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Daily News Egypt
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt launches clean tech initiative backed by UN to advance climate leadership
Egypt has launched a new national initiative to position itself as a regional leader in clean technology innovation, with support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). Ali Abu Sena, head of Egypt's Environmental Affairs Agency, chaired the inaugural steering committee meeting of the project, which aims to accelerate climate action and support the country's energy transition. The initiative brings together key stakeholders, including UNIDO's Resident Representative in Egypt, Patrick Gilbert, and Dr. Mahitab El Rammal, Egypt's National Focal Point for the GCF. Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad highlighted that the project will strengthen institutional coordination, build capacity across the clean tech ecosystem, attract private sector participation, and enhance early-stage climate finance. 'This is a strategic step to bolster Egypt's regional standing in climate innovation and sustainable industrial development,' Fouad said. She emphasized the project's role in supporting Egypt's shift toward a low-emissions, climate-resilient economy. Abu Sena added that the initiative will also develop innovative financing tools, offer business acceleration programs, and support the preparation of bankable climate projects aligned with the GCF's criteria. These efforts are directly linked to Egypt's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and its 2050 National Climate Strategy. He stressed the project's focus on empowering clean tech entrepreneurship, fostering climate-smart innovation, and generating green jobs through close collaboration with startups, government entities, private investors, and strategic sectors.
Time of India
22-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
UNIDO training on chemical free vegetable farming starts at CSA Univ
Kanpur: The third batch of a three-day professional training programme, sponsored by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Japan, commenced at the vegetable section of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology on Sunday. The programme was inaugurated by the university's vice-chancellor Anand Kumar Singh. Singh, in his address emphasising the importance of chemical-free farming, stated that the excessive use of agrochemicals in agriculture is polluting the soil, air, and groundwater, adversely affecting the health of all living beings. Therefore, incorporating alternatives to agrochemicals along with low-input techniques into vegetable cultivation is the need of the hour. Discussing the Japanese IMEC Film Farming hydroponic system, the vice-chancellor explained that it enables the successful production of high-quality cherry tomatoes using minimal water and fertilisers, and completely without agrochemicals. The Total Soluble Solids (TSS - sweetness) level in cherry tomatoes produced by this technique is nearly double that of conventionally grown tomatoes, he added. On this occasion, Hiroshi Yoshioka, chief executive officer of Mebiol Inc. , Japan, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the university for organising a meaningful and well-structured training programme. He said that using IMEC Film Farming technology in protected vegetable cultivation can fetch higher market prices, thereby helping to establish agriculture-based businesses. Programme director PK. Singh, said that the objective of the training is to enhance women's participation in the agriculture sector and promote agriculture-based economies by developing their skills. Programme coordinator Rajiv explained while conducting the programme that along with 12 lectures by scientists from various research institutions across the country, four practical exercises will also be conducted. The event was attended by the dean of the faculty of community science, the director of extension, the dean of the horticulture faculty, along with 35 progressive farmers, young entrepreneurs, and research students from various districts of the state.
Hans India
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hans India
EVs transform household waste collection under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban: Centre
New Delhi: The integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into household waste collection has marked a transformative step under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U), the government said on Tuesday. These zero-emission vehicles represent the future of sustainable urban sanitation — reducing air and noise pollution while efficiently managing daily waste. By replacing traditional fuel-powered garbage trucks, EVs not only cut down on carbon emissions but also align perfectly with the mission's goal of garbage-free cities. 'This innovative synergy between clean mobility and solid waste management is paving the way for a more environmentally responsible future,' said Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. For example, Guntur in Andhra Pradesh has embraced an eco-friendly transformation in waste management by deploying over 200 electric autos for door-to-door garbage collection. The initiative, backed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) under the Sustainable Cities Integrated Pilot Approach (SCIAP), replaces conventional diesel-powered trucks with a greener alternative. These electric autos, each equipped with GPS tracking for real-time monitoring, efficiently cover the city's 159.46 square kms. 'By eliminating the need for over 71,000 litres of diesel annually, the project significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions—an estimated 21,000 tonnes over a decade — helping to combat climate change and enhance air quality,' informed the ministry. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has also deployed battery-operated electric rickshaws for waste collection across the city. By replacing diesel-powered vehicles with E-rickshaws that travel approximately 40 kms daily, the city effectively reduces around 41 tonnes of carbon emissions each day - amounting to an annual reduction of 15,160 tonnes. Currently, the GCC operates a robust fleet of 5,478 E-rickshaws, servicing all 15 zones and covering 24,621 streets and over 2.1 million households. 'The initiative also creates employment for over 6,000 individuals. The integration of audio systems in the E-rickshaws further helps spread awareness about waste segregation through dedicated songs and public information campaigns,' said the ministry. Indore Municipal Corporation has taken a transformative step toward environmental sustainability and operational efficiency by introducing 100 electric vehicles (e-vehicles) for door-to-door waste collection, replacing traditional diesel-powered trucks. The switch from diesel vehicles is expected to save the corporation around Rs 5.97 crore annually, factoring in fuel, servicing, engine oil, and clutch replacement costs. According to the ministry, the corporation has established 20 solar charging stations, each equipped with 10 kW solar panels capable of generating 800–1000 units of green energy daily. These stations can charge 80 to 100 vehicles per day, drastically reducing dependence on conventional electricity sources.
Daily News Egypt
02-06-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt launches campaign to curb single-use plastic pollution amid global climate push
Egypt's Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, on Sunday launched a nationwide awareness campaign titled 'Reduce It' to combat single-use plastic pollution, aligning with World Environment Day 2025 and its global theme, 'Beat Plastic Pollution.' The initiative, supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Government of Japan, aims to reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastics and promote sustainable alternatives across the country. Held in Cairo, the campaign launch brought together senior representatives from government, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society. Among the attendees were Japan's Ambassador to Egypt, Oka Hiroshi, UNIDO Regional Director Patrick Gilabert, industry leaders, and officials from the Ministry of Environment and waste management authorities. Minister Fouad thanked President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi for his continued support of Egypt's environmental efforts, describing his endorsement of the national plastic reduction strategy as a 'cornerstone' of the country's broader environmental agenda. She emphasized that the campaign builds on a multi-year initiative to introduce standards for plastic alternatives, balancing the interests of manufacturers and consumers. 'We are shifting the focus from bans to gradual reduction—especially in anticipation of a future global, legally binding agreement on plastic pollution,' Fouad said, referencing current negotiations led by the UN Environment Programme. Fouad outlined the economic and environmental advantages of reducing plastic use, including lower import costs for raw materials, reduced production expenses, and new opportunities for local industries to develop eco-friendly alternatives. She also pointed to serious health and ecological risks—citing marine and livestock harm observed in Egypt's southern Red Sea protectorates. Transitioning to sustainable alternatives, she noted, will require modern technology, regulatory clarity, and skilled labor—all supported by Egypt's new investment law, which prioritizes green industries such as plastic alternatives. Japan's Ambassador, Fumio Iwai, praised the campaign as a continuation of the 2019 agreement between President Al-Sisi and the Japanese government, emphasizing Japan's support for SMEs in adopting greener practices. 'We believe this effort will help position Egypt as a regional hub for environmental innovation and sustainability,' he said. UNIDO's Patrick Gilabert echoed this sentiment, explaining that the campaign is part of a broader project to embed circular economy principles within Egypt's plastics value chain. Funded by Japan, the initiative aims to reduce plastic consumption, raise awareness, and strengthen technical capacity within local businesses. Gilabert noted that UNIDO is currently supporting 23 environmental projects in Egypt worth approximately $3.5bn, with an additional $4.6bn planned under Egypt's Vision 2030. Short films were screened at the event, highlighting the dangers of single-use plastics and the goals of the 'Reduce It' campaign. A panel discussion followed, focusing on regulatory approaches and circular economy practices in Egypt's plastics industry. The campaign forms part of Egypt's broader national strategy to phase out harmful plastic products and is embedded within the 'Enhancing Circular Economy Practices in the Single-Use Plastics Value Chain' project, jointly implemented by UNIDO and supported by the Japanese government. Officials say the initiative is expected to reduce demand for virgin plastic by promoting reusable alternatives—helping to cut carbon emissions, reduce environmental degradation, and improve public health. It also aims to stimulate green industry growth, create jobs in recycling and sustainable manufacturing, and reduce Egypt's reliance on imported materials. In closing, Minister Fouad thanked key partners—including UNIDO, the World Bank, the Japanese Embassy, Egyptian lawmakers, and civil society groups—for their support. She reaffirmed her commitment to championing African climate and sustainability priorities in her upcoming role as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
Zawya
09-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
MoIAT transforms conformity labels elevating Made in the UAE products globally
The update aims to enhance the competitiveness of Emirati products locally and abroad. Companies have up to a year to transition to the new label designs and conformity marks. Abu Dhabi – The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) has issued a resolution updating 12 national conformity marks and efficiency labels, aligned with the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology (Operation 300bn) and in support of the Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) initiative. The move aims to enhance the competitiveness of Emirati products in both domestic and international markets while attracting new investments. The updates introduce a new visual identity for the badges and labels, along with a transitional period for manufacturers and suppliers to comply with the new procedures. The transition period is set at 12 months for products already in local markets and 6 months for imported products, ensuring that companies have ample time to adjust. The updated conformity marks and efficiency labels include the following: UAE Standards and Metrology Mark National Conformity Mark 'Compliant' Oxo-Biodegradable Plastic Products Mark (Biodegradable) Conformity Mark for Legal Measurement Instruments (Verified) Environmental Mark Free-Range Chicken Mark Made in the Emirates Mark Energy Efficiency Label for Electrical Appliances Water Efficiency Label RFID Tire Label Environmental Performance Label for Paints and Varnishes His Excellency Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT, said: 'MoIAT is committed to enhancing the competitiveness of Emirati products locally and internationally, in line with Operation 300bn. The recent resolution to update the national conformity marks and efficiency labels will reinforce the position of Emirati products in regional and global markets while supporting companies that strive to manufacture high-quality goods.' He added, 'The UAE has a mature quality infrastructure system, ranking fifth in this year's Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development Index, as reported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the International Network on Quality Infrastructure (INet QI). This achievement reflects our continuous collaboration with federal and local government entities, as well as private sector companies, to enhance performance, productivity, and industrial competitiveness, ultimately improving the quality of our products and their export capabilities.' HE Al Suwaidi emphasized, 'We take immense pride in Emirati products that bear the Made in the Emirates Mark, which distinguishes them in international markets due to their exceptional quality. By enhancing our national conformity marks and efficiency labels, we aim to facilitate trade, eliminate technical barriers, and unlock additional investment opportunities.' A national market survey conducted by MoIAT in 2023 highlighted the UAE's commitment to global best practices, revealing a 93% product compliance rate with UAE standards in local markets. This showcases the robustness of the country's quality infrastructure, enhances consumer confidence, and contributes to national economic growth. MoIAT will host the fourth edition of Make it in the Emirates, set to be the largest edition yet in terms of delegates, exhibitors, event space, and announcements. Scheduled for May 19-22, 2025, this edition will serve as a premier platform for local and regional investment, as well as industrial and technological cooperation. All local and international companies are invited to participate, and the event will showcase new incentives, enablers, and guaranteed purchasing opportunities under the National In-Country Value (ICV) Program.
