In its fifth edition, the Nasser International Leadership Forum discusses foreign policy and youth aspirations in the presence of ministers and ambassadors
Under the auspicious patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi:
The Prime Minister receives 150 young men and women from 80 countries as part of the third day of the fifth edition of the “Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership.”
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration participates in a panel discussion titled “Determinants of Foreign Policy in Light of the United Nations” at the conclusion of the third day’s events, with the attendance of the Minister of Youth and Sports.
A panel discussion titled “A Pact for the Future: Aspirations and Ambitions” takes place with the presence of Ambassador Amr Eljowaily.
The third day of the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership, organized under the generous patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Republic, was launched under the theme: “Egypt and the United Nations: 80 Years Representing the Global South.” The day began with a panel discussion titled “A Pact for the Future: Aspirations and Ambitions,” featuring the participation of around 150 young men and women from various countries around the world. These youth leaders represent a wide range of executive fields, alongside a distinguished group of influential and active youth in their communities.
The Nasser International Forum stated in its announcement that the opening panel discussion of the third day, titled “A Pact for the Future: Aspirations and Ambitions,” hosted Ambassador Amr Eljowaily, Assistant Foreign Minister for Multilateral Affairs and International Security; Mr. Nurollah Turambetov, lecturer in the UNESCO Comparative Studies of World Religions Program at the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan; and Ms. Maria Ipolitova from Kazakhstan. The session was moderated by Dr. Noha Bakr, Professor of Political Science at the American University in Cairo. The discussion addressed the “Pact for the Future” in terms of global priorities and shared hopes, emphasizing the importance of multilateral cooperation and inclusive dialogue. It also tackled the future of the multilateral system and the role of the United Nations in the coming phase.
At the outset of his speech during the opening session of the third day of the Nasser Fellowship, Ambassador Amr Eljowaily welcomed the participants, expressing his appreciation for their presence in this important and distinguished fellowship. He emphasized the need for comprehensive structural and institutional reforms within the United Nations to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring its full capacity to address all contemporary global challenges.
The Assistant Foreign Minister pointed out that the United Nations is not limited to its well-known main bodies such as the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the International Court of Justice. Rather, it extends to a broader “UN system” that includes specialized agencies directly impacting our daily lives, such as the International Telecommunication Union and the International Atomic Energy Agency. He explained that the “Pact for the Future” addresses critical issues, including sustainable development, financing for development, transformation of global governance, youth and future generations, and digitalization. He added that the UN Secretary-General launched six working groups to address these issues, in addition to a specific pillar on institutional reform. He stressed to the fellowship participants that the future involves new and emerging issues, making it an area where their contribution is vital, as they are far more adept at understanding these technologies.
In his speech during the opening panel discussion, Eljowaily called for considering reform from two perspectives: efficiency (the effective use of human and financial resources) and effectiveness (achieving tangible outcomes and impact). He affirmed the importance of the “UN 80” initiative launched by the Secretary-General to enhance the efficiency of the UN system. The Assistant Foreign Minister also underscored Africa’s legitimate right to permanent representation on the Security Council, noting that it remains the only continent without a permanent seat, despite the historical injustices it has faced. He pointed out that African demands have now become a top priority included in the “Pact for the Future.”
Maria Ipolitova from Kazakhstan, in her speech, shared her experience in the fields of charity work and sustainable activities in Kazakhstan, particularly those involving children and youth. She emphasized that there are always many opportunities available for groups that organize events across various fields. She noted that she began her project at a difficult time—when COVID-19 began, all educational entertainment activities were shut down. Nevertheless, children with special needs showed interest. She explained that the current situation is very modest, although efforts continue to support children, youth, and volunteers. All active efforts and organizations in this field are working to accelerate the realization of sustainable action, and she believes that her organization has made proper use of active charitable initiatives.
Nurollah Turambetov, lecturer in the UNESCO Comparative Studies of World Religions Program at the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the Nasser Fellowship for allowing him to be part of this important panel discussion. He stated it was a great honor to address young people from all over the world, highlighting the pivotal role of interfaith dialogue in promoting the goals of the “Pact for the Future.” This pact is a comprehensive and ambitious global agreement aimed at addressing the interconnected challenges our world faces today and contributing to the building of a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. The pact reaffirms commitment to human rights, social justice, gender equality, inclusive education, and intergenerational solidarity. He also reminded attendees that education and dialogue are not merely tools for development, but the foundation for peaceful coexistence and collective progress in an interconnected world.
Turambetov further emphasized that the UNESCO Comparative Studies of World Religions Program at the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan holds a unique position to contribute to these global priorities through academic research, intercultural education, and active youth engagement. By fostering understanding and cooperation among religions, he said, we contribute to building cohesive societies and promoting a culture of peace.
Prime Minister Receives Youth Leaders Participating in the Fifth Edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership
Madbouly: “The Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership is an important platform and a valuable opportunity for building strong relationships and friendships. It is also a significant chance to promote more peace in a world currently facing many challenges.”
“From building the pyramids to the construction of the New Administrative Capital, Egyptians have always been devoted to development and construction, never to destruction, war, or conflict.”
As part of the third day’s events of the fellowship, a visit was organized for the participants to the headquarters of the government in the New Administrative Capital, where Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly received the participants of the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership. The reception was attended by Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports; Dr. Badr Abdel Aty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Egyptians Abroad; Mostafa Magdy, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports; and Hassan Gazzaly, Founder of the Nasser International Forum.
Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly delivered a speech before a group of youth leaders who had come from various continents to participate in the fifth cohort of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership, held this year under the theme “Egypt and the United Nations: 80 Years Representing the Global South.”
At the beginning of his speech, he welcomed the young men and women in attendance, noting that such diversity and difference contribute to bridging perspectives and fostering mutual understanding, while also allowing for the exchange of leadership skills. He added that the Nasser Fellowship is an important platform and a valuable opportunity for building strong relationships and friendships, as well as for promoting more peace in a world facing many current challenges. He expressed his happiness to welcome these youth at the Cabinet Headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly continued his speech by saying: “You have come from different countries to join the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership, which was launched in 2019 as the first African youth fellowship during Egypt’s presidency of the African Union. It has since expanded to include Asia, Australia, Latin America, and Europe, in addition to Africa. Therefore, it can be described as a form of South-South cooperation, rather than solely an African fellowship.”
He explained that over the past five years, the fellowship has hosted 600 participants from 90 countries and has partnered with approximately 34 local, continental, and international institutions. “We take pride in having attracted such a large number of participants,” he said, “and we are pleased to welcome this significant group of young leaders in the fifth cohort, representing more than 80 countries worldwide, under the patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.”
Dr. Madbouly added that Egypt was a founding member of the United Nations in 1945 and has since played a pivotal role in supporting the causes of the Global South. Egypt has adopted a vision that combines its commitment to the principles of international justice with its pursuit of sustainable development for itself and other developing countries. He continued: “Egypt has always recognized the importance of the United Nations as an international platform for advocating for the issues of developing nations.”
He stressed that despite the achievements made, developing countries still face major challenges such as poverty, climate change, and economic inequality. He emphasized the need to strengthen the role of the UN in addressing these issues by reforming international institutions to ensure fairer representation of the Global South in global decision-making. He also called for enhancing sustainable financing mechanisms to support development projects in developing countries, and for empowering youth as future leaders with their own visions for growth and modernization. “Egypt believes in multilateral cooperation and works earnestly with the UN to implement its sustainable development strategies,” Madbouly affirmed, adding that the Egyptian state seeks to achieve inclusive and sustainable development through effective platforms that promote growth, human rights, security, and the establishment of both global and regional peace.
Madbouly went on to explain that Egypt continues its efforts to strengthen the partnership between the UN and the African Union in the areas of peacekeeping and peacebuilding, especially given Egypt’s broad participation in peacekeeping operations and its hosting of the AU’s Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development Center, as well as the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the unprecedented and significant challenges facing the region and their resulting impact on Egypt’s economy. He said: “You can follow what is happening in the Red Sea and see how it has negatively affected shipping traffic through the Suez Canal, resulting in the loss of more than 70% of the Canal’s revenues. This has, of course, impacted global trade.”
He added: “You are also witnessing what is happening in Gaza, Sudan, Libya, and other countries struggling to maintain stability. In this context, Egypt plays an important role through mediation efforts to achieve ceasefires in these countries, which are our neighbors and have a direct impact on Egypt’s own stability.”
Dr. Madbouly also noted that due to these regional challenges, Egypt now hosts more than 10 million migrants and refugees, more than the population of some countries. He invited the audience to imagine how Egypt strives to extend a helping hand to host this large number, providing essential services and humanitarian support. He stated this reflects the core values of the Egyptian people, who never hesitate to offer assistance to those in need.
Despite these challenges, the Prime Minister affirmed that Egypt is working hard to improve its economic situation. The government has adopted bold measures to reform the economy, improve the investment climate, and encourage greater participation from the private sector whether through foreign or domestic investments. Egypt has succeeded in attracting significant foreign direct investment in recent years and is striving to attract even more across various sectors.
In this context, Madbouly called on the attendees to imagine a country where the population grows by 2 million people each year, requiring the creation of around 1 million new jobs annually. “This is a challenge for any government seeking to provide for its citizens,” he remarked. Despite this, he added, Egypt has achieved impressive results in combating unemployment. The unemployment rate has dropped significantly, now standing at 6.5% compared to 13.5% in 2014, despite an increase of 18 million people during that period. The government has had to manage this population growth while also reducing unemployment.
Prime Minister Madbouly emphasized that Egypt has succeeded in achieving this balance under the leadership of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. He said Egypt has developed a clear vision, “Egypt Vision 2030,” through which the country has significantly improved its infrastructure, especially in housing, logistics hubs, and economic and social services.
He added: “Of course, we understand that the road ahead is still long, and we need to accomplish more for our citizens, given the complexity and magnitude of the challenges in a country affected by everything happening in neighboring countries and the wider region.”
Madbouly noted that the situation has improved significantly. “We are working hard to achieve clear objectives for the benefit of our citizens and our economy,” he said. He continued: “We believe that amid the prevailing instability in the region, gatherings and meetings like this one, which bring together potential future leaders, can serve as a strong foundation for positive interaction among you.”
He emphasized the importance of such interactions, saying: “I am speaking now to people from Asia, South America, and even Europe. By being here today, you will gain a better understanding of the situation in this region and in Africa. When you become future leaders of your countries, this will give you a deeper and more nuanced understanding of our region and of the world as a whole.”
Dr. Madbouly concluded: “This will help foster human relations between continents and nations. As young leaders, you are the hope of humanity. That is why this type of gathering is so important. I personally participated in similar platforms and benefited greatly; they changed the way I think, shaped my mindset, and made me more integrated and engaged. They helped me better understand how people behave and interact. So, meetings like this are extremely valuable for building human connections between nations and among future leaders alike.”
Madbouly stated: “I am pleased to welcome you all to Egypt. Since you have had the opportunity to visit the New Administrative Capital, I believe you have toured this new city. Just eight years ago, this place was nothing more than barren desert. What you have seen today stands as clear evidence that Egyptians have always been great builders. From constructing the Pyramids to building this new capital, Egyptians have always been driven by development and urbanization, never destruction, war, or conflict. This spirit lies at the core of the Egyptian identity. We are a people who love peace and seek progress while rejecting war and strife.”
Dr. Madbouly concluded his speech to the participants of the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership, saying: “Once again, I welcome you and wish you a pleasant stay in Egypt. I also ask the Minister of Youth and Sports to ensure you have a comfortable and well-organized stay, so you can better observe the progress being made here in Egypt.”
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration Participates in Panel Discussion on “Determinants of Foreign Policy in Light of the United Nations”
On the third day of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration, Dr. Badr Abdel Aty, took part in a panel discussion titled “Determinants of Foreign Policy in Light of the United Nations” at the government headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The session was also attended by Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, and was held under the generous patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, under the theme “Egypt and the United Nations: 80 Years of Championing Global South Causes.”
Dr. Abdel Aty welcomed the young participants from the Global South, emphasizing Egypt’s pride in hosting initiatives that empower youth and strengthen bridges of cooperation and understanding between peoples. He outlined the core principles of Egyptian foreign policy, noting that it is grounded in a balanced vision and a clear strategy laid out by President El-Sisi since 2014. He reaffirmed Egypt’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace and stability both regionally and globally through a responsible diplomatic approach focused on de-escalation, dialogue, and peaceful conflict resolution.
He highlighted Egypt’s deep belief in multilateralism as the foundation of a just and balanced international order, describing the United Nations as an indispensable platform that reflects the collective will of the international community. The Minister also reaffirmed Egypt’s active engagement in UN bodies and reiterated the country’s call for reforming the international system, including the global financial architecture and the UN Security Council, as these institutions currently fall short of representing the interests and aspirations of the Global South.
In relation to sustainable development, Dr. Abdel Aty underscored that “Egypt’s Vision 2030” serves as a comprehensive strategic framework grounded in the principles of social justice and empowerment and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He praised Egypt’s leadership in climate action, particularly following the COP27 conference, and stressed the importance of green transformation and climate finance for developing nations, especially African countries. He also pointed to the transformative potential of digitalization and artificial intelligence, highlighting Egypt’s efforts to harness these tools in line with its national interests and development objectives.
Addressing regional issues, the Minister voiced deep concern over escalating developments, noting that the core principles of the international system are increasingly under threat. He strongly condemned Israel’s continued violations of international law and humanitarian principles, including the use of starvation as a tool of collective punishment against the Palestinian people, which he described as a grave threat to international peace and security. He called on the international community to act decisively to uphold the rule of law and end these violations without delay.
He concluded his address by calling for enhanced solidarity among Global South countries in confronting rising challenges to peace and security. He stressed that the path to a fairer and more stable global system begins with a firm commitment to the principles of international law and the UN Charter, and with a unified rejection of coercion and the undermining of national sovereignty. Dr. Abdel Aty reiterated the need for Global South nations to unite in defense of their shared rights and interests and to build an international order founded on justice, equality, and cooperation.
Anthropologist Hassan Ghazaly, founder of the Nasser International Forum, shared that the participants visited the government headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, where they closely observed how the Egyptian government formulates and implements public policy and monitors sustainable development plans. This reflects Egypt’s commitment to transparency and international youth engagement. During their visit, participants also met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration, gaining valuable insights into Egypt’s foreign policy and its key role in advancing Global South issues and promoting cooperation among Non-Aligned Movement countries. This experience gave participants a deeper understanding of Egypt’s approach to international partnerships and development diplomacy, strengthening their awareness of the need for young leaders to coordinate efforts in tackling shared global challenges.
Ghazaly further noted that the theme of the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership affirms the strength of international relations between Egypt and the United Nations in addressing Global South issues. He explained that this coincides with the UN’s development activities in Egypt, particularly in support of the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, in alignment with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and sectoral national strategies.
He added that the Fellowship aims to achieve a number of key objectives, including the exchange of successful experiences among Global South countries in institutional development and nation-building, the activation of South-South cooperation mechanisms, the integration of youth and women in peace and security roadmaps, and the creation of a new generation of young leaders from Non-Aligned Movement countries whose vision aligns with the principles of South-South partnerships. It also aims to connect and empower the most influential young leaders.
It is worth noting 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 ongoing efforts to strengthen the role of African youth through training, capacity building, and empowerment in leadership roles. The initiative also reflects Egypt’s commitment to preparing and empowering African youth, in line with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s call to implement the African Union’s 2021 initiative to train one million young people for leadership—an initiative announced during the second and third editions of the World Youth Forum in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Subsequent editions of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership were held in June of 2021, 2022, and 2023, under the generous patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
