The initiative aims to boost recycling rates from 30% to 60% within the next two years, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and enforcement.

The project also focuses on raising public awareness about environmentally friendly practices to combat air pollution.

Yasser Abdullah, Chairperson of the Waste Management Regulatory Authority, discussed the financial burden of environmental degradation and the agency's initiatives to enhance waste management infrastructure across 27 governorates.

Ali Abo Sena, CEO of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, praised the collaborative efforts and reported significant progress in project components, particularly in waste management.

The project was formally introduced by Egypt's Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, during a World Bank technical mission visit aimed at assessing its progress.

Karen Shepherdson, the new technical team leader, expressed enthusiasm for the project's future developments and collaboration with various stakeholders.

The World Bank's technical mission, which will last a week, is set to review the project's technical aspects and discuss future plans for 2025.

Minister Fouad highlighted the project's complexity and the necessity for stakeholder collaboration, stating it serves as a model for integrating efforts against air pollution and climate change.

The initiative addresses the financial impact of environmental degradation, which costs Egypt approximately 6 billion Egyptian pounds annually.

The project aims to enhance private sector involvement in Egypt's green transition, particularly through waste management initiatives in the Tenth of Ramadan area.

A collaborative initiative between Egypt's Ministry of Environment and the World Bank has been launched to tackle air pollution and climate change in Greater Cairo.

The opening session of the project included representatives from key ministries and officials from Cairo, Giza, and Qalyubia, emphasizing the project's collaborative nature.