Experts: Decent Life initiative enhanced state development plans

10 / 11 / 2021

By Dina Mohamed - - | Edited by Marwa Nassar

Experts and representatives for heavyweight companies – who participated in the 11^th Corporate Social Responsibility Forum (CSR Forum) – said the presidential initiative of Decent Life has tangibly enhanced the state development plans.

This came during the forum’s fifth session which was held under the theme of “parties concerned for securing decent life”.

Chief Human Resources Officer of GB Ghabbour Egypt George Sedky said the company has been deeply interested in promoting technical education for a long period in order to graduate professional technicians and, hence, secure decent life for youths.

Sedky said the sustainability of technical education stems from encouraging youths to engage from entrepreneurship and helping youths to turn their pioneering ideas into projects that benefit the country.

The company operated a solar-powered factory within the framework of its efforts to depend on clean energy, he said, adding that the surplus in energy goes to other areas.

Meanwhile, CSR Director of Decent Life Foundation Ahmed Amgad said the presidency’s directives were not confined to offering social support to people in the Egyptian countryside, but also focusing on the economic dimension through establishing industrial complexes in villages.

He added that due attention was given to micro, small and medium sized enterprises in order to create more jobs and ensure sustainable income resources in the villages in addition to opening vistas for new partnerships with the civil society.

He underlined the importance of developing villages under Decent Life initiative so they would not be left behind the march of development.

He noted that the foundation has launched several initiatives to serve the Egyptian countryside, including an educational initiative with Vodafone, launching an educational platform in 100 schools, in addition to an initiative for painting houses.

He said the foundation is keen on cooperating with the international and civil society in order to mobilize efforts to achieve development.

Rami Al-Nazer, CEO of the Egyptian Red Crescent Society, said the Red Crescent Society has been adopting a green strategy for 20 years with regard to responding to crises using eco-friendly materials.

Nazer said the society is also launching educational and cultural campaigns on climate change and its impact to sensitize people on the dangers of climate change.

He added that the society has spearheaded an e-system for first aid, thus contributing to reducing global warming.

For her part, Secretary General of Vodafone Egypt Foundation Mai Yassin said securing decent life for citizens is part of Vodafone Egypt strategy which also focuses on digital transformation, financial inclusion, and protecting the environment.

Yassin noted that financial inclusion is one of the most important files for the company and this is achieved through Vodafone cash service.

Vodafone Egypt also worked on promoting education, especially e-learning, as the company believes in the importance of eradicating illiteracy in order to achieve development.

Meanwhile, Member of the National Council for Human Rights Walaa Gad El Karim said investments in the Decent Life initiative promoted the state plans to confront climate change, realize green recovery and secure decent life for people.

She added that the Decent Life initiative enhances human rights as well as development in various sectors.

For his part, Deputy CEO of Telecom Egypt (WE) El Husseini Adel said WE plays a key role in empowering the Egyptian economy.

He noted that securing needed internet services contributed to overcoming the pandemic crisis and opened the door for distance education and working from home.

He added that the company will contribute to providing internet services to 40 villages and promoting digital transformation there.

He said the company has six schools for graduating specialized technicians in the field of IT which is one of the most important future industries.

Meanwhile, Head of Sona3 El Kheir Board of Trustees Moustafa Zamzam said supporting economic empowerment and civil society will never be achieved without medical convoys and support of small handicrafts men and fishermen as well as cooperation with the private sector institutions.

Sona3 El Kheir aims to promote decent life in 362 villages, especially through medical initiatives.

For her part, Regional Director of the New Egypt Foundation Ghada Ali said the foundation aims to achieve sustainable social development, referring to the support of a kidney hospital in Mansoura, development of a village in Gharbiya governorate, construction of roofs of houses of needy families.

The foundation expanded its social activities through collaboration with Decent Life initiative and offering genuine support for the largest number of people.