Egypt launches national anti-plastic campaign in line with global climate goals

EGYPT – Egypt’s Ministry of Environment has launched a bold nationwide campaign, “Reduce It,” to combat single-use plastic pollution.

Timed with World Environment Day 2025 and aligned with the global theme “Beat Plastic Pollution,” the initiative underscores Egypt’s growing commitment to climate action and sustainability.

Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad unveiled the campaign in Cairo, where she was joined by high-level delegates from government, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society.

Backed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Government of Japan, the campaign aims to curb the environmental and health impacts of single-use plastics by promoting safer, more sustainable alternatives across Egypt.

Minister Fouad expressed gratitude to President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, crediting his continued support and endorsement of the national plastic reduction strategy as essential to Egypt’s broader environmental agenda.

She stressed that the initiative represents a shift from outright bans toward gradual reduction, particularly in anticipation of a future global, legally binding agreement on plastic pollution being negotiated under the UN Environment Programme.

Fouad highlighted the dual economic and environmental benefits of reducing plastic use: cutting down on costly raw material imports, lowering production expenses, and encouraging the development of local industries for eco-friendly alternatives.

She also warned of the significant harm single-use plastics pose to marine and terrestrial ecosystems, especially in Egypt’s protected Red Sea regions.

The transition, she noted, hinges on modern technologies, skilled labor, and clear regulations—all supported under Egypt’s new investment law, which favors green industry development.

Japan’s Ambassador to Egypt, Fumio Iwai, praised the initiative as an extension of the 2019 agreement between President Al-Sisi and the Japanese government.

He emphasized Japan’s commitment to helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt sustainable practices, positioning Egypt as a potential regional leader in green innovation.

UNIDO’s Regional Director Patrick Gilabert echoed this vision, stating that the campaign is part of a broader effort to embed circular economy principles within Egypt’s plastics value chain.

Funded by Japan, this effort supports local businesses, reduces plastic consumption, and raises public awareness.

UNIDO currently manages 23 environmental projects in Egypt, valued at US$3.5 billion, with an additional US$4.6 billion in funding anticipated under Egypt’s Vision 2030.

The campaign’s launch included short films on the dangers of single-use plastics and a panel discussion exploring regulatory reforms and sustainable practices.

Officials say “Reduce It” will help lower Egypt’s plastic dependence, cut carbon emissions, boost green job creation, and improve public health outcomes.

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