On Monday, 24 May, the Egyptian National Competitiveness Council (ENCC) held a high-level conference in connection with the release of the 7th Annual Competitiveness Report. Alan AtKisson, President and CEO of AtKisson Group, was invited to Cairo to speak on one of the report’s main themes: a “green” transformation of the Egyptian economy.

The ENCC has in recent years begun to explore sustainability themes with great seriousness. Two years ago, responding to climate change was a major focus, and last year’s theme was responsible enterprises. Now, in 2010, the ENCC has embraced the concept of a “Green Transformation” in the Egyptian economy, and the report reflects the formal support of government ministers for moving in this direction.

Alan AtKisson’s speech placed the Egyptian initiative in a global perspective, and provided ample proof that Egypt is far from alone in identifying this moment of strategic opportunity. “Egypt may not be the first country to the starting line,” he noted, “but it has the potential to make a giant leap ahead.”

The Chair of the ENCC, Mr. Helmy Abouleish, is also the CEO of the Sekem companies, a family of sustainable enterprises founded his father, Right Livelihood Award-winner Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish. Sustainability principles already have a strong presence in Egyptian business community.

Alan AtKisson has been retained to assist the ENCC in developing its national strategy on green transformation, and we will keep reporting on this important effort over time.