A Day Full of Dialogue and Diversity: The Nasser International Forum Discusses Bandung, Climate, and Governance
Under the Patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and in partnership with the United Nations
*Nasser International Forum*: Organizing a discussion session to celebrate 70 years since the Bandung Conference at the opening of the eleventh day of the fifth batch of the Nasser International Leadership Grant.
*Nasser International Forum*: A discussion session on "Climate" as part of the activities on the eleventh day of the fifth batch of the Nasser International Leadership Grant.
*Nasser International Forum*: "Governance and Anti-Corruption" at the concluding session of the eleventh day of the fifth batch of the Nasser International Leadership Grant.
The Nasser International Forum, in a statement, announced the organization of a discussion session titled "70 Years Since the Bandung Conference and the Formation of the Global South," to mark the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. This session was held at the opening of the eleventh day of the fifth batch of the Nasser International Leadership Grant, held under the esteemed patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, in partnership with the United Nations, under the theme "Egypt and the United Nations: 80 Years Representing Global South Issues," with the participation of 150 young leaders representing 80 countries from around the world.
The session, which opened the eleventh day of the Nasser International Leadership Grant, titled "70 Years Since the Bandung Conference and the Formation of the Global South," featured Dr. Noha Al-Mekawy, Dean of the School of International and Public Affairs at the American University in Cairo, and Dr. Noha Bakkar, Professor of Political Science at the American University in Cairo and an advisor to international organizations, including the African Union, with Samuel Urbina as the moderator.
The speakers during the opening session of the eleventh day of the fifth batch of the Nasser International Leadership Grant discussed several important topics, including the approaches adopted during the Bandung Conference (the Asian-African Conference), which was the first meeting of Third World countries with the participation of 29 countries from Asia and Africa in 1955 in Bandung, Indonesia. The conference marked the foundation of the Non-Aligned Movement, with Egypt participating under the leadership of the late President Gamal Abdel Nasser. The session also discussed how to apply the outcomes of this conference in the modern era, the importance of participation in decision-making, the need for governance of modern technologies and artificial intelligence, and the formulation of international law in line with the requirements of the economy, law, justice, and humanity. Furthermore, discussions addressed the protection of borders, the creation of new ideas for the work of international and regional organizations, South-South cooperation, and enhancing the union among countries to achieve new visions, as well as empowering youth, raising community awareness, and promoting cooperation between countries while looking into common interests and studying economic, cultural, and social challenges. The session also emphasized strengthening intergenerational dialogue to integrate all parties, bolstering domestic institutions, and expanding funding sources to address the crises facing developing countries.
Dr. Noha Bakkar, in her speech during the opening discussion session on the eleventh day of the Nasser International Leadership Grant, highlighted the importance of youth in supporting their communities and raising awareness, especially in relation to pandemics, and stressed that our peoples deserve democracy and that every individual has the right to their rights. She further emphasized the necessity of addressing manifestations of corruption and enhancing governance. Bakkar stated that the COVID-19 pandemic was an important lesson, just like the issue of climate change, which developing countries were not primarily responsible for, thus renewing demands for developed countries to bear their responsibilities. She also stressed the importance of the youth's role in supporting the work of civil society organizations, particularly in light of some major countries sometimes retreating from their commitments on various issues, including climate change, such as the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Climate Summit.
Dr. Noha Al-Mekawy, in her address during the opening discussion session on the eleventh day of the Nasser International Leadership Grant, mentioned that the Bandung Conference had evolved into principles that were implemented during the 1960s. She emphasized the need to review the United Nations archives to understand the true principles of justice. She also stressed the importance of pluralism, the belief in it, and exploring ways to implement and strengthen democracy, as well as seeking to change old rules in line with modern changes. She called for defending democratic and judicial institutions, rather than merely interacting through social media platforms, given the decline of some media outlets and parliaments from performing their true role. She highlighted the importance of building a cohesive and sustainable civil society, as these institutions represent the ideas and aspirations that youth aim to achieve. She noted that Africa is a fruitful continent, and its countries must unite to change the world and support media that seeks the truth. She emphasized that democracy needs defenders and that strengthening intergenerational dialogue is essential to integrating all parties and achieving the desired change.
Hassan Ghazaly, Founder of the Nasser International Forum, stated that the organization of the discussion session titled "70 Years Since the Bandung Conference and the Formation of the Global South" comes in celebration of the seven decades since this historic conference, which marked a turning point in the cooperation between the countries of the South. He added that the session, which was held at the opening of the eleventh day of the fifth batch of the grant, aims to highlight the principles of the Bandung Conference, which laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement, and to re-read them in light of the current international challenges and changes. Ghazaly also emphasized the importance of recalling the spirit of solidarity and integration among the peoples of the global South and strengthening the role of youth in shaping a future vision based on justice, cooperation, and building a more balanced and inclusive international system.
*"Nasser International Forum": A Discussion Session on "Climate" as part of the eleventh day of the fifth batch of the Nasser International Leadership Grant*
The Nasser International Forum, in its statement, also announced the organization of a discussion session titled "Our Climate" as part of the eleventh day of the fifth batch of the Nasser International Leadership Grant, held under the esteemed patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of Egypt, in partnership with the United Nations, with the participation of 150 young leaders representing 80 countries from across the world.
The discussion session, which was part of the activities on the eleventh day of the fifth batch of the Nasser International Leadership Grant, was moderated by Dr. Mostafa Abbas, an entrepreneur in cultural and social affairs and Director of the "Wessla" Center in Berlin. The speakers included Eng. Walid Hakeem, Head of the Planning Sector at the Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, and Dr. Mariam Allam, an expert in climate change adaptation and a participant in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The session discussed the challenges facing Egypt's water sector in the face of climate change and increasing water scarcity. The speakers addressed the national efforts to tackle these issues, including adaptation strategies and sustainable water management practices. The session also explored the causes of climate change, methods to improve climate quality, and Egypt’s strategies to address these challenges, such as developing water sources through desalination plants, modern irrigation methods, pollution treatment, and investing in water treatment technologies, in line with Egypt's Vision 2050 developed by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing. Furthermore, the session highlighted the "Cairo Water Week," which has become a prestigious global platform and its role in raising awareness and encouraging the participation of international organizations in water conservation efforts.
Eng. Walid Hakeem, Head of the Planning Sector at Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, highlighted that the Middle East and North Africa region is one of the areas most affected by water scarcity, prompting countries like Egypt to seek funding sources to address this issue. He pointed out that agriculture in Egypt is a vital sector employing a large percentage of the workforce, yet the country experiences minimal rainfall, accounting for only 2% annually. He emphasized that Egypt, as a downstream country of the Nile, is highly affected by water scarcity and is already under the water poverty line, with a gap of about 2 billion cubic meters of water annually. He further explained that Egypt has a comprehensive national plan for managing water resources, based on a participatory strategy involving multiple ministries to work together on water conservation and resource development.
Dr. Mariam Allam, a climate change adaptation expert, noted that Africa has not significantly contributed to climate change but has been one of the most affected regions due to the activities of major industrialized nations. She emphasized that African countries have been active participants in climate negotiations but are in urgent need of new financial sources.
Hassan Ghazaly, Founder of the Nasser International Forum, explained that climate change is no longer just an environmental issue but a development and humanitarian one that directly impacts the present and future of nations, particularly in developing countries and Africa, which did not contribute significantly to the crisis but bear the largest burden. Ghazaly stressed that what was discussed in the session reflects the importance of collective action and finding innovative financing mechanisms to help southern countries implement practical and sustainable solutions, with youth playing a central role in this transition by adopting technology and driving new ideas that enhance communities' resilience to environmental crises.
*Nasser International Forum*: "Governance and Anti-Corruption" at the conclusion of the eleventh day of the fifth batch of the Nasser International Leadership Grant
In its statement, the Nasser International Forum also announced the organization of a discussion session titled "Governance and Anti-Corruption" at the conclusion of the eleventh day of the fifth batch of the Nasser International Leadership
Grant. The session was moderated by Eng. Walid Hakeem and featured Dr. Mohamed Hassan, an expert in governance and anti-corruption strategies, and Dr. Salah El-Din Basyuni, a consultant to the United Nations for the implementation of anti-corruption strategies.
The session addressed the challenges faced by governments in combating corruption and ensuring transparency, especially in light of the growing demands for accountability from citizens, civil society organizations, and international institutions. The speakers discussed the importance of adopting best practices for anti-corruption governance, establishing legal frameworks, strengthening institutions, and empowering civil society to monitor government actions. They also highlighted the role of youth in pushing for reforms and advocating for more transparent and inclusive governance structures.
Dr. Mohamed Hassan emphasized that governance systems need to be restructured to prioritize transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption. He stressed that governments must take tangible actions to implement anti-corruption policies and that young leaders play a crucial role in this process by engaging with institutions and holding them accountable. Dr. Salah El-Din Basyuni also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in fighting corruption, particularly in developing countries, and the need for practical tools to strengthen governance and institutional integrity.
Hassan Ghazaly concluded the session by reiterating the importance of enhancing good governance and anti-corruption measures to achieve sustainable development and build trust between governments and their citizens. He also emphasized the critical role of youth in advocating for positive change and pushing for reforms that promote transparency, justice, and equitable governance.
In conclusion, the events of the eleventh day of the fifth batch of the Nasser International Leadership Grant demonstrated the power of dialogue, diverse perspectives, and cooperation to address the challenges facing the Global South, particularly in areas such as climate change, governance, and anti-corruption. The discussions underscored the importance of youth participation in shaping a more just, sustainable, and inclusive future for all.
In his speech, "Zaghlaf" pointed out that Egypt's participation in international conferences and forums has provided it with multiple opportunities to create new mechanisms for combating corruption. Among the most notable of these is the formation of discussion groups that contribute to the exchange of knowledge and experiences with countries around the world, which has enhanced Egypt's status as a reliable partner. Some countries have even officially requested Egypt's support in preparing their national strategies, organizing their conferences, and implementing specific provisions within their anti-corruption plans, in addition to providing technical and technological assistance. He added that what has been achieved so far is the result of collective and institutional effort that reflects clear political will, confirming that combating corruption is a shared responsibility that requires continuous international cooperation to achieve a secure and just developmental environment.
The discussion session, held at the conclusion of the eleventh day of the fifth edition of the Nasser International Leadership Fellowship, ended with a series of important questions and discussions from the participants. One participant from Algeria pointed out that the culture of reporting corruption is one of the characteristics of an active citizen, but the main challenge lies in the existence of an effective law that protects whistleblowers. On the other hand, a participant from Ghana emphasized the importance of establishing clear strategies to combat corruption, starting with a precise and clear definition of the concept of corruption itself, as this forms the foundation upon which the effectiveness of any national strategy is built.
Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, the Minister of Youth and Sports, concluded the session by expressing his gratitude and appreciation to the speakers for their valuable contributions and their interest in highlighting one of the most important pillars of building a modern state, which is the establishment of transparency and good governance principles. He confirmed that the session provided a comprehensive vision of Egypt's efforts in this field, reviewing the Egyptian model and its pioneering experience within the framework of the new republic, which seeks to achieve comprehensive progress in various sectors. He also expressed his appreciation for the experiences, insights, and lessons shared during this important lecture, which reflected the importance of enhancing cooperation between national and international institutions in the fight against corruption and building a strong administrative system. He stressed that the ministry will continue to support such initiatives aimed at raising awareness, empowering national cadres, and strengthening the culture of integrity and accountability in society.
Hassan Ghazaly, founder of the Nasser International Forum, stated that enhancing transparency and integrity is the cornerstone of any real development in developing countries, pointing out that Egypt's experience in combating corruption is an inspiring model that can be built upon in the framework of regional and international cooperation. He emphasized that empowering youth and raising awareness of their role in promoting governance values and creating a generation that believes in accountability and institutional work is what we bet on for the future. He also called for the exchange of experiences and knowledge between African and Arab countries and for intensifying efforts to support anti-corruption prevention strategies through innovative tools and effective partnerships between governments, civil society, and the private sector.
It is noteworthy that the fifth edition of the Nasser International Leadership Fellowship focuses on transferring Egypt's rich experience in building and consolidating national institutions, promoting youth dialogue at the international level, and highlighting the role of women and youth in peace, security, and volunteering. It also sheds light on youth issues, issues of the Global South, South-South cooperation, raising awareness about the role of the United Nations and its impact on the Global South’s issues, and emphasizing the Global South's role in supporting pivotal issues of developing countries and promoting international justice.
