As prepared for delivery

It is an honour to be with you today as we celebrate a shared achievement—one rooted in partnership, sustainability, and community strength.

Al-Gharqana Village is more than a project. It is a vision realized. 

A story of resilience, tradition, and hope—where community and conservation go hand in hand.

With Al-Gharqana Village, we are not just improving conditions—we are building futures. 

We are empowering families and strengthening the fabric of our society by helping communities live and work in better harmony with the environment. 

It represents our shared commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

The village has been designed with sustainability and innovation at its core. 

From eco-friendly housing and renewable energy to responsible tourism and waste management, El Gharana sets a new benchmark for eco-conscious rural living. 

It shows how environmental protection and economic opportunity can reinforce one another.

This transformation didn’t happen in isolation. 

It is the result of listening to the people of Al-Gharqana—their needs, ideas, and aspirations. 

Every step of this development process was shaped through community consultations and participatory planning. 

Together, we’ve created a model that reflects local identity and supports sustainable livelihoods.

Today’s gathering offers a chance to see this in action. 

You’ll witness firsthand how sustainable practices are integrated into village life—from housing and sanitation to energy and tourism. 

You’ll also meet local residents and learn about their central role in shaping and sustaining this model.

Our objective is clear: to foster knowledge-sharing in sustainable and inclusive development, to showcase Egypt’s leadership in environmental conservation, and to build partnerships for future action in sustainable tourism and conservation.

Al-Gharqana is more than a village—it’s a model for the future. 

A future where people and nature thrive together.

 A future grounded in dignity, opportunity, and sustainability.

To all our partners, local authorities, the private sector and most of all, to the people of Al-Gharqana Village —thank you for your trust, your insight, and your determination. 

This is your story, and UNDP is proud to be part of it.

Thank you.