Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation discusses progress of the “Shabab Balad” initiative with Minister of Youth and Sports and the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, met with H.E. Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, with the participation of Ms. Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt (via video conference), to review joint efforts in implementing “Shabab Balad”, the Egyptian chapter of the global Generation Unlimited initiative.

 

The Minister underlined the importance of implementing “Shabab Balad” within the framework of national efforts to empower young people and develop their skills. She noted that since its launch in 2022, the initiative has made significant progress in strengthening partnerships between ministries, UN organizations, and the private sector. To date, around 80 entities have joined the initiative, working together to deliver effective programs that benefit youth and enhance investment in human capital.

 

 

The meeting also discussed progress on launching the “Shabab Balad Academy”, in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Based in Cairo, the Academy will provide platforms for entrepreneurship training, co-working spaces, mentoring and guidance programs, as well as opportunities to foster innovation among young people.

 

For his part, Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, emphasized that “Shabab Balad” reflects the state’s commitment to investing in the potential of youth and enabling them to play an active role in shaping the future.

 

He added that the Ministry is working closely with both international and national partners to deliver integrated programs aimed at developing skills, strengthening a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, and expanding digital transformation and financial inclusion initiatives across the youth and sports sector—all in line with Egypt’s national vision for sustainable development.

 

Meanwhile, Ms. Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, expressed her appreciation to Dr. Rania Al-Mashat and Dr. Ashraf Sobhy for their support of the initiative. She reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to continuing its collaboration with government entities and the private sector to reach more young people and to scale up efforts under the initiative to empower youth and young women.

 

It is worth noting that H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat and Ms. Elena Panova co-chair the Board of Directors of “Shabab Balad.” In August 2024, Dr. Kevin Frey, CEO of the global Generation Unlimited initiative, announced the appointment of Dr. Rania Al-Mashat to the international board, joining a distinguished group of global economic leaders and senior executives from leading private sector institutions.