Assiut, 12 November 2018 – In the framework of IOM’s Initiatives for Local Development of Egypt through the Support of Egyptians Abroad (ILDEA) project, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, a visit to monitor the progress of implementation of the initiatives implemented by NGOs was organized by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMEDA) to gain insights on the quality of the interventions and provided services.

Representatives from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (IADC), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and MSMEDA met the Governor of Assiut ,General Gamal Noureddine Zaki, and discussed the impact of the initiative on local communities. During the meeting, the representatives exchanged views on future collaboration and possible replication of these initiatives on a larger scale, with the strategic goal of curbing irregular migration through building awareness and providing job opportunities for the youth.

Over the course of the two-day visit, the delegation visited health awareness workshops, Hepatitis C and family planning convoys, sites of improved irrigation channels and sites of previous dumpsters that are now cleaned and planted with trees. The five initiatives benefit around 18,000 households in the Abnoub, Assiut through interventions promoting youth and women empowerment, employment, health awareness, and environmental sustainability. 

The project supports the realization of Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy: Egypt Vision 2030. It also falls in line with the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, specifically the UN Sustainable Development Goals, namely Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and Goal 17 (Partnership for the Goals).

For more information, please contact Omar Awwad at IOM Egypt, Tel: +2 02 2736 5140/1 Email: oawwad@iom.int