The below is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti:
Deputy Administrator Paloma Adams-Allen traveled to Egypt from January 30-February 2 to participate in the Middle East and Europe and Eurasia Regional Workshop for Deputy Mission Directors and to underscore the United States' enduring partnership with Egypt.
The Workshop was an opportunity for Deputy Mission Directors from both regions to promote mutual learning, strengthen mindful leadership, and share best practices and lessons learned in addressing key Agency priorities. Deputy Administrator Adams-Allen met with the leaders to discuss strategic, operational, and programmatic challenges that Missions face in designing and implementing development assistance programs.
The Deputy Administrator also had a series of meetings with USAID/Egypt Mission staff to hear about their experiences at USAID, the impacts of their work, and understand how the Agency can help advance staff and Mission goals. Deputy Administrator Adams-Allen spoke to staff about USAID’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our teams, partners, and programs. She was also briefed on the significant history and depth of USAID’s work in Egypt, especially in the sectors of health, women’s empowerment, economic growth, and tourism.
During her visit, the Deputy Administrator met with the Egyptian Red Crescent where she expressed USAID’s appreciation for its partnership with the organization throughout the pandemic to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19, administer vaccines, and combat misinformation. Deputy Administrator Adams-Allen met with Minister of Social Solidarity Dr. Nivine El-Kabbag to discuss collaboration on topics such as women economic empowerment, youth participation, private sector development, and community engagement, and the important role of civil society in Egypt. The Deputy Administrator also visited the Sultan Hussein Kamel Palace iHub where she hosted a roundtable discussion with USAID-supported Egyptian entrepreneurs and startups. During this meeting, Deputy Administrator Adams-Allen was able to hear firsthand how USAID’s partnership with the Government of Egypt and the private sector supports Egyptian entrepreneurs by launching and growing startups, attracting foreign direct investment, and improving the delivery of public services for the benefit of all Egyptians.
Prior to her departure from Cairo, Deputy Administrator Adams-Allen had the opportunity to see historic Cairo and visit several sites where past and present USAID support has preserved valuable Egyptian cultural heritage and supported private sector investment in local communities to promote sustainable tourism. The Deputy Administrator, joined by U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Ambassador Daniel Rubinstein visited the Sphinx and Pyramids at the Giza Plateau, where the U.S. government, through USAID, designed and constructed a $7 million groundwater lowering system to protect the Sphinx and Giza Plateau from further degradation from groundwater. Since 1995, USAID has invested over $100 million to conserve monuments and masterpieces spanning the full range of Egypt's long cultural heritage, to protect and sustain these historic sites and important economic assets for future generations.