As part of the second day of activities for the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership
“Nasser International Forum”: Participants in the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership visit the late leader Gamal Abdel Nasser Museum
A workshop on “Effective Communication” held during the second day of the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership
A discussion panel on “Crises, Management Strategies, and the Battle of Awareness” concludes the second day of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership
The Nasser International Forum announced, in a statement, the organization of a visit to the museum of the late leader Gamal Abdel Nasser, as part of the opening activities of the second day of the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership. The fellowship is being held during the current month of May under the theme: “Egypt and the United Nations: 80 Years of Representing Global South Issues,” under the generous patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and with the participation of around 150 young men and women from diverse leadership backgrounds and specializations representing various countries around the world.
The Forum pointed out in its statement that the participants in the fifth cohort of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership began their visit to the museum by exploring all its halls and exhibits. The museum houses numerous important historical sections and displays. The tour commenced at the entrance, reception hall, and museum lobby, where the visitors were introduced to the building’s unique architectural design and current appearance. They then explored the museum’s contents, which reflect various aspects of the late leader’s life. This included viewing the original furnishings of his home, including the meeting room, living room, office, and bedroom, in addition to the presidential salon, which witnessed significant historical moments.
Participants also visited the “Manshiyet El-Bakry” corner, one of the symbolic places associated with the leader. They viewed the special belongings hall, which includes a unique collection of documents and personal items such as his official attire, original speeches, personal and family photos, photographic cameras, pens, decorations and medals he received, and souvenir gifts presented to him by leaders and peoples from around the world during his tenure. This visit provided the participants with a rare opportunity to closely explore intricate details of the life of one of the most prominent leaders in modern history, enhancing their understanding of the traits of leadership and political influence in Egypt and the Arab world.
The Forum’s statement added that an important educational seminar was held for the participants in the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership, alongside their visit to the late leader Gamal Abdel Nasser’s museum. The seminar was titled “Presence Despite Absence” and was moderated by journalist Adel Al-Mahrouqi in the presence of a number of national and diplomatic figures. These included H.E. Mohamed Fayek, former Minister of African Affairs and leader of the African liberation movement; H.E. Mohamed Al-Orabi, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs; Ambassador Ahmed Khafagy, Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister for International Security; and Engineer Abdel Hakim Gamal Abdel Nasser, son of the late leader.
The speakers reflected on the profound humanitarian and leadership impact of the late leader, affirming that Gamal Abdel Nasser was not merely a political figure, but a unique humanitarian model who embodied the true principles of leadership. He remains a role model for dedication and struggle for the nation and the Arab world. The speakers also highlighted his pivotal role in supporting African liberation causes, stressing that Nasser was not only a leader of Egypt but a symbol for an entire continent. His influence extended to many peoples who fought for freedom and independence.
They also pointed to his major national achievements, foremost among them the nationalization of the Suez Canal, which represented a historical turning point in Egypt’s journey toward sovereignty and national dignity, ending dependency and paving the way for building a strong, independent state. The attendees praised the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership, held under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, affirming that it represents one of Egypt’s soft power tools and a practical embodiment of modern diplomacy. It contributes to building bridges of cooperation and partnership among the youth of the world and to confronting current global challenges by reinforcing the values of leadership, belonging, and cross-cultural communication.
The Nasser International Forum affirmed in its statement that the youth leaders participating in the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership, during their visit to the late leader Gamal Abdel Nasser’s Museum in the Manshiyet El-Bakry area in East Cairo, became acquainted with this historical landmark, which embodies a significant era in the history of Egypt and the Arab nation. The museum immortalizes the memory of one of the most prominent leaders of the modern era. It stands as a living witness to the journey of the late leader, as it was originally his private residence where he lived with his family. After his death, a governmental decree designated the home for the residence of his family, and it remained so until the property reverted to the Egyptian state after the passing of his wife. A presidential decree was then issued to convert the residence into a museum narrating the life of the late leader and conveying scenes from his political and humanitarian journey to future generations.
Ownership of the house was transferred to the Fine Arts Sector of the Ministry of Culture, which undertook its development and rehabilitation to become a modern museum that preserves and presents history in a refined cultural and artistic manner. The museum was officially inaugurated by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on September 28, 2016, coinciding with the 46th anniversary of the death of Gamal Abdel Nasser, who passed away on September 28, 1970. This museum now serves as a window through which visitors can view the history of a leader who significantly shaped Arab national consciousness and led national liberation movements worldwide.
The Forum clarified in its statement that at the conclusion of their visit to the late leader’s museum, participants in the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership were keen to take commemorative photos, expressing their immense joy at being in this historical site that reflects the life and legacy of one of the greatest leaders of the modern age. The visit was marked by emotions of pride and reverence among the participants, who voiced their deep respect for Egypt’s history and great appreciation for the national and pan-Arab role played by the late leader, not only on the level of Egypt or the Arab world but also on the level of global humanity.
They emphasized that Gamal Abdel Nasser embodies a unique model of the inspiring leader, who bore the burdens of his people and nation, championed the causes of justice, dignity, and independence, and played a major role in shaping the path of liberation movements in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Participants also expressed admiration for the museum’s organization and display methods, considering the visit a deeply educational and human experience that enriched their understanding of modern Egyptian history and reinforced their belief in the value of conscious leadership committed to the causes and aspirations of the people.
The Nasser International Forum further stated that the second day of the fifth edition of the fellowship also included the organization of a specialized workshop on effective communication skills, which addressed several important topics such as: communication barriers and obstacles, tools and techniques of effective communication, and active listening skills. The workshop also emphasized the concept of flexibility and its direct impact on the quality of communication.
The workshop was conducted through various interactive activities based on group participation, open discussion, brainstorming, role-playing, and the sharing of personal experiences. These methods aimed to stimulate creative thinking and enhance engagement among the participants. The session was led by a distinguished team of facilitators, all graduates of previous fellowship cohorts. These included Dr. Ahmed Mokhtar (second cohort), Dr. Bassem Al-Maghrabi (third cohort), Dr. Rasha Hussein (a graduate of the African School) and Dr. Raja Magdy (fourth cohort), in addition to Dr. Engy Ali, Director of the “Be an Ambassador” initiative at the National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development. This experienced training team was committed to supporting the objectives of the fellowship and actively contributing to empowering participants by developing their leadership and personal skills in a diverse international environment, helping shape more aware and impactful young leaders.
According to the Nasser International Forum’s statement, the second day of the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership concluded with a discussion session titled “Crises, Management Strategies, and the Battle of Awareness.” The session was held in the presence of Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, and featured Major General Dr. Samir Farag, the strategic and military thinker and expert. The session was moderated by journalist Haidi Abdel Razek, who emphasized in her speech the importance of building genuine awareness and developing a correct understanding of the challenges and crises surrounding us. She also stressed the need to address them through scientific approaches rooted in fostering national unity and strengthening internal cohesion, especially in light of the unprecedented global crises facing nations around the world.
For his part, Major General Samir Farag, in the opening of his speech during the closing session of the second day of the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership, expressed his happiness at the opportunity to be present and speak with the participating youth leaders representing more than one continent, especially the esteemed guests from the beloved continent of Africa, affirming that Egypt is the heart of Africa.
Farag highlighted that Egypt’s ties with African nations date back to the era of the late President Gamal Abdel Nasser, who established strong and enduring relations with the continent. He emphasized the importance of the session’s topic, international crises, noting its relevance in raising youth awareness by informing them of developments both in their own countries and globally. He stressed that what happens in the world today is of utmost concern to young people, as it will directly impact their future and the future of the planet, especially in an era where no country is immune from crises.
In his remarks, Farag reviewed several key points, beginning with a historical overview of global crises. He referred to the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 as the first major global crisis, which nearly led to a full-scale nuclear war. This incident triggered a growing interest in the science of crisis management and the development of strategies and scenarios for dealing with emergencies. He emphasized that it has since become essential for every country, and even every ministry, to have a crisis management center in place.
He then discussed the Battle of Pearl Harbor, which marked a turning point in global military history. Following World War II, the Japanese parliament passed a resolution prohibiting Japan from entering future wars. However, fifty years later, the global landscape had shifted, and Japan emerged as one of the world’s seven largest economies, achieving remarkable progress in education and per capita income through investment in human capital and technology. Still, Japan was caught off guard by Russia’s military entry into the Kuril Islands, which remain under Russian control to this day. This prompted Japan to protest the Russian military buildup and to strengthen its own military forces, using its advanced technology to establish military bases. Farag highlighted the lesson: economic power, whether natural or industrial, must be protected by military strength.
Major General Farag, a strategic and military expert, also addressed several tensions that pose direct threats to Egypt’s national security, including the escalating crisis between China and Taiwan. He noted that early indicators had signaled a looming conflict, which led Taiwan to organize a conference with specialized experts, including himself, to explore the dimensions of the potential crisis. Among the topics discussed was the possibility of extremist Islamic influence reaching Taiwan, and how that could unfold in a society composed of approximately 60% Hindus, with Muslims and Copts each representing about 10%, and the remaining population having no religious affiliation.
Farag also addressed the Iranian crisis, asserting that Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons poses a serious regional threat. He noted that Iran currently ranks 17th globally in terms of conventional military power, and he outlined the global nuclear arsenal, referred to as the “nuclear club”, which is led by Russia. He explained that the ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran aim to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons and to limit its ballistic missile capabilities. He pointed out that Israel remains the strongest opponent to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Farag also reviewed the drastic changes introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump to the global order, including his role in sparking multiple crises and influencing various revolutions. He discussed the Ukrainian conflict, the role of NATO, and the positioning of both Russia and China on the global stage. He also touched on China’s “Belt and Road Initiative,” emphasizing that by 2030, China is expected to become the world’s largest economic power. Farag concluded by stressing the importance of strengthening the battle for awareness in light of these major geopolitical transformations.
In the conclusion of his speech during the closing session of the second day of the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership, Major General Samir Farag addressed the evolution of traditional warfare, beginning with first-, second-, and third-generation wars. These early forms of warfare focused on overthrowing governments, destroying a nation’s military capabilities, imposing political agendas, and ultimately forcing full surrender.
Farag explained that these traditional wars later gave way to proxy wars, which have since evolved into the more complex and insidious fourth- and fifth-generation wars. These newer types of conflict are characterized by the absence of direct human casualties and lower financial costs compared to conventional warfare, while also avoiding international accountability.
These modern wars aim to dismantle the core structures of the state using a variety of indirect tactics, including:
• Terrorism
• Psychological warfare
• Spreading rumors and misinformation
• Administrative chaos
• Systemic corruption
• Exploiting ethnic and tribal divisions
• Inciting sectarian and religious discord
• Undermining state competence
• Manipulating moral and societal issues
Farag concluded his address by outlining strategies to counter modern warfare, emphasizing the importance of:
• Promoting public awareness
• Ensuring transparency in government communication
• Developing a comprehensive media strategy
• Implementing a psychological counter-warfare plan
• Focusing on youth as the core of future resilience
• Utilizing soft power to correct misconceptions and respond to misinformation
• Strengthening regional and international cooperation to confront these evolving threats
During the closing discussion, participants in the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship posed several questions to Major General Farag, addressing diverse topics such as:
• The growing prevalence of global conflicts
• The Sudanese crisis
• The possibility of forming a unified Arab military alliance to face regional challenges
• Shifting global power dynamics and the decline of Western dominance
• How Egypt manages multiple domestic and international crises
Participants also raised issues related to data sovereignty in the Arab world, asking how Arab nations can move from consuming knowledge to producing it, especially in the context of fourth- and fifth-generation warfare.
Farag emphasized that we now live in a “world of interconnected vessels,” where a crisis in one country inevitably affects others. He highlighted the importance of containing crises to prevent them from spreading. Regarding the Sudanese conflict, he described it as a power struggle, reaffirming Egypt’s support for the Sudanese army and its call for the people of Sudan to resist any attempts to usurp legitimate authority. He stressed the need to take a principled stand in support of truth without being swept away by unfolding events.
Farag expressed hope for the unification of Arab countries into a single force and army capable of responding to any threats, even if this unity begins through economic cooperation. He stated, “If we were united, no one would dare confront us.” He also reaffirmed his opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons and noted that economic power has become a tool used by wealthy nations to dominate poorer ones.
Anthropological researcher Hassan Ghazaly, founder of the Nasser International Leadership Forum, stated that the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership aims to highlight Egypt’s longstanding experience in building strong national institutions. It also seeks to promote global youth dialogue, emphasize the role of youth and women in peace, security, and volunteerism, and shed light on youth-related issues, challenges of the Global South, and South-South cooperation. Another key focus is to raise youth awareness about the role of the United Nations and its impact on Southern issues, while also showcasing the Global South’s support for key causes in developing nations and the promotion of international justice.
Ghazaly added that the Nasser Fellowship serves as a leading platform for preparing a new generation of youth leaders at both regional and international levels. He affirmed that the fifth edition of the fellowship reflects Egypt’s continuous commitment to supporting the causes of the Global South, enhancing intercultural dialogue, and sharing developmental experiences and leadership practices in governance and community development.
It is noteworthy that the first edition of the Nasser Fellowship for Leadership was launched in June 2019, under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, as part of Egypt’s efforts to strengthen the role of African youth through training, empowerment, and leadership qualification. This initiative aligns with Egypt’s responsibility to empower African youth and with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s call to implement the African Union’s 2021 initiative to train one million youth leaders, which was first announced during the World Youth Forum’s second and third editions in 2018 and 2019. The second, third, and fourth editions of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership were subsequently held in June of 2021, 2022, and 2023, under the generous patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
