Egypt Marks 80 Years of Partnership with the United Nations

By Revonia Kays

The Nasser International Forum has announced the launch of the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership, under the theme: “Egypt and the United Nations: 80 Years Representing the Global South.”

The fellowship, which is held under the patronage of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, will bring together 150 young leaders from across the globe.

Participants, drawn from diverse executive and influential leadership backgrounds, will convene to explore Egypt’s historic role in the United Nations and its unwavering commitment to championing the interests of the Global South.

Hassan Ghazaly, Founder of the Nasser International Forum, explained that this year’s theme was chosen to celebrate Egypt’s role as a founding member of the United Nations in 1945 and its continued leadership in advocating for developing nations.

He noted that Egypt has worked tirelessly for 80 years to amplify the voices of Global South nations and promote international cooperation.

“Egypt has maintained a strategic vision that balances its commitment to international justice with its pursuit of sustainable development for developing nations. From drafting the UN Charter to spearheading decolonization efforts, Egypt has consistently championed the principles of self-determination and solidarity within the Global South,” said Ghazaly.

He highlighted Egypt’s pivotal role during the independence movements of the 1950s and 1960s, where the country facilitated the representation of African and Asian leaders at the United Nations General Assembly even before their nations attained independence.

This diplomatic effort was driven by Egypt’s staunch belief in the collective strength of the Global South.

With the evolution of the UN’s role towards sustainable development, Egypt has remained a key player in advancing development initiatives within the Global South.

As part of its commitment to the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Egypt has also championed South-South cooperation, launching numerous initiatives to strengthen partnerships among developing nations.

The Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership was first launched in 2019 during Egypt’s chairmanship of the African Union.

Initially designed as an African youth fellowship, the program aimed to provide participants with insight into Egypt’s developmental model and its leadership in South-South cooperation.

Since its inception, the fellowship has grown to include participants from Asia, Australia, Europe, and Latin America, while still maintaining Africa as its core focus.

The program has received the patronage of President El-Sisi since its second edition in 2021, and it continues to expand its global reach.

The fifth edition of the fellowship will highlight Egypt’s enduring partnership with the United Nations, which has spanned eight decades.

Egypt’s contributions to the UN have been instrumental in advancing the interests of developing nations, from advocating for decolonisation to leading initiatives for sustainable development.

With this year’s fellowship, Egypt continues to solidify its role as a global leader in fostering unity within the Global South and promoting international cooperation for a more equitable world.