On the 24th of October 2017, we celebrate together with the Arab Republic of Egypt the 72nd anniversary of the UN Charter coming into force in 1945. Egypt, one of the founding members of the United Nations, celebrates the global commitment, along with the other Member States, to global peace and security.
The UN-Egypt partnership is one that is enshrined in mutual respect, advocates for universal norms and values that promote the protection of human rights as laid out in the UN Charter, and supports the development needs and priorities of the most marginalized communities and individuals.
Egypt is a valuable and dynamic member of the United Nations. For the 5th time, Egypt is a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Egypt has also attained a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council and is one of the top contributors to peacekeeping operations globally. As underlined in President H.E Abdel Fattah el-Sisi s speech at the 2017 United Nations General Assembly, Egypt adamantly believes in the values of the United Nations. Moreover, he also stressed that the realization of these values is not only possible, but rather an obligation and necessity.
Since assuming my role of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt, I have observed great partnership opportunities with Egypt. We are committed to build a partnership for sustainable development that targets those who are most in need towards a prosperous Egypt and wellbeing for all. Soon, the United Nations and Egypt will launch the next five-year Partnership Development Framework. This is a pledge of the United Nations in Egypt to work side by side with our national partners, and our commitment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), guided by the principles and ideals of the United Nations, aligned with the national Sustainable Development Strategy; Egypt s Vision 2030.
Sustainable development, peace and stability are a collective and individual responsibility. The Sustainable Development Goals require new and innovative partnership between Governments and private initiatives for instance. The corporate sector has an incredible role to play in developing concepts such as “Green Growth”, “Job-reach growth”, and “Women friendly workplaces” into tangible investments. Finally, ecological and environmental sustainability will require commitment and action from individual citizens: participation and taking responsibility with Government and private initiative to give shape to a bright common and sustainable future. All can and have to contribute to this very ambitious agenda.
In the recent years, Egypt has seen progress in women empowerment, the fight against Female Genital Mutilation, improving South-South cooperation, conflict resolution and peacekeeping, etc. The United Nations in Egypt is honoured to accompany and support these efforts. I am confident that Egypt s leaders are aware of the magnitude of the efforts required to sustain these results and translate Egypt s global commitments into concrete, sustainable benefits for all.
The pathway to a more resilient and inclusive Egypt in the 21st century calls for even more commitment, support and determination. Fortunately, Egypt has a great potential in its youth, its private sector and its inclusive development. I am therefore particular pleased that President H.E. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is hosting the World Youth Forum from 4 to 10 November 2017, as this marks the start of deepening the ambitious youth in the transformative agenda.
Lastly, I wish to quote the United Nations Secretary General Mr. Antonio Guterres, during his visit to Egypt in late February 2017:
“Here in Cairo University and in a country with an extremely vibrant young population, it is important to say how much I believe that young population can contribute to making Egypt one of the leading countries, not only in this part of the world but in the international community as a whole”
