By Osama Saqr
Cairo—Under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Ashraf Sobhy attended a high-level dialogue session hosted by the Egyptian Senate for participants in the fifth edition of the Nasser International Leadership Fellowship. The session, held under the chairmanship of Senate President Counselor Abdel Wahab Abdel Razek, brought together 150 young leaders from 80 countries, as part of a program jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the United Nations, under the theme: “Egypt and the United Nations: 80 Years Representing Global South Issues.”
The event saw the presence of prominent parliamentary figures, including Counselor Bahaa El-Din Abu Shaqqa, Deputy Speaker Phoebe Fawzy, Senate Secretary-General Counselor Mahmoud Ismail Othman, and senior officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
In his remarks, Dr. Sobhy emphasized Egypt’s steadfast commitment—under the leadership of President El-Sisi—to building constructive partnerships with youth across Africa and globally. He highlighted the government’s unwavering efforts to empower young people and harness their energy in shaping the future, stressing that youth represent a vital force for progress and innovation in confronting global challenges.
“The Nasser Fellowship is a key platform for promoting shared human values and fostering intercultural dialogue,” Dr. Sobhy said. “It helps prepare a new generation of well-equipped, visionary leaders capable of making a meaningful impact in their communities.”
He also underscored the initiative’s focus on advancing the principles of peace, sustainable development, and regional integration—aligned with Egypt’s leading role on the African continent and international stage. Dr. Sobhy praised the cooperation between all partner organizations, reaffirming Egypt’s support for initiatives that advance youth empowerment and international cooperation.
Senate President Abdel Wahab Abdel Razek welcomed the fellows, applauding the Ministry’s efforts in aligning with the country’s strategic vision for youth development. “The Senate is proud to host this distinguished group of emerging leaders from around the world,” he stated. “This initiative reflects Egypt’s commitment to fostering global dialogue and offering a space for young people to share their ideas and aspirations for the future.”
He further noted that the fellowship—held this year under the banner “Egypt and the United Nations: 80 Years Representing the Global South”—reinforces Egypt’s historical and diplomatic commitment to supporting the interests of developing nations and championing global justice.
The visit also included a guided tour of the Egyptian Senate’s historic chambers, providing participants with insights into the country’s legislative process and political heritage.
Now in its fifth edition, the Nasser International Leadership Fellowship seeks to share Egypt’s institutional development experience, promote youth dialogue within international frameworks, and elevate the role of youth and women in peacebuilding, security, and volunteerism. It also addresses Global South priorities, South-South cooperation, and the United Nations’ role in advocating for justice and equitable development across emerging nations.
The program is one of several initiatives aligned with President El-Sisi’s directives to invest in promising youth and expand Egypt’s global partnerships in leadership development.
