and effectiveness. It comprises 36 member states elected by the UN Habitat Assembly and convenes two to three times a year.

The ministry noted that Egypt's re-election as Vice-Chair of the UN Habitat Executive Board crowns Cairo's efforts in working in various fields, especially in the acceleration of urban development; sustainable development in building cities; the construction of new urban communities as well as ending the phenomenon of shanties and rehabilitating the areas which are not suitable for housing.