The British Egyptian Business Association (BEBA) hosted a breakfast briefing focused on “Digital Enablement to accelerate the SDGs: Private Sector’s Role.” Notable speakers at the event included British Ambassador to Egypt Gareth Bayley, Mohamed Abdallah (CEO of Vodafone Egypt), Rawhi Afaghani (Deputy Resident Representative A.I. at UNDP), Nada El Agizy (Director of Sustainable Development at the League of Arab States), and Maged Ezzeldeen (Country Senior Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers). The discussion highlighted the private sector’s crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and coincided with Vodafone Egypt’s launch of its sustainability report. BEBA also announced its Annual Business Mission to the UK in February 2024, focusing on sustainable growth opportunities in Egypt.
Additional Details:
- BEBA Chairman, Khaled Nosseir, welcomed esteemed guests, including Hossam Badrawi and Yehia Zaki.
- Vodafone Egypt’s sustainability report was launched digitally, following ESG approach metrics.
- British Ambassador Gareth Bayley emphasized the need for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza.
- Mohamed Abdallah highlighted Vodafone Egypt’s commitment to digitization, environmental sustainability, and net-zero emissions by 2030.
- Nada El Agizy stressed the importance of private sector engagement, transparency, and SDG 17 (partnerships).
- Rawhi Afaghani discussed the UN’s commitment to leaving no one behind, emphasizing the private sector’s potential in funding digital infrastructure.
- Maged Ezzeldeen spoke about the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and highlighted the positive transition of companies in the Middle East towards sustainability.
BEBA’s Annual Business Mission:
BEBA announced plans for its Annual Business Mission to the UK, scheduled for February 14–16, 2024. The mission’s theme is “Sustainable Growth in Egypt: Pathways to Fostering Sustainability and Resilience,” focusing on investment opportunities in agritech, renewable energy, finance, logistics, and water desalination. The mission aims to explore new avenues for sustainable development and growth in Egypt.
