Under the Patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi: Prime Minister Welcomes 150 Youth Leaders from 80 Countries during the Fifth Edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership
Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, welcomed approximately 150 young men and women from 80 countries around the world at the Cabinet headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. The delegation includes emerging youth leaders from various executive sectors and active figures within their communities. This meeting was held as part of the fifth edition of the "Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership," under the patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Also in attendance were Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, and Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Egyptians Abroad.
The Prime Minister delivered a keynote speech before the fellowship participants, who gathered from different continents to join the program under the theme: "Egypt and the United Nations: 80 Years of Representing the Global South."
Dr. Madbouly began by welcoming the attendees and emphasized the value of cultural and experiential diversity in bridging perspectives, fostering mutual understanding, and developing leadership skills. He highlighted the fellowship as an important platform for cultivating meaningful relationships and contributing to peace in a world facing complex challenges.
The Prime Minister noted that the fellowship began in 2019 during Egypt’s chairmanship of the African Union as the first African youth program of its kind. It has since expanded to include participants from Asia, Australia, Latin America, and Europe, making it a practical model of South-South cooperation. Over the past five years, the fellowship has hosted 600 participants from 90 countries and collaborated with over 30 local, regional, and international institutions.
Dr. Madbouly reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to multilateral cooperation and global development. He outlined Egypt’s historic role in founding the United Nations in 1945 and its continued advocacy for the Global South. Despite tangible progress, he stressed that developing countries still face urgent challenges, including poverty, climate change, and economic inequality.
He called for reforms in global governance to ensure fair representation of the Global South and enhanced sustainable financing to support development efforts. The empowerment of youth as future leaders with a transformative vision for modernization was also emphasized.
The Prime Minister reviewed Egypt’s developmental approach and its efforts to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals through infrastructure expansion, peacekeeping operations, and regional partnerships. He cited the New Administrative Capital as a symbol of Egypt’s capacity for growth, built in just eight years on what was once barren desert.
Dr. Madbouly also addressed the significant regional challenges facing Egypt, such as the conflict in Gaza, instability in Sudan and Libya, and disruptions in maritime trade through the Red Sea. He highlighted Egypt’s humanitarian role in hosting over 10 million refugees and migrants, and its proactive diplomatic efforts to secure regional stability.
On the economic front, the Prime Minister acknowledged Egypt’s bold reforms to stimulate investment and reduce unemployment, which has dropped from 13.5% in 2014 to 6.5%, despite the population increasing by 18 million in the same period. He emphasized the government's focus on creating one million new jobs annually to accommodate demographic growth.
Dr. Madbouly expressed confidence in the nation's progress under President El-Sisi’s leadership and Egypt Vision 2030, which has significantly improved infrastructure and social services. He encouraged the fellowship participants to serve as informed future leaders who understand regional complexities and advocate for global cooperation.
He concluded by urging them to use this platform to foster human connections across continents. Drawing from his own experiences, he highlighted how such programs transformed his worldview and deepened his understanding of global cultures and leadership.
"You represent hope for humanity," he said. "Your presence here, your engagement, and your curiosity are the foundation for a better, more united world. I welcome you once again to Egypt and hope your stay is enriching and inspiring."