President El-Sisi's Speech during the Opening of the 4th Edition of the World Youth Forum

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

At the beginning of the 4th edition of the World Youth Forum, this platform that has become a stage for dialogue and engagement between young people, and a tool for exchanging views among the whole world, particularly at this defining moment in human history which urges us to realize the importance of dialogue, manage our differences, and foster a state of certainty and faith that The Creator’s wisdom and His secret design for the universe reside in our differences, without discrimination in these differences, and that there is no way for humanity to overcome its current crises or challenges jeopardizing its survival except through sincere intentions, as well as ending conflicts, managing differences, and enhancing joint action for the sake of humanity and peace.

I am honored, in the presence of this unique and distinguished assembly, to announce the launch of the 4th edition of the World Youth Forum. In the name of Allah we begin, and for the sake of the future we work.

Thank you. 

The Main Session of the Fourth Edition of the World Youth Forum (WYF) themed "Covid-19 Pandemic: Warning for Humanity & New Hope"

A galaxy of world youth and leaders including the presidents of Malta, Romania, Colombia and Zambia, as well as the Tanzanian prime minister, the US ambassador in Cairo and a senior representative of the United Nations Secretary General participated in the session.

President Sisi started the session by talking about Egypt's efforts to fight the virus, pointing out that the initiatives Egypt implemented during the past few years in the field of health have contributed to a decline in the number of COVID-19 infections and deaths.

He said the country implemented in 2017, 2018 and 2019 important initiatives topped by ones for early detection of Hepatitis C, diabetes and obesity.
A documentary screened during the main session affirming that COVID-19 sent a warning signal and created a new hope for many issues that unify humanity.

The documentary also asserted that the pandemic underscored the importance of reviewing global policies and pressing ahead with development efforts.

Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa called for drawing up a joint strategy between the African Union and international organizations to face up to global challenges.

UAE Minister of State of Youth Shamma Al Mazrui hailed relations between her country and Egypt describing Egypt as a second homeland.

US Ambassador to Egypt Jonathan Cohen said that his country allocated 50 million dollars to help Egypt's government fight the pandemic and also provided 60 million vaccine doses to the Egyptian side through the COVAX Facility.

He thanked president Sisi over the Egyptian government's decision to donate COVID-19 medicines and equipment to other countries to help them deal with the pathogen.

High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Ángel Moratinos who attended the session said president Sisi's vision paves the way for youth to find a common ground for understanding.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, in statements via videoconference, described the WYF as important for youth who face grave consequences as a result of the pandemic.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema said that his country appreciates chances offered to youth to exchange viewpoints.

At the end of the session, President Sisi thanked all attendees and hailed their initiatives and proposals.

The Opening of the World Youth Theatre

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the First Lady attended, on Monday evening 10/1/2022, the opening of the World Youth Theater, as part of the activities of the first day of the World Youth Forum.

Second Day of WYF 2022

Tuesday 11/1/2022

The 1st Session of the World Youth Forum's 2nd Day entitled "From Glasgow to Sharm El Sheikh: Combating Climate Change"

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended, on Tuesday 11/1/2022, the 1st Session of the 2nd Day of the World Youth Forum entitled "From Glasgow to Sharm El Sheikh: Combating Climate Change", with the participation of Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli who delivered the opening speech at the session.

Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli asserted in his speech that the climate change issue became pressing by all means, urging the world countries to work on confronting this phenomenon so that the world can cope with the challenges imposed by the climate change in the coming period.

The Prime Minister said that during the ten seconds in which he is currently speaking in the session, more than 10,000 metric tons of greenhouse gases were pumped into the atmosphere, and this is equivalent to the weight of 170,000 people, as well as sea level rise resulting from too many emissions of carbon dioxide, which led to an increase in the average temperature of the planet, in addition to various climatic phenomena.

He added that in the year 2020-2021 there were 10 major global disasters that led to losses of more than 70 billion dollars, stressing that we are at the center of a problem that threatens all humankind.

Madbouli pointed out that other issues affect climate issues, such as the issues of adaptation and financing, and he stressed the importance of having a follow-up and evaluation mechanism, and pointed out that the world witnessed losses of $3.6 trillion during the past years due to climate changes, continuing by saying, "The annual figure of dealing with climate change will reach $500 billion annually.

The Prime Minister indicated that expectations indicate that about 325 million people will suffer from extreme poverty due to climate changes, as well as 216 million people who will be forced to internal migration due to climate changes and desertification and problems that may increase their severity due to climate changes.

The Prime Minister continued, noting that the year 2021 witnessed global disasters, which caused losses worth 170 billion dollars, continuing: The rise in temperatures in the past period caused an increase in the number of deaths to reach 300,000 people annually, and the percentage increases during the coming period to reach one million individuals.

Dr. Mostafa Madbouli, Prime Minister, stressed that climate change has become a ruling issue by all standards, and that the world must confront it with all firmness and speed so that it can keep pace with the challenges imposed on us by these changes during the coming period.

As for the steps that Egypt is taking in this regard, Egypt is one of the countries that are most vulnerable to climate change, although its responsibility for this change is very, very limited, but at the same time, the world says that Egypt has enormous potential in renewable energy, and it will be one of the fastest countries and the top 5 renewable energy producing countries in the Middle East and Africa.

He also stressed the importance of Egypt’s project to develop water lakes, which had been neglected for hundreds of years, but Egypt took bold steps, including the Manzala Lake project, that cost so far 2 billion dollars, as well as the Benban solar project, which is one of the best projects around the world, as well as another project to connect natural gas to all homes at the level of the republic, and replace traditional energy.

The activities of the session started with a documentary on the dangers of the climate change on the earth planet and the devastations it caused.

The documentary indicated that after the coronavirus pandemic, the human beings started feeling that they are exposed to danger and the virus forced them to stay at home.

This underlined an important fact that they should change their behavior for preserving the environment and the earth planet, the documentary added.

This was followed by speeches of a number of speakers, who attended the session whether in person or via video-conference.

Former US Secretary of State and the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry expressed his pleasure over the participation in the forum.

He thanked President Abdel Fattah El Sisi for his interest in the issue of climate change and the commitment by the Egyptian government to sponsor the coming session of the UNFCCC COP 27.

In his speech to the forum via the videoconference, Kerry said that he will be pleased if he would help Egypt in the field of climate change.

Also, UK government's Climate Envoy John Murton, in his speech to the forum via the videoconference, said that partnership with Egypt for confronting climate change is strong. He lauded the support offered by Egypt in the field of shifting into low-carbon economy.

He added that he will visit Cairo on Friday to discuss the file of climate change and expressed his pleasure for participating in the 4th edition of the forum.

He also underlined the importance of young people's participation in the forum as they are the most affected category by the climate change.

Ambassador Mohamed Nasr, Director of the Department of Climate, Environment and Sustainable Development at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and advisor to the African Group of Commissioners emphasized- in his speech during the discussion session - that negotiations related to climate change now have a technical and political nature.

He affirmed that no sector of any economy whether agriculture, trade or industry will be spared the damaging ramifications of climate change.

He added that the developing countries are facing challenges in implementing programs related to climate change, pointing out that these countries lack critical financing to support climate-resilient measures.

He also said that the developed countries supply not more than $600 billion in climate finance support for developing countries, while what is needed is about $ 5.3 trillion.

Nasr, meanwhile, said that most of the finance which is currently available is in the form of commercial loans.

He affirmed that Egypt is trying, through the decisions issued in the conference of the parties, to send a message and instructions to the financing institutions and the community, and to put the issue of financing as a priority in the outcome of any international conference.

For her part, Cassie Flynn, Strategic Advisor on Climate Change at the Executive Office of the United Nations Development Program, hailed efforts exerted by Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in presenting visions and developments related to international negotiations in order to pave the way to address climate change including better adaptation and mitigation.

She said that the Glasgow conference was considered a huge step forward in tackling climate change, noting that the international community seeks to take effective steps in this respect.

She confirmed that the international community made pledges to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact, urging to implement these pledges.

Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in her speech via video conference, voiced appreciation to Egypt for hosting this important forum.

She also extended appreciation to the strong leadership of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and the prime minister as well.

Andersen, meanwhile, expected that Egypt will undertake the same role it played in the the UN Biodiversity conference (COP 14), which was held in Sharm el Sheikh.

She noted that G20 nations cause 76% of global greenhouse gas emissions, adding that they are responsible of meeting pledges aiming to cut emissions.

She said that the world is facing a 2.7 degrees more heat, warning that this would result in more floods and wildfires.

The UN official also said that there is enough time to confront climate change, pointing out to the importance of the youths' role in this respect.

She stressed that Egypt will lead a climate change conference by the end of this year in Sharm el Sheikh, noting that cooperation with Egypt in this regard will continue.

Yolanda Wright, Global Director of the Child, Climate and Urban Poverty Team at Save the Children International said that climate change, which its impact intensifies over time, will have the worst effect on children and youths.

In her speech via video conference, Wright said that a joint research, led by Brussels University, showed that children born in 2020 will be disproportionately affected by climate change.

She further noted that there will be more fires and floods.

Regarding Middle East and North African countries, Wright warned that extreme heat waves would increase three-fold, noting that there will be also more floods, which will cast a notable shadow over all world countries, she went on to warn.

She added that the climate change is taking place now and not in the future, noting that climate change is mainly caused by humans.

She pointed out that a total of 274 million people worldwide will need emergency aid and protection this year, noting that there are several countries which suffer from temperature increase, including Madagascar and Philippines.

She, also, underlined the importance of financing renewable energy projects, pointing out to Egypt's support to these projects

Bill Weir, CNN chief climate correspondent, pointed out that there are many stories that talk about climate change, noting that the (COP 26) conference talked about many problems and challenges facing the world due to climate change, adding that "there are many negotiations, and we have to pave the way for the preservation of the ecological environment."

Fabrizio Carboni, Regional director of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for Near and Middle East said in his speech via video conference that many countries are severely affected and do not have the ability to adapt to climate changes due to wars and conflicts and their weak governments, pointing out that these countries have limited capabilities to cope with climate change, he went on to say.
He added that the UN Climate Change Conference 2022 (COP 27), which will be held in Sharm el Sheikh, is an important event, since the Middle East and the African Continent Countries are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

He asserted that political efforts are needed in order to face up to the challenges brought on by climate change, saying that the ICRC works on providing water and maintaining a sustainable living environment.

For his part Akeel Hajat, Founder of environmental and consulting firm in Africa, hailed the participation of the private sector along with the public sector in Egypt in projects that worth billions of dollars, coinciding with the Paris agreement and Sustainable Development Goals.

He also underlined the important role played by the private sector in African countries in this respect, noting that Malawi is facing challenges in governance, development and climate change as well.

Karim Tarraf, CEO and co-founder of Hawa Dawa, a Munich-based company named as one of the Top 10 Innovators in Germany, said that one of the company's tasks is to monitor air and climate pollutants, emphasizing that emissions of air pollutants, that have impact on climate and health, should be addressed in order to attain climate goals, he added.

Tarraf added that his company is using sensors that allow them to compare weather and traffic data in real time. The software, which is equipped with artificial intelligence, can pinpoint places which need long-term or short-term strategies according to the available data.

Meanwhile, President Sisi commented saying that human being is capable of confronting any negative developments.

President Sisi affirmed that Egypt has moved quickly to confront the negative impact of climate change.

The 2nd Session of the World Youth Forum's 2nd Day

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Tuesday 11/1/2022 attended the second session held as part of the activities of the fourth edition of the World Youth Forum's second day.

The session presents a simulation model of the UN Human Rights Council.

This year, 115 young people of different nationalities participated in the simulation to represent 47 member states of the International Human Rights Council of the United Nations, in addition to eight of the observer countries in the Council, as well as 15 participants representing non-governmental organizations, and five participants representing national councils, in addition to the President of the Council, the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Secretariat.

The youth, representing several countries and non-governmental organizations, made statements to reflect national efforts and aspirations of peoples they represent to recover from the coronavirus.

The representative of Cuba said the coronavirus left chaos and damage that the world had not witnessed since the Second World War, adding that his country has repeatedly stressed the need for equality in obtaining the coronavirus vaccines and medications.

He added that there is no equality in the distribution process of the vaccines, a fact that undermines efforts of preserving human rights.

The representative asserted the importance of making the vaccines available to all countries, mainly the most affected by the pandemic.

Speaking during the WYF stimulation model of the UN Human Rights Council, the Egyptian representative said he would like to refute allegations related to human rights conditions in Egypt and post the council on the country's efforts to consolidate human rights.

He shed light on the National Strategy for Human Rights that Egypt launched in September.

He asserted that the Egyptian State has fiercely combated terrorism as part of its effort to ensure the right to life, noting that as part of the national efforts to enhance citizens' economic and social rights, several initiatives have been launched including "Decent Life, Takaful and Karama and "100 Million Healthy Lives," which are aimed to improve the quality of life.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian representative highlighted legislation issued and initiatives launched to ensure gender equality and women empowerment in all fields of life.

Also, as part of its efforts to ensure youth empowerment, the State has organized four editions of the World Youth Forum under the patronage of President Sisi.

He pointed out to the State's efforts to renew the religious discourse and fight extremism to consolidate freedom of religious, in addition to the issuance of a law to regulate building and renovating churches.

He said the Egyptian State has also exerted great efforts to enhance legislation related to freedom of speech and right of people to participate in the political life.

He shed light on the State's great efforts to improve conditions of prisoners, as part of which three main prisons were closed and inmates were transferred to Wadi el Natroun correctional and rehabilitation center.

Egypt’s representative at the simulation model of the UN Human Rights Council has called on the international community to take all measures that would preserve human rights, foremost of which is the right to life and health.

This came as part of a draft resolution submitted by Egypt on behalf of the African Group at the simulation model.

The draft resolution included abolishing the ban imposed on exporting materials necessary for producing anti-coronavirus vaccines.

The representative said that we look with appreciation at the efforts made by COVAX global vaccine initiative with a view to providing and distributing vaccines around the world.

In this regard, he pointed out to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and related articles under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention on the Rights of Children with Disabilities.

President of the National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) Moushira Khattab expressed thanks to President Abdel Fattah El Sisi for supporting women, pointing out to the formation of the NCHR, where women account for more than 44 percent of its members.

Khattab commended the holding of a simulation model of the UN Human Rights Council, adding that the World Youth Forum reflects the current stage witnessed by “the new republic”, which she said expresses a high-level political will to let the youth take the lead in implementing the National Strategy for Human Rights.

She said that it is also considered a strong and inspiring start to President Sisi's initiative as regards declaring 2022 “year of civil society”.

The official added that the coronavirus is an international pandemic, but it lacked international cooperation, noting that there is now an attempt to redress this via “the diplomacy of vaccination”.
In the same regard, Khattab said Egypt started early in its measures against COVID-19, noting that a committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli.
The committee brought together a large number of the ministries concerned in order to follow up the coronavirus situation nationwide on a daily basis, she added.

The official noted that Egypt has launched seven health initiatives, including the 100 Million Healthy Lives initiative and another one addressing the Hepatitis C virus.

She also spotted light on the State’s efforts to eradicate slums, and build new cities.

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi asserted that Egypt did not bow to any kind of pressure when it took steps towards human rights and non-discrimination.

The president said that diversity and differences among people and countries are normal, expressing fear that color or same political stripes worldwide could be seen as a kind of "arrogance by practice".
He noted that some of the coronavirus precautionary measures taken by western countries were against the principles and concepts that those countries perceive as being within human rights, such as freedom of movement and freedom of vaccination.

President Sisi explained that the world health crisis revealed that human rights are only limited to freedom of expression and political practice.

The president emphasized that confronting epidemics, serious diseases and overpopulation should be included among human rights items.

He went on to say that western countries should put into consideration the general situation in Egypt when they address human rights in the country.

The president stated that creating jobs and providing strong healthcare system and good education should be considered as genuine human rights, especially as those issues represent a challenge to the State.

President Sisi said that Egypt allocated EGP 100 billion to face the coronavirus repercussions despite its economic conditions, pointing out that the pandemic has taken its toll on the tourism industry, which generates annual revenues ranging between USD 14 billion and USD 15 billion.
The president added that Egypt hosts nearly 6 million refugees, who left their countries over conflicts or poverty, asserting that they enjoy all rights of food, drink, education.

President Sisi said that Egypt survived havoc and destruction that hit the Arab region, citing conflicts in Libya, Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Somalia.

The president warned about the dangers of the presence of millions of children at refugee camps.

He underlined that non-interference in other countries' domestic affairs is a “human right”.

The president said he feared that political rivalry and narrow interests could lead to the destruction of countries.

At the conclusion, President El-Sisi thanked all the participants in the session, including those who attacked Egypt with severely, saying: “I felt that the speech was very harsh, but believe me, the reality in Egypt is not like that at all; therefore this is a form of intentional or unintentional insult to the Egyptian state."

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi inspected the Entrepreneurs’ Offices, the Sons of Sinai and Torathna exhibitions, and the Decent Life Museum at the World Youth Forum in Sharm El-Sheikh.

The 3rd Session of the World Youth Forum's 2nd Day: “The Future of Technology and Post-Pandemic Digital Transformation”

A discussion panel entitled “The Future of Technology and Post-Pandemic Digital Transformation” was held, in the presence of Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology.

The speakers at the session explained that the pandemic prompted many people around the world to resort to the Internet to communicate with their relatives and friends, as well as to purchase their needs and obtain various services, and staying at home and closing cinemas led to entering websites to watch movies and concerts. In this regard, direct broadcasting platforms such as Netflix have emerged, which broadcast movies and entertainment programs to users directly in exchange for subscriptions paid with bank cards.

The discussion session recommended that governments provide training programs for youth, to help them learn the rapid developments in the fields of technology and digital transformation, and to develop and upgrade their skills to keep pace with the developments of the labor market at home and abroad, especially with the emergence of new non-traditional jobs, different from what their parents’ generation used to know.

The 4th Session of the World Youth Forum's 2nd Day: “The International Responsibility towards a Sustainable Water Security”

A discussion panel entitled “The International Responsibility towards a Sustainable Water Security” was held, with the presence of by Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Dr. Mohamed Abdel-Aty, Deputy Prime Minister of the Congo and Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development Yves Bazbia, in addition to Dr. Hani Swailem, Professor of Water Resources at Aachen University in Germany, Dr. Hisham Al-Askari, Professor of Earth Sciences and Remote Sensing at Chapman University in the United States of America, and Praveen Agrawal, Director of the Regional Office of the World Food Program in Cairo.

The participants stressed the importance of youth participation in all issues related to water security with respect to their new ideas and visions through the use of modern technologies.

They, also, stressed the importance of respecting scientists who develop plans and ideas for the exploitation of water resources, aiming to have by the year 2030 a lot of plans and technologies to meet the challenges and reduce water consumption.

The Launch of the Egyptian version of the United Nations' initiative “Generation Unlimited” under the name “Shabab Balad”

The Egyptian version of the United Nations’ initiative “Generation Unlimited” was launched under the name of “Shabab Balad”, during a morning session as part of the activities of the second day of the World Youth Forum in its fourth edition, under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, making Egypt the first country in the region to witness the launch of a national version of the international platform.

The international initiative is the first partnership between the government sector, the private sector and youth in the world, with the aim of providing skills training and connecting all the world's 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 10-24 years with employment, entrepreneurship, and positive social impact opportunities.

The launch of "Shabab Balad" platform was attended by H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Maait, Minister of Finance, H.E. Dr. Asharaf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as well as a number of UN Representatives, diplomats, politicians, the civil society and the private sector. A short video explaining the idea of ​​the platform and the efforts of the participating UN agencies was shown, beside a short spot projecting the expectations of Egyptian youth.

Dr. Kevin Frey, the CEO of the global Initiative “Generation Unlimited”, gave the keynote speech after which a discussion took place between stakeholder representatives from government agencies, UN agencies, the private sector and young people.

Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation in Egypt, affirmed "The importance of "Shabab Balad" platform which is a unique cooperation between international agencies represented in the United Nations and other developmental partners who support the initiative, the government, the young people, the civil society, the private sector and young people.” 

She added that the new platform endorsed Egypt’s vision 2030 which targets empowering young people through creating training, educational opportunities, and to provide them with the skills necessary for the labor market, and encourage them to become entrepreneurs and active participants in society."

She said: "I call on the private sector, civil society, and youth to join hands and actively participate in the "Shabab Balad". Uniting efforts and directing investments will achieve the country’s youth development goals as part of Egypt's Vision 2030."

The global initiative was launched at the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 aiming to bring together world leaders as well as public, private and youth-led institutions to partner, finance and provide scalable solutions for young people, and thus contributing to the implementation of the United Nations Strategy on Youth (2030) and progress in achieving the sustainable development goals. The initiative adopts the concept of "learning to earning" as a way to align youth capabilities with the needs of the labor market.

In her recorded speech welcoming the opening of the 4th edition of WYF, UNICEF Executive Director Ms. Henrietta Fore said the global initiative "has an audacious goal – to have every young person in the world in school: learning, training for every boy and girl in the world to have a chance to go to school, learn, train or have an appropriate job by 2030."

She added: "Our youth - or as you say in Arabic "Shabab Balad"- are the most critical agents for positive change. Their creativity and innovation are already helping to create solutions to the problems we face."

In his keynote speech at the launch of the "Shabab Balad" platform, Dr. Kevin Frey, CEO of the International Initiative, said: “We are proud of everything we have collectively accomplished in our first three years. In just such a short time, the international platform has reached 220 million young people along with more than 3,000 partners, operating in over 50 countries with opportunities for skills acquisition, employment, entrepreneurship and social impact."

UNICEF has been chosen as the secretariat within the United Nations organizations for the International Initiative in Egypt in coordination with the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt and all United Nations organizations in the country.

"The platform aims to put young people at the heart of everything we do," said the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Ms. Elena Panova, "Egypt is a regional power that has strong partnerships with the rest of the world. We strongly believe that through the meaningful engagement of all stakeholders, the "Shabab Balad" platform" will have a tremendous impact on youth in Egypt and the entire country."

Mr. Jeremy Hopkins, UNICEF Representative in Egypt, said: “Egypt’s strong vision for 2030, specifically with regard to youth education, entrepreneurship and employment, provides the basis on which the "Shabab Balad" platform can play an important role in supporting and motivating the progress of the country’s youth.”

He added: "The "Shabab Balad" Platform is not just a program, but rather a movement that includes the entire society."

“The United States is the single largest donor to UNICEF’s work globally.  Our $4 million “Creating an Enabling Environment for Adolescent Girls” project in Egypt helps girls gain job skills, supports their health, and helps civil society and local governments provide necessary services.  We look forward to continued partnership with UNICEF, as well as international and local public and private sector counterparts, to advocate the lives of Egyptian Youth.” said H.E. Jonathan Cohen, US Ambassador to Egypt.

“I was pleased to meet many inspiring young people at the Youth Forum.” He added: “Egypt’s young population offers huge potential. Investing in young people and empowering them is indeed a shared priority.” said H.E. Gareth Bayley , UK Ambassador to Egypt. 

The representative of the private sector in the session, Dr. Amir Barsoum, Chairman and Co-founder of Vezeeta Healthcare, said: “Our experience in Vezeeta Healthcare as a leading global platform in the field of healthcare supports the importance of the “Shabab Balad” platform in putting young people on the right path to achieving themselves.”

He added that "unifying efforts and directing investments from the private sector are among the most important elements of the success of the "Shabab Balad" Platform."

He announced that "Vezeeta will support the "Shabab Balad" platform by placing investments and providing training opportunities through the platform for thousands of young people in several fields, the most important of which are the technology and healthcare sectors."

On her part, Pasant Mohamed, Youth Representative said at the session, “Shabab Balad” will help the young people to be at the forefront of the partnerships between the government and the private sector”

She added:” The partnership created by “Shabab Balad” will help equip young people at a very early stage with to be prepared to the needs of the labor market.”

The work of the "Shabab Balad" platform will focus on four areas: improving youth skills, transforming continuing education, raising employability, and instilling the concept of entrepreneurship among young people.

Third Day of WYF 2022

Wednesday 12/1/2022

The 1st Session of the World Youth Forum's 3rd Day entitled "Developmental Initiatives Confronting Poverty"

President El-Sisi attended on Wednesday 12/1/2022 the first session of the World Youth Forum's third day, which was held under the title "Developmental Initiatives Confronting Poverty".

Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala El Said delivered a speech at the session in which she stressed the importance of eliminating all forms of poverty.

She said that international agendas including the 2030 sustainable agenda, the 2063 African agenda and Egypt 2030 agenda, ominously agree on the importance of eliminating poverty.

The minister added that In the past, the world used to measure poverty level through the GDP but now it is measured through the indicators of education and health as well as basic services offered to citizens.

On COVID-19, Minister Said pointed out that the pandemic caused economic and health crises including serious deterioration of trade movement reaching between 40 and 70 percent.

The minister also said that the pandemic, worldwide, affected education and caused a rise in the number of the jobless people as 255 million jobs were lost and 250 million people are expected to come under poverty line in 2022.

Minister Said also said the right to development is an important part of human rights which came within the framework of the national strategy of human rights launched by president Sisi in 2016 within Egypt 2030 vision. 

Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala el-Said said world economies had bore the brunt of Covid-19 pandemic, with a serious plunge in investment rates that triggered labor market instability, along with the pandemics' negative impact afflicting the education process.

She asserted that Egypt attaches top attention to development as a fundamental human right aspect, in line with a national human rights strategy President Abdel Fattah El Sisi launched in 2016 within the framework of Egypt 2030 Vision.

She, also, accentuated the importance of giving attention to environmental, as well as societal dimensions of the impoverished and embracing disabled people into the development process, with a view to securing rights of future regenerations in preserving natural resources.

The minister affirmed all human-rights discourses fall as part of president Sisi’s initiative advocating citizens’ economic, political and civil rights including empowering women and people of determination.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala al-Said referred to the strategic approach President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has outlined ever since the outbreak of the pandemic advocating a balance between health precautionary measures adopted to preserve citizens' health and pressing ahead with economic development.

The minister said the government extended full support to the sectors that mostly suffered from Covid-19 implications, including the tourism and aviation sectors, as they totally endured the woes of the pandemic, along with the sectors partially hurt including the small and medium-sized enterprises.

She noted that the government introduced a set of measures such as putting off due financial advances and offering related-installment facilitations on due debts through soft loans to protect entities and help them meet debt repayments.

The minister also underscored the importance of Haya Karima (Decent Life) initiative in improving the quality of life and services in rural areas across Egypt.

Al-Said pointed out to a 10-14% decrease in poverty rates in 375 villages included in the initiative.

According to the minister, president Sisi will announce the launching of the Egyptian Family Development Project within the upcoming few weeks to be integrated with a series of multiple presidential initiatives in the fields of healthcare and community protection.

Addressing the youth, the minister said that real poverty lies in poor determination, asserting the importance of continued education and training, citing academies established upon the president's directives to hone youth leadership skills and help them acquire various abilities. 

Elena Panova, Egypt’s UN Resident Coordinator, hailed efforts exerted by the Egyptian government while introducing structural reforms and dealing with COVID-19.

She said the United Nations works with the Egyptian government on reforms which she said would create more job opportunities, improve the performance of the private sector and increase industrialization and productivity.

She said the international and African agendas focus on efforts to emanate poverty which affected poor people and made them unable to receive health services including COVID-19 medicine, pointing out that 120 million people around the world came under abject poverty as a result of the virus.

For his part, head of the Arab Voluntary Union Hassan Buhazza hailed Egyptian presidential initiative "Decent Life" which was launched by President Sisi to improve services in rural areas in Egypt.

He added that 1.300 billion people around the world suffer from poverty and 100 million others were affected by the pathogen.

Then, a documentary was screened about the Decent Life initiative which costs over EGP 700 billion and serves half of Egypt's 100 million population.

The documentary affirmed that the initiative aims at providing decent housing for citizens in rural areas and achieving economic, social and cultural leaps.

Alex Stephany, founder and chief executive of Beam Company which offers services for the displaced and the poor, said that his company works to reduce poverty level in his country, the United Kingdom.

Stephany added that he has relations of friendship with many poor persons in the United Kingdom, pointing out that 80 percent of users of his company's platform found jobs. 

In this respect, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi highlighted that the Egyptian State spent more than $400 billion over a period spanning seven years in order to escape the poverty trap, saying that it is important to confront poverty through hard work as it destroys the present and future.

Sisi, added that poverty is also related to ignorance, which poses a danger for everything humanity undertakes.

He, meanwhile, underlined the importance of doing more efforts to confront poverty.

He also saluted the Egyptian youth, saying that they were behind the idea of holding the WYF, pointing out that the Decent Life Initiative, which became an inspiring model, was also one of the ideas of the Egyptian youth. 

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi explained that Egypt was about to totally collapse in 2011, noting that after a year of holding the elections, the people took to the streets to protest against the government and its performance.

President Sisi asked "What does this have to do with poverty?" saying that when he took the responsibility as the president, he put combating poverty as a top priority.

"There was no other solution," he said, pointing out to the importance of working hard and with perseverance.

President Sisi also referred to the strenuous efforts exerted by the Egyptian State over the past seven years, adding that as many as $400 billion was spent during this period in order to get out from the poverty trap.

The president further said that 4,500 companies worked over the last seven years in one of the sectors, with total agreements worth more than 1 trillion pounds.

Talking about the Covid-19 and its repercussions, President Sisi said that before the pandemic, the world was celebrating the exit of 1 billion people from the scourge of poverty.

After the pandemic took place, it was essential to preserve this number in order not to return again to poverty. 

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said that Egypt managed to deal effectively with the adverse repercussions of the pandemic.

He explained Egypt took a balanced stance between adopting preventive measures, implementing temporary closure and also following non-stop the working system, adding that poverty is way more dangerous than the pandemic, as poverty destroys the present as well as the future and is directly related to terrorism.

Talking about establishing an institution specialized in providing services to homeless and poor people, President Sisi said that more than million people suffer from difficult conditions in the streets.

He also pointed out to the efforts exerted by the state and the Long Live Egypt Fund in order to establish nearly 300,000 housing units, stressing that the state is looking forward to establishing one million housing units.

He, meanwhile, pointed out to the high cost needed in order to implement this plan, which aims to escape poverty trap. 

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi added that the state implemented the "Decent Life” initiative, which entailed developing 300,000 housing units, saying: "Egypt is not a rich country like the US, Britain or France, but when we started implementing the initiative , we did not say that we will not be able to provide anything to the citizens but we affirmed that poverty will be confronted and will do our best in order to provide dignity to the citizen.

He, meanwhile, called for the youth participating in the WYF to post the foreign youth on the pioneering Egyptian experiment through the "Decent Life" initiative.

He affirmed that Egypt started work seven years ago in order to escape the poverty trap and will continue its efforts in this respect.

Talking about Egypt's dealing with the pandemic, President Sisi explained that the country has launched initiatives and incentives, worth 100 billion pounds, since the start of the pandemic in order to alleviate the impact of the pandemic in the hardest-hit sectors such as tourism and the other sectors. 

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said that Egypt has worked to mitigate the knock-on effects of the pandemic, while taking into consideration the necessary preventive measures, saying: “The Dignity Life initiative and what we do in Egypt is only one step of a thousand that we will still do. This is not a talk of moral support; it is an assessment of a real situation and state.”

Sisi also discussed the country’s 2016 economic reform program, which was a subject of controversy due to the public’s fear of the harsh austerity measures.

He, meanwhile, extended appreciation and respect to the Egyptian people for bearing these measures, adding: “I said the reforms would be applied and people would be able to withstand it. If we did not implement it, we would have faced a major crisis now during the pandemic,”

He also pointed out that 60% of the African countries suffer from poverty, underling of exerting more efforts and working hard in order to eradicate poverty.

President Sisi also said that he talked with the organizations, during the World Youth Forum, about the importance of providing low-cost loans to the African countries in order to protect them from the dangers besetting them. 

The 2nd Session of the World Youth Forum’s Third Day entitled “International Responsibility in the Reconstruction of Post-Conflict Areas"

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi attended on Wednesday 12/1/2022 a seminar entitled "International Responsibility in the Reconstruction of Post-Conflict Areas", as part of the activities of the third day of the Fourth World Youth Forum.
At the beginning of the session, a documentary was screened to highlight sufferings of millions of refugees and displaced people in areas hit by conflicts worldwide and the importance of kick-starting sustainable reconstruction works.

The documentary pointed out to losses world countries have sustained due to Covid-19 pandemic, whether human losses or economic, health or political losses.

Yemeni youth ambassador to the Arab-African Council for Integration and Development (AACID) Tareq al Noamani said Yemen is in need of urgent aid amid the current deteriorating humanitarian situation, which he said is described as the worst disaster in this era.

He added that 5 million Yemenis are suffering from malnutrition, while the number of those displaced has reached 4 million living in difficult health conditions, as 377,000 Yemenis have died, 60 percent of whom are children, noting that the Arab Gulf country has seen a gross domestic product (GDP) loss of $750 million.

Therefore, he called on the international community to intervene urgently.

Meanwhile, Head of UNRWA Representative Office in Cairo Sahar al Jobury thanked President Abdel Fattah El Sisi for the big support he offers to the agency.

Jobury said President Sisi is the first Egyptian leader to urge the international community to finance the agency in his address to the UN General Assembly.

She commended the Egyptian role in supporting UNRWA and defending it at all international forums, praising an Egyptian initiative for reconstructing the Gaza Strip and several parts of the Palestinian lands

Regional Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) for the Arab States Susanne Mikhail expressed thanks to the Egyptian government for the steps it has taken to support and empower women, adding that Cairo is presenting an inspiring model in this regard for the Arab region and Africa.

In the same regard, she called for providing protection for women in conflict-hit areas, noting that they are the first victims there, along with children who have been deprived of stability and even of a good future.

Meanwhile, Head of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in Egypt Leslie Reid talked about the assistance provided by USAID to various areas embroiled in conflicts in 86 countries across the world.

Director-General of the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peace building Ahmed Abdel Latif said the reconstruction file was not put on the map of conflict resolution in the past, and attention was just focused on ceasefire.

Abdel Latif added that the world has started to be alert as regards the need to build what had been destroyed by wars, and reestablish the infrastructure and human cadres that shall lead the development process.

He stressed that Egypt has made reconstruction a national responsibility, and provided aid to brotherly countries including $500 million for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.

He also highlighted Egypt’s efforts to support development projects and qualify human cadres in Sudan, South Sudan and Iraq.

He pointed out that at the African level, Egypt launched a Cairo-based reconstruction center for the African Union, which will contribute to exchanging experiences and building capabilities.

The deputy head of the UN office for supporting and building peace said the youth's engagement with decision makers is very important in order to achieve peace worldwide.

She added that youth are the leaders of tomorrow and can contribute to the building process through volunteering.

She underscored the importance of dealing with post-conflict areas to achieve sustainable development and stability, asserting that it is necessary to enhance the role of youth and engage them in entrepreneurship and the education and training opportunities, in addition to sustainability of peace in the future, according to her.

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi commented by emphasizing the need for a cessation of conflicts and fighting through an action from the United Nations and the European Union in states embroiled in conflicts in order to help in reconstruction and efforts to mitigate the effects of those crises on citizens

On behalf of the WYF youth, President Sisi called on leaders of conflict-hit states to change the perspective from which they deal with the situation, as well as to work on mitigating relevant negative impacts.

He also urged them to take into account the humanitarian and psychological dimensions related to citizens who are suffering as a result of those conflicts.

In the same regard, the president recalled the discussions held during the 2018 World Youth Forum about conflicts, reconstruction and crises in conflict-hit countries, in addition to their impacts on the male and female youth, even on those staying in refugee camps. 

The president said, "at the time when disputes and conflicts stop, there will be an opportunity for reconstruction," noting that there is a major difference between mitigating the effects of crises on citizens - whether via providing food, shelter, clothing, or even treatment - and do a reconstruction of a country that has been in a state of war.

He explained that the measures being taken are an attempt to mitigate the effects that precede the end of a conflict so that we can begin reconstruction.

The president noted that reconstruction does not only require money, calling on that score for paying attention to the humanitarian, psychological and social dimensions as regards the effects of a crisis that has lasted for 10 years or more.

Meanwhile, Sisi said Egypt does not interfere in the affairs of other states and “we always call for others’ non-interference in our affairs so that we can solve our problems on our own; away from conflict or fighting one way or another”.

Responding to a Yemeni young man who asked to join the National Training Academy, the president asserted that everything in Egypt is available to all with regard to capacity building, saying: “In Egypt we are always ready for construction, development and reconstruction.”

As for the Gaza Strip, President Sisi said it needs much more than $500 million, noting that Egypt hoped that there would be more contributions than that.

He said "I would like to ask workers to do in the second phase of the Gaza Strip reconstruction process, which began in December 2020, is to finish work in the current phase as soon as possible."

In the same regard, Sisi reiterated the call on donor countries not to abandon the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA); given its special international commitments.

He added that Egypt will move along with them in order to deliver this message more forcefully and effectively with a view to resuming support in larger amounts to UNRWA to help it assume its role in the Gaza Strip.

The 3rd Session of the World Youth Forum’s Third Day entitled “The Entertainment Industry, Creativity and Culture in a Pandemic Era”

Culture Minister Inas Abdel Dayem and Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhy attended on Wednesday 12/1/2022 a discussion session entitled “The Entertainment Industry, Creativity and Culture in a Pandemic Era”, held as part of the activities of the third day of the Fourth World Youth Forum.

The participants confirmed that the forum reflects vitality of youth in Egypt and the world.

Addressing the session, Abdel Dayem commended the huge success of the forum not only this year, but since its launch, saying that the outbreak of the coronavirus was a big shock to culture and arts not only in Egypt, but also worldwide.

She pointed out that the coronavirus pandemic had an unusual positive impact on the cultural scene in Egypt, creating some sort of challenge in the cultural sector.

The minister added that the pandemic has also offered great opportunities to embark on various ground-breaking initiatives, such as "Start of your Dream" and "Stay At Home, Culture is Between Your Hands" initiatives.

Abdel Dayyem highlighted her ministry’s efforts to provide alternative digital platforms for showcasing artistic and cultural production during lock-downs.

She also shed light on Egypt’s contributions to Arab and global cultural forums, noting that Cairo has chosen by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as the capital of Islamic culture for 2022, testifying to Egypt’s outstanding cultural role in the world.

Abdel Dayyem also touched upon Egypt’s recent cultural achievements despite the pandemic, including the City of Arts and Culture in the New Administrative Capital (NAC) and the City of Arts in New Alamein.

Creative Director at Blackrock Neurotech Taryn Southern as well as Chairwoman and Managing Director of ‘Watch iT’ Nashwa Gad were among the panelists.

The guest of the session, Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports, concluded, expressing his happiness at his participation in the World Youth Forum, and praising the cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Youth and the establishment of many cultural and sports initiatives.

The session came out with an important recommendation on imposing fair and strict laws and rights to preserve the content provided on digital platforms, and called on unifying efforts to combat hacking operations on digital platforms.

A Meeting with the Accredited Foreign Correspondents of International News Agencies in Egypt

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met, on Wednesday evening 12/1/2022,  with the accredited foreign correspondents of international news agencies in Egypt, as part of the activities of the World Youth Forum’s third day, in the presence of Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli and a number of ministers and Director of the Egyptian General Intelligence Abbas Kamel.

The meeting included an open discussion between Sisi and the foreign correspondents, where the president asserted that the state pays attention to the awareness issue via an integrated mechanism that includes family, home, school, university, worship places, drama and media.

A Meeting with Development Partners

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met, on Wednesday evening 12/1/2022, with development partners on the sidelines of the World Youth Forum (WYF) in its 4th edition.

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi stressed that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has shown full understanding in dealing with Egypt and has not obligated Cairo to adopt any obligatory tracks.

He explained that Egypt has completed the first and second phases of the economic reform program and it continues to carry out reforms, adding that Egypt is one of the first countries that had contributions to international organizations, including the United Nations, the African Union and the Arab League, and still has ongoing cooperation with these bodies.

The president praised the Egyptian people who helped the government to implement such reforms, noting that the reforms achieved before the outbreak of Covid-19 helped overcome the repercussions of the pandemic.

He highlighted that Egypt has launched the 100 Million Healthy Lives Initiative for four years through making use of the World Health Organization’s expertise to make tests for more than 70 million Egyptian citizens.

Sisi asserted that Egypt told the IMF officials that it is serious to carry out the economic reform program and overcome any difficulties whatsoever, so the program has very positive effects on the national economy.

Sisi said that all officials of the international institutions showed their readiness for sharing their experience with Egypt, adding that Egypt and the IMF have always good understanding, while Cairo has not been forced to take any obligatory tracks.

The president noted that Egypt has successfully completed the first and second phases of the program and works on carrying out the program entirely, affirming that Egypt is always keen to cement cooperation with all international organizations and institutions, including the United Nations, the African Union and the Arab League.

Sisi stressed that addiction is blight for all countries but the state spares no efforts to put an end to this problem, adding that addiction poses threats to the future of any country that does not strictly counter this problem.

Sisi noted that the state supports the private sector firms that serve the homeland.

He affirmed that the presidential “Decent Life” initiative is an integrated project that covers all domains, including infrastructure and communications, to serve citizens living in more than 60% of Egypt’s total areas.

He added that “Decent Life” initiative aims at drastically changing the life of 60 million people, hoping the project will be finalized within the coming three months.

The president stressed that Youth will be one of the main pillars for the success of the UN Climate Change Conference, to be hosted by Egypt in November 2022.

Sisi reaffirmed that he works on attracting businesses to invest in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, noting that Egypt has been working for four years with a view to becoming an energy hub in the Middle East region.

Meanwhile, the president unveiled that he had a dialogue with the US ambassador in 2011 and told her that Egypt was then ruled by the outlaw Muslim Brotherhood but this group would not rule the state because Egyptian people could not be controlled by force.

Sisi said all the bodies of the state are working on combating corruption, adding that the state will not allow terror to sabotage the country.

Sisi asserted that “100 Million Healthy Lives” initiative started four years ago, asserting that the initiative scanned more than 70 million Egyptians and the economic reform helped in combating coronavirus and its impact.

He highlighted that the WHO provided Egypt with technical support to make medical tests under the 100 Million Healthy Lives initiative to have the lowest rates of Hepatitis C virus worldwide.

He said Egypt spent six trillions on infrastructure in different sectors and the results were manifested in the 3.6-percent economic growth rate we achieved.

Commenting on climate change, Sisi pointed out that Egypt is heading for construction and reform, adding that the world will do every effort to improve the climate.

President Sisi said that activating the strategy of human and women rights will benefit all the Egyptians.
President Sisi, also, noted that Egypt is among the first countries to issue green bonds that are worth 750 million dollars, adding that Egypt is keen on coping with the progress taking place around the world.

Fourth and Final Day of WYF 2022

Thursday 13/1/2022

The National Training Academy Graduation Ceremony

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi witnessed on Thursday morning 13/1/2022 the graduation of batches of the National Training Academy during the fourth and final day of the 4th edition of the World Youth Forum (WYF).

Togolese Prime Minister Victoire Tomegah Dogbé, in a word via video conference on behalf of the Togolese president, expressed gratitude for President Sisi for organizing the World Youth Forum.

Dogbé said that more than 70% of the residents of Africa are youth and they represent an important power for the economic transformation of the African countries.

She added that the climate change and coronavirus require searching for joint solutions among the African countries.

She, also, said that political leadership should provide opportunities for the generations and youth, highlighting that Togo launched the 2025 strategy to cope with the technological transformation and the serious health threats and set a roadmap to improve social merging via boosting investments in health and human capital in addition to providing job opportunities.

For his part, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Gerd Müller said that biodiversity and climate change constitute a growing global threat.

Müller said the pandemic has taken a huge toll on economic and social aspects, urging for more international support in order to confront these challenges.

He also rejected acts by some countries, which hoard doses of Covid-19 vaccines and booster shots, noting that the vaccination rate in Africa stood only at 8%.

He affirmed that the UNIDO is working on promoting comprehensive and sustainable industry development and providing environmental protection to all people.

He also pointed out to the efforts exerted by the UNIDO in order to further increase vaccine production in the developing nations, especially in the African Continent.

Müller further underlined the need of promoting agricultural entrepreneurs, especially in the rural areas.

He noted that the UNIDO has worked in Luxor and in Upper Egypt, adding that it is also working on disseminating technology use and facilitating green technologies in order to confront the challenges, addng that the UNIDO also supported more than 1 million youth in carrying out investments.

Afterwards a documentary was displayed on the National Training Academy construction.

The documentary started by a word of President Sisi, in which he addressed the Egyptian and Arab youth.

The documentary asserted that the "New Republic" paid great attention to youth.

In this respect, the international partners of the NTA lauded the measures it takes to face the coronavirus pandemic, asserting that the youth leaders play an important role in making the world safe place.

They noted that the National Training Academy (NTA) is an independent institution, bringing together future leaders from Egypt and the Region, to enhance and develop principled, innovative qualified human capital in service of country and society, to lead the development process, build impact and create a better future.

They highlighted that with economic, technological and global environmental changes, NTA facilitates multi-stakeholders’ sustainable initiatives and thrives to be the leading catalyst of holistic transformation and innovation developing effective global leaders who impact their societies.

A host of graduates at the National Training Academy (NTA) said the academy has greatly contributed to improving their ideas and viewpoints through connecting between scientific programs and field training.

They also hailed the academy for its role in gaining new capabilities and experiences through the various international partnerships in different spheres.

The graduates further extended thanks to the state for its constant support to them, affirming that the NTA is considered a unique educational entity.

They also pledged before President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to exert utmost efforts to promote peace and ensure respect values in order to undertake their role in implementing Egypt's vision to attain sustainable development goals and Africa's 2063 Agenda.

Meanwhile, the US Chief innovation officer at the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) Res Helfer said, in his speech during the NTA's graduation ceremony, that he paid a visit to the academy, describing the visit as "very successful".

He added that the NTA meets all the criteria related to educational materials and goals and teachers' qualifications.

For her part, Executive director of the NTA Rasha Ragheb thanked President Sisi for having a great confidence in Egypt's young people, saying the forum, launched in 2017, sends a strong message to the entire world that there is a real political will to invest in human resources.

She said the academy includes many programs, including Presidential Leadership School, Executive Presidential Leadership School, African Presidential Leadership School, Junior Presidential Leadership School and Advanced Presidential Leadership School.

She added that the academy adopted many government initiatives aiming at honing skills of the State's administrative apparatus, including Professional Civil Servants (PCS).

In this respect, she pointed out that there are 28,000 Egyptian and African trainees at the academy, she added.

Afterwards, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi received the five-year accredited certification from the representative of the US Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) Res Helfer.

Then, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi handed the graduates of the National Training Academy (NTA) their certificates

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi posed for a photo op with graduates of the batches of National Training Academy (NTA). President Sisi asked the graduates and the NTA's Executive Director Rasha Ragheb to take off the mask for a short time in order to pose for the photo.

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi honored some inspiring youths, who took part in the 4th edition of World Youth Forum (WYF)

The honored include some youth role models, such as WYF organizing committee member Mohamed Hassan, who passed away during the coronavirus pandemic. Khaled Hassan received the award on his behalf.

He also honored Dina Ayman, a program director at Microsoft, along others from different nationalities. 

"Decent Life" exhibition

Egypt's First Lady Entissar El Sisi opened, on Thursday 13/1/2022, "Decent Life" exhibition, as part of proceedings of the 4th edition of the World Youth Forum (WYF).

The exhibition's opening is meant to shed light on the goals of the presidential initiative "Decent Life", which is considered one of the biggest development projects in the modern history.

The exhibition shows efforts related to attaining the UN sustainable development goals, which include issues related to education, health, economic empowerment, infrastructure and housing.

"Misr Sinai" exhibition

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, on Thursday 13/1/2022, inspected "Misr Sinai" exhibition for handicrafts on the sidelines of the fourth edition of the World Youth Forum (WYF), highlighting the state's efforts to achieve development in Sinai.

Sinai residents established "Misr Sinai" company, which is specialized in making handicrafts, olive oil, seeds, and other products.

A meeting with a group of foreign journalists 

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi met with a group of foreign journalists on the sidelines of the fourth edition of the World Youth Forum (WYF).

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said the State attaches importance to the awareness file through an integrated system, affirming his belief in the freedom of expression is clear, as he has always been keen on ensuring that there is much communication with Egyptians with utmost transparency.

The president said the WYF has become a very good platform for discussion, noting that it has touched on topics that affect the whole world.

He added that it has also become an opportunity to exchange visions and review different opinions.

President Sisi asserted his keenness on listening to various other opinions, warning in the same time against the danger of imposing anybody’s views on any country, explaining that this is the approach sought by extremist religious groups.

In this regard, Sisi emphasized the need to believe in pluralism, diversity and difference, not only from a religious perspective, but also from cultural, intellectual and political ones.

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said that what was achieved over the past seven years was due to security and stability in the Egyptian street, affirming that the Egyptian people want to live in security.

He noted that Egypt needs about $20 billion annually in order to cover the Egyptian expenditures, highlighting that Egypt's economic and financial situation cannot be compared with some European and foreign countries.

President Sisi refused to consider the approach, which he works with as the absolute approach that others should adopt.

Sisi said "The past 10-year period was not short to judge that the change that took place in the region was for the better", stressing that the needs for an ordinary gradual development to happen in a timely manner.

The president pointed out that some opinions consider poverty rates in Egypt are high. He said the country has a population of 100 million, wondering how the State could maximize the use of resources in a way that helps it ensure a good income for each person.

He added that all funds available in the State budget only accounts for 10 percent of the needed expenditures in a big country like Egypt which requires a trillion dollars to deal with these issues. 

The president stated that the tourism industry was hit hard in the past few years, and thus Egypt did not manage to benefit from this key sector as a stable source of income, such as the UK, the US, France and Spain.

President Sisi pointed out that the country's revenues from tourism reached nearly USD 14 billion before 2011, asserting that the 2011 incidents had greatly affected the tourism industry.

The president underlined that freedom of expression and opinion is guaranteed, saying that he accepts constructive criticism that contributes to advancing the State and not destroying it.

He urged mass media to be objective when covering issues in the country.

The president added that the developed countries took time to make progress in different fields, noting that they did not come under any pressure.

President Sisi asked western countries to give Egypt the chance to advance without exercising any pressures that could harm the country.

The president called on the West not to restrict human rights to the freedom of expression and opinion.

President Sisi asserted that Egypt adopts moderate and positive policies when dealing with different world challenges. 

Answering a question by the Associated Press on Egypt's stance as regards the Sudan October 25 incidents, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi reiterated Egypt's unshakable policy of non-interference in other countries' domestic affairs.

Sisi continued that conditions in Sudan require a political consensus among all the political powers there to end the current quagmire. This deadlock requires a transition period, ending up with holding elections.

Sisi pointed out that Sudan is seen as an extension to Egypt's national security, adding that its stability is very significant, but that wouldn't be achieved without reaching a political consensus.

Concerning the question “Does the lack of remarks from the Egyptian side mean that Egypt doesn't support dialogue and consensus among the political powers in Sudan?” Sisi affirmed: "of course not."

He said Egypt's stance towards Sudan is identical to that concerning Libyan developments two years ago, which underscored the importance of resorting to dialogue to reach a consensus and restore stability.

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi stressed that Egypt has witnessed a "very very tough" experiment of disagreement and protests, which affected the country's fragile economy, followed by difficult decisions that should be incurred by all citizens.

Sisi called on all Sudanese people to agree on reaching a political consensus to cruise their country forward to safety, saying this track is much better than sustaining instability which would cost the country's present and future.

He added that Egypt is keen on maintaining stability of all the region, not only Sudan's, as this would be a development locomotive,

Asked about how Egypt handled the crisis of the Renaissance Dam amid the running Ethiopian developments, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said that since he came to office he opted to resort to quiet negotiations away from tensions, affirming that settling this crisis could be reached through a binding legal agreement on filling and operating the dam.

Sisi explained that Faced by the Ethiopian stubborn stance and procrastination, Egypt decided to resort to the UN Security Council to accelerate reaching an international agreement on filling and operating the dam, affirming that Egypt looks to the Ethiopians with appreciation and respect, but this would not be at the expense of water..

Sisi said Egypt has embarked on strategic plans to optimize and rationalize the use of its water resources six years ago, including water reclamation, adding that it plans to be one of the first countries in the world to recycle water through a three-year plan.

He called on the Ethiopians to reach a legally binding framework on filling and operating the Renaissance Dam, which could give room to cooperation and development among Egypt, Sudan, and all the African states, not only the Nile River Basin countries.

Answering a question on the possibility of issuing a united and common visa for the African Union, similar to the EU, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi underscored Egypt's support to all aspects of development and cooperation among the African countries.

Sisi noted that during Egypt's presidency of the African Union, he was keen on tackling different issues in Africa, including the infrastructure, the framework free trade agreement and others, adding that the common visa is an advanced topic.

He pointed out that Egypt is cooperating now with a group of commissioners in Africa to make the climate change conference (COP27), slated to be held by Egypt, an opportunity to speak about the most affected countries by the climate change issue and those in need the most for support to overcome such phenomenon.

Commenting on attempts of obliterating the Egyptian identity, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said such acts are well observed by the government and will be carefully faced.

Speaking to foreign reporters on the sidelines of the WYF, Sisi said the development of mass communication and its negative impacts on the younger generation has been monitored by the government and under control.

The president stressed that supporting the factors of raising the humanitarian awareness in Egypt has a key role in protecting the Egyptian identity from obliteration, highlighting the significance of the roles of media, drama, and families in raising the children along with the roles of schools and places of worship.

Addressing a question by Saudi Okaz newspaper on efforts of renewing the religious discourse and its impacts on youth, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said that this requires underscoring the notion that difference is one of the universe laws, which would pave the way for accepting others of different believes or faiths, or even those who do not believe in any divine religion.

The president reiterated the importance of taking much care of the topic of diversity and difference in schools, institutes, and universities along with the drama content.

Answering a question on human rights in Egypt from Radio Monte Carlo, President Abdel Fattah El Sisi stressed the importance of knowing that most of the circulated reports abroad on arresting politicians and enforced disappearance are based on inaccurate information.

Sisi affirmed that Egypt is a law-based state that never takes any unlawful measures nor interfere in the judicial procedures, adding that the government is always ready to correct any wrongful actions, he continued.

The president said that those who claim that there are lists of enforced disappearance cases in Egypt should introduce such lists to the government.

He said a fact-finding committee was formed in the first edition of the WYF and its findings refuted all these claims and allegations, wondering "do you love our people and are you concerned for our country more than us?"

He added that the Egyptians, like any other people, want development and growth, stressing that the country was moving forward in its reconstruction process to raise the standards of living for the people.

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi said that Egypt saw terrorism as one of the most dangerous risks that jeopardize the stability of the African continent and its progress.

He stressed the importance of concerted efforts and cooperation among African countries to uproot this phenomenon and restore stability, reiterating Egypt's readiness to working closely with the African states in this regard through exchanging expertise, and training in fighting terrorism.

The Closing Ceremony of the 4th Edition of the World Youth Forum 2022

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and First Lady Entissar El Sisi attended, on Thursday evening 13/1/2022, the closing ceremony.

The president honored a number of inspiring youth participating in the forum.

President El-Sisi delivered a Speech at the Closing Session of the 4th Edition of the World Youth Forum 2022

The President announced a number of decisions based on the discussions and recommendations of the fourth edition of the World Youth Forum, which are:

- Declaring the year 2022 a Year of Civil Society, during which the forum’s administration and the relevant authorities and institutions in the state will establish an effective platform for dialogue between the state, its youth as well as local and international civil society institutions.

- Assigning the forum’s administration to reinvigorate its initiative to establish a global incubator for entrepreneurs, start-ups and small industries. This shall take place in coordination with the cabinet of ministers and the responsible authorities, while expanding the engagement of the private sector, international financial institutions and development partners in this initiative.

- Assigning the forum’s administration, in coordination with the state’s relevant authorities, to form groups comprising youth from Egypt and the world to participate immediately in preparation measures for the 27th Climate Summit (COP27) which is scheduled to be held in Sharm El-Sheikh. I am confident that they will be capable of making the summit a success.

- Assigning the cabinet of ministers to develop a comprehensive vision with development partners to achieve an African extension of developmental initiatives realized in Egypt, within the framework of Egypt’s regional responsibility toward its regional milieu.

- Assigning the National Training Academy to prepare specialized training programs for Arab and African youth so as to promote their skills to address the changes resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and current conflicts, primarily enhancing the youth capabilities in entrepreneurship and technology.

- Assigning the forum’s administration to activate a permanent platform for interactive dialogue for youth from Egypt and the world to share visions and ideas. Its outcomes shall be presented periodically to the various state institutions, providing the state with a forward-looking vision on all issues and dossiers of interest.

- Assigning the forum’s administration and the state’s relevant authorities to launch an international campaign of Egypt’s youth and world youth participating in the forum to offer an understanding of issues on international water resources.

- Assigning the cabinet of ministers, in coordination with the relevant state authorities and institutions, to prepare a comprehensive vision, reflecting the State of Egypt’s vision for the reconstitution of conflict zones in the region.