Follow a 
See our 
View our
Download the
Sharm el-Sheikh City
Egypt
ABOUT
Member summary
Sharm El-Sheikh, a globally renowned coastal city and hub for international diplomacy (notably COP14 and COP27), has now made history as the first Egyptian city to join the ICLEI Global Network of Sustainable Cities, positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainable tourism, resilience, and environmental innovation.
Details
Population:
~ 15,480*
Member since:
2025
*Source: Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics updated on January 1, 2025
We proudly recognise Sharm El-Sheikh as the first Egyptian city acknowledged for its efforts in urban sustainability and climate resilience through the ICLEI Global Network for Sustainable Cities. Many may associate this achievement with COP27, but I see its origins going back to the Biodiversity COP14 in 2018, also hosted in Sharm El-Sheikh.
H.E. Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment of the Arabic Republic of Egypt
Green Sharm
2023–ongoing
A flagship platform and integrated sustainability initiative led by the Ministry of Environment, UNDP Egypt, GEF, and South Sinai Governorate. Offers technical assistance, multi-stakeholder planning, and pilot investments across energy, waste, biodiversity, water, and transport.
ICLEI Membership & Platform Launch
2025
Sharm El-Sheikh became Egypt’s first ICLEI city and launched the Green Sharm sustainability platform, showcasing achievements in green tourism, environmental innovation, and community engagement.
Renewable Energy Investment
2025
Over EGP 800 million invested to generate 51 MW clean power, delivering about 18% of the city’s energy needs via solar installations.
Sustainable Transport Infrastructure
145 km of dedicated cycling lanes, bike-sharing systems, and a fleet of electric buses introduced to promote low-carbon mobility.
Waste Management & Plastic Reduction
Deployment of an integrated solid waste management system with active community participation, and ban of single-use plastic bags across 50 hotels.
Water & Biodiversity Interventions
Installation of a desalination unit in the Nabq protected area, alongside a coral reef conservation action plan to protect marine biodiversity.
Being part of the ICLEI Global Network is a major achievement for the Arab Republic of Egypt and a significant step forward in advancing sustainable urban development across the country. We are eager to see more cities from South Sinai join the ICLEI Global Network and work together to drive progress toward sustainability.
Major General Dr. Khaled Mubarak, Governor of South Sinai, Egypt
Related news
1 June 2025
Sharm El Sheikh becomes 1st Egyptian city to Join ICLEI Global Network of Sustainable Cities
9 June 2025
Environment min. to MENA: We work to add other Egyptian cities to ICLEI network
Sharm El-Sheikh’s entry into our global network is a powerful signal of the City’s leadership in Egypt. ICLEI congratulates the City on its pioneering Green Sharm initiative, it is an inspiring example of what is possible when local and national actors work together. We at ICLEI Africa are honoured to support this journey.