Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat stated on Monday that the World Youth Forum (WYF) has become a distinctive feature of the “new republic”.
She participated in several activities of the fourth edition of the WYF held in Sharm El-Sheikh from 10 to 13 January under the auspices of President Abdel Fatah Al-Sisi.
Al-Mashat stressed that the WYF empowers youth, prepares them for leadership positions, and advances their skill set across various aspects of life. It also serves as an opportunity to inform them about the governments’ efforts and raises their awareness towards decision-makers’ strategic ways of thinking, which in turn shall enrich their experiences and help them develop clear visions to overcome any future challenges that may arise.
The WYF will witness the attendance and participation of numerous global leaders and youths from around the globe to bolster communication and connection between the youths of different countries and to support their capabilities that drive change.
Al-Mashat will also be participating in the launch of the ‘Generation Unlimited’ (GenU) by the United Nations’Children’s Fund. GenU is a global initiative that was launched by the United Nations in 2018 with an ambitious goal to create partnerships and open a fruitful dialogue between governments, international institutions, youths, the private sector, and civil society institutions; as well as to help every young person successfully transition from education and training to decent work in a way that supports entrepreneurship and increases job opportunities.
The minister will also take part in a panel session on the ‘Role of International Institutions in Boosting the Recovery’, to discuss the efforts of international financial institutions (IFIs) in adapting to the negative repercussions of the coronaviruspandemic.
Furthermore, the session will touch upon the challenges faced by international organisations in light of the pandemic and offer ways through which these organisations can develop their structures and roles to empower the achievement of their goals. This is in addition to activating their role in confronting the ongoing economic impact of the pandemic and in supporting developing countries.
The panel is meant to review and evaluate efforts of international institutions during the pandemic.
The session will include the participation of the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development OdileRenaud-Basso; Mahmoud Mohieldin, the Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda; and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Elena Panova; as well as several representatives from other international institutions.
Al-Mashat stated that the WYF sheds light through its panel sessions and workshops on three key tracks: Peace, Development, and Creativity; under which various themes of interest to youths are discussed, enabling them to interconnect and actively participate in pushing forward international peace for all. It is also worth noting that advancing creativity and innovation is not possible without youths’ active engagement.
