“Nasser International Forum” Celebrates the 80th Anniversary of the Founding of the Arab League and the Establishment of the Egypt-UN Partnership
A Visit to the Arab League Headquarters and a Panel Discussion Marking 80 Years Since Its Establishment
A Specialized Workshop on “Leadership Styles” on the Sidelines of Day Four of the Fifth Edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership
Panel Discussion Titled “Egypt and the United Nations – 80 Years of Establishment and Partnership” Concludes Day Four of the Fellowship
The Nasser International Forum announced in a press release the organization of a visit to the headquarters of the Arab League, marking the opening of the fourth day of activities for the Fifth Edition of the Gamal Abdel Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership. The fellowship is held under the generous patronage of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, under the theme: “Egypt and the United Nations: 80 Years Representing the Global South”, with the participation of around 150 young male and female leaders from various countries around the world. These participants represent diverse executive specializations, alongside a select group of influential and active youth in their communities.
The Forum added that, on the sidelines of the visit, a panel discussion was held to mark the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Arab League. The session was attended by Minister Plenipotentiary Faisal Ali Ghassal, Director of the Youth and Sports Department at the Arab League, along with several leaders from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, headed by Major General Ismail El-Far, First Assistant to the Minister, and Alaa El-Dessouky, Undersecretary and Head of the Central Administration for Youth Development. The session was moderated by Hassan Ghazaly, Founder of the Nasser International Forum, who emphasized at the beginning of the discussion that this session coincides with the Arab League’s celebration of 80 years since its founding, making it the oldest organization of its kind, established even before the United Nations.
At the beginning of his speech, Minister Plenipotentiary Faisal Ali Ghassal, Director of the Youth and Sports Department at the Arab League, welcomed the participants of the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership. He expressed his happiness at their presence at the Arab League headquarters, which he described as the home of all Arabs, especially in Cairo, a city where civilizations intertwine to form a historic and deeply rooted metropolis. This, he said, made it a natural host for one of the world’s oldest regional organizations.
He noted that the participants’ presence coincides with a special occasion: the Arab League’s celebration of its 80th anniversary, founded in 1945 when seven Arab countries united under a single goal. That goal was liberation from colonialism and the unification of Arab ranks. The League was established to be the voice of the Arab nation and a platform for cooperation in various fields.
Ghassal added that the Arab League is not merely a place for political meetings. It actively works through its objectives to strengthen cooperation with international bodies to ensure peace and security. He reaffirmed the League’s constant commitment to supporting just Arab causes, foremost among them the Palestinian cause, which remains a symbol of willpower and resilience. He praised the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and affirmed that Palestine has taught the world that dignity is non-negotiable and that rights are never forgotten, no matter how long it takes. He offered salutations to the Palestinian people, prayers for the martyrs, and hopes for a swift end to this hardship.
During his address to the participants of the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship, the Director of the Youth and Sports Department delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the origins of the Arab League and its pivotal role in advancing the shared Arab homeland over the past 80 years. He emphasized that the League is the first regional Arab organization in modern history. It was established with the aim of strengthening ties among member states and coordinating their political, economic, social, and cultural plans, in addition to supporting Arab national security issues and confronting challenges that threaten regional stability.
He stressed that since its founding in 1945, the League has played a key role in enhancing Arab integration, supporting unity, and resolving conflicts through dialogue and mutual understanding. He also discussed the Arab League Charter, which serves as the governing framework of the organization. He reviewed its various bodies, including the Council of the League, the Economic and Social Council, specialized ministerial councils, the General Secretariat, as well as specialized Arab organizations and the Arab Parliament. He explained that these institutional frameworks form the organizational structure through which the League operates to achieve its objectives and promote joint Arab action in a way that keeps pace with the developments of the era and responds to the aspirations of Arab peoples for development and stability.
During the panel discussion organized on the sidelines of the visit to the Arab League headquarters, participants in the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership engaged in dialogue with Minister Plenipotentiary Faisal Ali Ghassal, Director of the Youth and Sports Department at the Arab League. The discussion covered several important Arab and international issues currently on the agenda, including the mechanisms of action and intervention adopted by the Arab League to overcome the many challenges faced by most countries. The role of the Arab League in relation to the Palestinian cause and efforts to strengthen the Arab voice on the global stage were also addressed.
Following the session, protocol officials at the Arab League accompanied the youth leaders participating in the fellowship on a tour of the League’s corridors and departments. The visit concluded with participants taking numerous commemorative photos, reflecting the warmth and appreciation they felt for being present in such a distinguished organization.
For his part, Major General Ismail El-Far, First Assistant to the Minister of Youth and Sports, praised the valuable and significant information shared with the participants about the founding of the Arab League and its achievements in promoting unity among Arab countries and strengthening ties between them. He also noted its contributions on both the Arab and international levels. He emphasized that the visit to the Arab League is one of the most important activities of the Nasser Fellowship program, which, in its fifth edition, includes 150 youth leaders from various countries around the world.
At the beginning of his speech, Alaa El-Dessouky, Deputy Minister and Head of the Central Administration for Youth Development, thanked the leadership of the Arab League for warmly welcoming the participants of the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership. He expressed his happiness with the participants’ engagement during the panel discussion, which coincided with the Arab League’s 80th anniversary.
A specialized workshop on “Leadership Styles” was also held on the sidelines of the fourth day of the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership.
In its statement, the Nasser International Forum announced that the fourth day of the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership also included the organization of a specialized workshop on leadership styles. The workshop aimed to help youth discover various approaches to leadership through real-life scenarios and role-playing activities. During the workshop, participants learned about multiple leadership styles, including those based on decisiveness and quick decision-making, others that encourage discussion and participation, approaches that give the team considerable freedom, and those that emphasize development, guidance, and support.
Through the workshop, participants experienced these styles firsthand in simulated situations, gaining insight into when each style is most appropriate. For example, decisive leadership is suited for crises, participative styles work well with creative teams, and supportive approaches are beneficial when the team is in a learning or development phase. The goal of the workshop was for each participant to walk away with a deeper understanding of their own leadership style and how to adapt it based on people, situations, and challenges.
This workshop was led by an exceptional team of facilitators composed of distinguished alumni from previous editions of the fellowship: Dr. Ahmed Mokhtar, a graduate of the second edition, Dr. Rajae Magdy, a graduate of the fourth edition, and Dr. Rasha Hussein, a graduate of the African School. This experienced and diverse training team was keen to support the objectives of the fellowship and actively contribute to empowering participants to develop their leadership and personal skills, and to enhance their abilities in a multicultural international environment that helps build more conscious and influential young leaders.
A panel discussion titled “Egypt and the United Nations - 80 Years of Establishment and Partnership” concluded the fourth day of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership.
According to the statement by the Nasser International Forum, the second day of the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership, currently being held in May under the slogan: “Egypt and the United Nations: 80 Years Representing the Issues of the Global South,” and under the generous patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Republic, concluded with a panel discussion titled “Egypt and the United Nations - 80 Years of Establishment and Partnership.”
The Nasser International Forum clarified in its statement that the concluding panel discussion of the fourth day of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership was held under the title “Egypt and the United Nations – 80 Years of Establishment and Partnership.” The panel hosted Yves Sassenrath, Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Egypt; Ahmed Rizk, Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Egypt; Natalia Winder Rossi, UNICEF Representative in Egypt; and Marwa Alam El-Din, Representative of UN Women in Egypt. The discussion was moderated by Salma Tawfiq, a graduate of the fellowship’s fourth edition.
According to the Nasser International Forum, Yves Sassenrath, UNFPA Representative in Egypt, emphasized during his speech the importance of addressing population issues and the opportunities available in the region. He highlighted UNFPA’s role in supporting women’s health from birth through all life stages, stressing the need for effective measures to develop women’s mental, physical, and psychological well-being, as well as to enhance reproductive health. He also underscored the importance of empowering the new generation and strengthening their reproductive and family health capacities. Sassenrath described youth as the most vital component of this initiative and called for creating conditions that allow everyone to make informed decisions and have opportunities to impact their communities. He noted that young people now have broad opportunities to engage with communities through this important initiative launched by Egypt.
He further emphasized the need to find quick solutions and decisions amid a rapidly evolving global context and the development of artificial intelligence, and how to overcome traditional challenges and inherited customs that hinder progress. Sassenrath affirmed that change begins internally and then extends outward, and that communication within communities is essential. He called for providing youth with space, tools, and various means of communication with communities, emphasizing that they are the leaders of the future. He added that culture is one of the most important means of communication. He affirmed the United Nations’ neutrality and its ability to engage with everyone, offering young people opportunities to rise to the global level and providing youth systems suited to their environments.
In a keynote speech to participants of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership, Ahmed Rizk, Head of UN-Habitat Egypt, emphasized the organization’s commitment to building sustainable communities and supporting member states in achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in the realm of urban development, which intersects with many aspects of daily life. He underscored the strong link between urban planning and public health, referencing a strategic framework that governs the conditions, design, planning, and financing of urban spaces.
Rizk called for enhanced cooperation and knowledge exchange among stakeholders and proposed the design of a comprehensive urban agenda that defines the nature of partnerships among urban nations, taking into account Egyptian urban planning and the integration of agricultural and rural areas. He also stressed the importance of international alignment with scientific standards and the elimination of discrimination in design, highlighting the potential role of youth in tackling challenges faced by their communities, especially in smaller cities. Rizk concluded by noting that Egypt offers many opportunities, supported by the UN and civil society, to better empower youth in the future.
For her part, Natalia Winder Rossi, UNICEF Representative in Egypt, expressed her delight at participating in the event during her remarks at the closing session of the Forum’s fourth day. She highlighted UNICEF’s long-standing work in Egypt since 1996 to protect children and ensure equal opportunities for their growth and development. Rossi praised the attention shown by the government, organizations, and stakeholders across Egypt’s governorates toward involving children and youth, whom she described as the country’s greatest assets.
She stressed that now is the optimal time to invest in young people through social systems that protect and prioritize them. Rossi noted that UNICEF provides inclusive education programs designed to reach all children, including those with disabilities, in coordination with relevant authorities. The organization also works to protect children from exploitation, early marriage, and early pregnancy, while prioritizing mental health.
UNICEF’s current priorities, she explained, include enabling participation, fostering youth representation, providing professional skills training, and ensuring that programs reach those in need. These efforts are carried out in partnership with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Youth and Sports, to ensure inclusive opportunities for all. She emphasized that it is impossible to formulate policies for children without engaging youth and listening to their needs, advocating for effective communication with children, adolescents, and young people to better understand their perspectives and harness their digital knowledge. Rossi reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces for innovation and to implementing impactful ideas that drive real change.
Marwa Alam El-Din, Representative of UN Women in Egypt, also spoke during the final session of the day, stressing the importance of gender equality. She stated that women are agents of peace, not just victims of conflict, and highlighted the agency’s work in Egypt over the past 25 years to address women’s issues in coordination with the UN system. She noted that UN Women provides advisory services to both genders and implements programs in partnership with various stakeholders, reaffirming its dedication to gender equality and to working with international bodies to combat violence against women.
Alam El-Din outlined the agency’s three key pillars of work in Egypt: promoting leadership and skill-building for women and girls and ensuring fast, easy access to essential services, supporting women’s economic empowerment by fostering employment-friendly environments and backing women-led initiatives, and ending violence against women through prevention, response, and ensuring safe spaces in workplaces, transportation, and beyond.
She explained that these three pillars are interconnected and mutually reinforcing and emphasized the availability of many services aimed at ensuring women’s safety in Egypt, whether they are residents or refugees. Alam El-Din also showcased several successful initiatives across the country, such as the Rabha program and other training and support schemes. She concluded by stressing the importance of nurturing the elements that lead to the success of such initiatives.
The Nasser International Forum statement revealed that, during the closing dialogue session of the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership, participants raised a number of questions covering various issues, including violence against women and the best ways to address it, as well as other challenges faced by women, such as reproductive health. They also inquired about urban organizations and major projects in Egypt, such as the New Administrative Capital, and how to ensure its sustainability, as well as the developments that have positioned Egypt as a leader in this field. The discussion also covered Egypt’s investment journey and the development of the New Alamein Cities as part of a comprehensive, multidimensional plan that involves cooperation with various stakeholders and its role in enhancing development in the surrounding area. Additionally, participants discussed housing issues, infrastructure development, and improving the quality of life and available services, aiming for better housing and a higher quality of life for citizens in various countries.
In his statement, Hassan Ghazaly, the anthropologist and founder of the Nasser International Forum, affirmed that the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership is a pioneering platform for preparing a new generation of young leaders at both regional and international levels. He emphasized that the fifth edition of the fellowship reflects Egypt’s ongoing commitment to supporting the issues of the Global South, promoting intercultural dialogue, and transferring developmental experiences and pioneering practices in leadership, management, and community work. Ghazaly also noted that the fellowship is one of the mechanisms for implementing several key frameworks, including Egypt’s Vision 2030, UN resolutions concerning youth, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, the Ten Principles of the Organization of Solidarity of African and Asian Peoples, Agenda 2063 of the African Union, the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, South-South cooperation, the African Union roadmap for youth investment, the African Youth Charter, and the Non-Aligned Movement principles.
It is also worth noting that the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership focuses on sharing Egypt’s long-standing experience in establishing and building national institutions, promoting youth dialogue at the international level, and highlighting the role of women and youth in peace, security, and volunteering. It also emphasizes youth-related issues, Global South matters, South-South cooperation, and raising youth awareness about the UN’s role and impact on Global South issues. The fellowship aims to highlight the Global South’s support for core issues of developing countries and promote international justice.
