J-PAL MENA At AUC Launches Environmental Policy Hub To Tackle Climate Challenges In Egypt
February 19, 2025, Cairo – The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab Middle East and North Africa at The American University in Cairo (J-PAL MENA at AUC) announced the launch of the new extension to the Egypt Impact Lab, named “HAPIE,” after the ancient Egyptian deity associated with the annual flooding of the Nile River. The announcement was made during an event at AUC attended by Rania El Mashat, minister of planning, economic development, and international cooperation, along with Egypt’s government officials, NGOs, policymakers, development practitioners, and researchers.
HAPIE, which stands for the Hub of Advanced Policy Innovation for the Environment, represents the Egypt Impact Lab’s (EIL) extension into the environment, energy, and climate change sectors. Established through a partnership between J-PAL MENA and the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, the EIL has played a vital role in embedding evidence-based policy approaches across various development sectors in Egypt. EIL is made possible through founding partners Community Jameel and Sawiris Foundation, with additional support from UNICEF Egypt.
In her remarks at the event, El-Mashat noted that the ministryrecognizesthat transformative change must be rooted in evidence-based and data-driven policymaking, strategic partnerships, and innovative financing mechanisms. “HAPIE accelerates this vision by creating a dynamic platform where research can directly inform policy action and financing decisions,” she said. “This synergy is in line with the Ministry's Framework for Sustainability and Financing for Economic Development, ensuring that evidence-based policies drive inclusive, sustainable growth and deliver measurable impact for Egypt's future."
Sherifa Sherif, executive director of the National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development explained that by placing environmental policy innovation as a cornerstone of governance, we are reinforcing our commitment to a greener future for all Egyptians. “This Hub offers hope, driving evidence-based strategies to tackle issues like air and water quality and moving us closer to our sustainable development goals.”
George Richards, director of Community Jameel stated that Egypt is a country of wide, open skies and the great River Nile – but they are menaced by climate change, pollution and other threats. “Together with J-PAL, the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, and a consortium of partners in this project, Community Jameel is committed to ensuring that the new Hub of Advanced Policy Innovation for the Environment – as part of the global network of J-PAL Air and Water Labs – will put scientific evidence at the heart of the government’s efforts to ensure a safe and healthy environment, with access to clean air and water, for all Egyptians.”
Laila Hosni, executive director of Sawiris Foundation for Social Development, noted that the commitment of Sawiris Foundation goes beyond financial support. “We strive to be impact investors, developmental knowledge leaders, and technical partners dedicated to creating meaningful change,” she said. “HAPIE embodies our vision of driving the exploration of innovative, localized solutions to help vulnerable communities mitigate and adapt to the growing effects of climate change,” she added.
Ahmed Elsayed, executive director of J-PAL MENA, noted that this partnership with the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, Community Jameel and Sawiris Foundation underscores J-PAL MENA's commitment to employing rigorous research to address critical environmental challenges and create a substantial impact in Egypt. “I am enthusiastic about the potential of HAPIE to address air and water policies in Egypt and drive positive change and development in the future.”
HAPIE is the regional counterpart of a global network of Air and Water Labs in India and South Africa. These labs collaborate with government agencies to tackle critical air and water issues through evidence-based policymaking. With generous support from Community Jameel, the Labs work closely with government partners to co-generate evidence-based solutions for the most pressing air and water challenges in their respective regions. As an extension of EIL, HAPIE is uniquely positioned at the National Institute of Governance and Sustainable Development.