Biography:

Hussein Abaza is the founder of the Centre for Sustainable Development Solutions (CSDS). He is a former Director of the Economics and Trade Branch of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). He completed his undergraduate studies in Economics at the American University in Cairo and his post graduate studies on Urban Physical Planning at the Bradford University, the UK. During his tenure with UNEP (1982-2009) he was responsible for formulating and overseeing the implementation of the Economics and Trade Programme, and led the team which conceptualized and launched the UNEP Green Economy initiative in October 2008. He founded CSDS in 2011 with the main objectives of promoting green economy and sustainable development, with particular focus on Egypt and the Middle East. The Center aims to achieve this objective through technical support, research, training, community based activities, and public awareness campaigns. He currently advises a number of international and regional institutions on green economy and sustainable development issues including UNEP, the World Bank, Plan Bleu, GIZ, CP/RAC, AFED, and CEDARE.

Abstract:

Transitioning to a Green Economy: A Tool for Achieving Sustainable Development

Greening the economy provides a powerful tool for achieving sustainable development. A package of policies and measures will need to be developed and introduced to facilitate this transition at the macro and sectoral levels. Among the main enabling conditions for transitioning to a green economy are: Giving high priority to investing in human and natural resources, R&D, innovation and technology development; adopting an integrated approach policymaking; ensuring good governance and civil society engagement; introducing a package of regulatory and incentive measures; and promoting the role of the private sector and PPP. Greening the economy turns risks into opportunities, creates new market opportunities, enhances competitiveness, creates new jobs, improves the environment, health and human welfare. Transition to a green economy requires political commitment, and long-term vision on the part of the government. Following this path will put the economy on a sustainable path of development, which will consequently contribute in achieving economic, social and environmental objectives.