Dr Catherine Faragallah
Specialist in International
Relations
President Abdel Fattah El Sisi is the first to truly embody humanitarian diplomacy, placing the human being at the heart of the state’s priorities. His approach focuses on safeguarding citizens, addressing their needs, and ensuring a dignified life for every Egyptian. This vision is clearly reflected in the “Decent Life” Initiative, which spans all parts of the country to provide better living conditions for millions who once lived in slums and uninhabitable areas. This massive development project has restored human dignity by building and upgrading countless housing units, improving quality of life, and offering comprehensive healthcare through numerous medical initiatives.
Most importantly, President Sisi succeeded in eliminating the terrorism that once threatened citizens’ safety. Ensuring security, justice, citizenship, and a dignified life reflects the essence of humanitarian leadership. As a leader and a father to his people, he places human welfare above all else. Just as he builds the Egyptian state, he also builds the Egyptian citizen – leading both the people and the nation safely to the shores of stability. He has strengthened the values of citizenship and elevated the status of Egyptians alongside their homeland. The care for human dignity is the cornerstone of any wise leader who believes that building people is the foundation of building nations, for human development is the true engine of national progress.
His paternal role extends to all Egyptians, whom he considers partners in leading the state, advancing its development, and even participating in decision-making. Unlike previous eras in which decisions were made away from the public eye, today all major decisions are communicated transparently to the people, making them an integral part of the political process. President Sisi openly shares the economic and political challenges facing the country and the efforts undertaken to overcome them, reassuring his people and acknowledging their needs. Indeed, reassurance itself is one of the greatest forms of humanity.
This commitment to dialogue is evident in his call for the National Dialogue, bringing together all segments of society. It is also reflected in his direct engagement with university students – listening to their opinions, valuing their ideas, and even implementing many of their proposals, reinforcing his human-centered leadership.
Through numerous projects and reforms, the President has elevated Egypt’s standing both domestically and internationally. On the global stage, Egypt now enjoys a respected and influential position worthy of its great civilisation. International powers increasingly recognise Egypt’s role, as seen in the growing diplomatic engagement and the frequent visits of world leaders.
One of the clearest demonstrations of humanitarian diplomacy is Egypt’s welcoming of refugees. President Sisi opened Egypt’s doors, borders, and crossings to refugees seeking safety, at a time when other nations leave them stranded at borders, deport them, or invest heavily in policies and conferences aimed at preventing migration – funds that could instead support human beings. Around the world we witness heartbreaking scenes of refugees drowning, trapped in camps, or forcibly deported, while Egypt – under President Sisi – receives refugees with full acceptance and treats them as Egyptian citizens. They live, work, and run businesses among us, and their shops and restaurants stand as visible testimony. Egypt has never closed its doors to any refugee, nor abandoned them at borders or confined them to camps.
The President has also led Egypt’s efforts in delivering aid to disaster-stricken nations, always taking the initiative regardless of political disputes or the principle of reciprocity. His directives to the government to provide all forms of humanitarian support and relief reflect Egypt’s historic, regional, and moral responsibility, and highlight the deep bonds between Egypt and the Arab world – as well as with the broader international community. Egypt has consistently been a pillar of support for its neighbours, especially Arab nations.
These actions reaffirm Egypt’s role as a central and influential power in the region, and reflect the leadership’s determination to restore Egypt’s regional standing. They also demonstrate the international recognition of Egypt’s strength and the President’s efforts to achieve development and stability, fulfilling Egypt’s historic commitment to humanity and to the world.
