Minister of International Cooperation Sahar Nasr on Sunday signed a cooperation protocol with "Initiative to Develop and Revamp the Most Needy Villages in Egypt" launched by "Al Masryeen" (Egyptians) Steel Group and Al Orman Charity Association.

The initiative aims at developing at least 40 villages in its first phase. As many as 11 villages have already been finalized as part of the initiative. 

The cooperation protocol was signed by Egyptians Steel Group Chairman Ahmed Abu Hashima and Board Chairman of Al Orman Association Hassan al-Qabani.

In statements following the signing ceremony, Nasr said the protocol comes as part of the ministry's role to support and activate sustainable development goals by providing the basic needs to improve the living standards of Egyptians in the most needy villages. The initiative comes in line with directives of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to involve civil society in the development process, she added.

It also comes as part of Egypt's commitment towards achieving the sustainable development goals and partnership among the government, civil society and private sector in realizing sustainable economic growth and comprehensive development.

The development project included the revamping & furnishing of houses, providing poor families with heads of cattle, as well as an insurance policy of 400 pounds per month, helping girls to get married, providing 10 wheelchairs for people with special needs in addition to financing micro-enterprise projects