Sharm El-Sheikh Joins Global ICLEI Network as Egypt’s First Green City

Sharm El-Sheikh has officially joined ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability – becoming the first city in Egypt to be part of the international network dedicated to sustainable urban development. This step recognises the city’s progress in implementing environmental reforms since 2018, when it hosted the UN Biodiversity Conference, and more recently, the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP27).

As part of preparations for COP27, nearly 39 environmental projects were carried out under presidential directives to transform Sharm El-Sheikh into a comprehensive green city. These included infrastructure upgrades such as 145 kilometres of bike lanes, the introduction of a public bike-sharing system, and the expansion of electric and solar-powered public transport.

Renewable energy investments reached EGP 800 million, resulting in a solar power production capacity of 51 megawatts. Community-led waste management programmes were also introduced to encourage recycling and reduce overall consumption.

Preservation efforts have extended to Ras Mohammed National Park, where biodiversity protection programmes are being updated to safeguard over 3,000 marine species. Behavioural change has also been identified as key to the city’s green transformation, with public campaigns promoting reduced resource use and wider adoption of clean energy.

While Sharm El-Sheikh is the first Egyptian city to join ICLEI, El-Kharga in the New Valley Governorate was previously recognised as a green city by the Arab League. Egypt’s broader sustainability strategy is expected to bring more cities into international sustainability networks in the near future.