CAIRO — UN Population Fund’s Resident Representative in Egypt Yves Sassenrath said human capital is the engine of transformation, praising Egypt’s “Golden 1,000 Days” initiative to support mothers and children and turn demographic pressure into productive strength.
He stressed the need to enhance population data, decentralisation, and innovative partnerships while shifting from population control to empowerment and combating harmful practices such as female genital mutilation and early marriage.
Speaking at a session on “Empowering People: The Human Development Agenda” during the third Global Congress on Population, Health and Human Development, held from Nov. 12–15 under President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s patronage, participants highlighted Egypt’s integrated human development strategy as a model of national transformation.
Officials and experts, including representatives from UNICEF, the World Bank and UNDP, underscored the importance of early childhood development, improved education and nutrition, and women’s empowerment as key pillars for sustainable growth.
They commended Egypt’s “Bedaya” (Beginning) and “Golden 1,000 Days” programs, noting progress in reducing stunting, expanding education access, and strengthening human capital through innovation and good governance.
