The third day of the fifth edition of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership  held under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi—kicked off, on Monday 12/5/2025, under the theme: “Egypt and the United Nations: 80 Years Representing the Issues of the Global South”.

The day began with a panel discussion titled "A Pact for the Future: Aspirations and Ambitions," featuring the participation of around 150 young men and women from various countries around the world.

According to a statement by the Nasser International Fellowship Forum, the opening panel of the third day addressed global priorities and shared hopes, emphasizing the importance of multilateral cooperation and inclusive dialogue.

At the beginning of his speech, Assistant Foreign Minister for Multilateral Affairs and International Security Amr Aljowaily, extended his greetings to the participants, welcoming their presence at this important and distinguished fellowship. In his remarks, he emphasized the need for comprehensive structural and institutional reforms of the United Nations, aiming to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency and to ensure its full capacity to address all contemporary global challenges.

Ambassador Amr Aljowaily called for considering the reform through two key aspects: efficiency, the optimal use of human and financial resources, and effectiveness, achieving tangible results and real impact. He highlighted the importance of the “UN 80” initiative launched by the UN Secretary-General to enhance the efficiency of the United Nations system.

The Assistant Foreign Minister also underscored Africa’s legitimate right to permanent representation in the UN Security Council, noting that it remains the only continent without a permanent seat, despite having suffered historical injustices. He pointed out that African demands have now become a priority included in the “Pact for the Future.”

As part of the third day’s activities of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership, a visit was organized for the participants to the Government Headquarters in the New Administrative Capital.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly welcomed the participants of the fifth edition of the fellowship.

The reception was attended by Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Badr Abdelatty, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Mostafa Magdy and Founder of the Nasser International Forum Hassan Ghazaly.

During the celebration, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the fellowship has brought together over 600 participants from 90 countries since its launch in 2019.

He noted that the fellowship has been transformed from an African initiative into a global platform that builds global friendships and promotes peace.

During his speech, Madbouly discussed regional challenges, including instability in Gaza, Sudan, and Libya, which directly affected Egypt’s economy and security.

In this respect, he stated that Egypt currently hosts over 10 million migrants and refugees and provides them with basic services despite economic strains.

Commitment to peace

Speaking at the event, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's full commitment to supporting peace and stability at both the regional and international levels through a responsible diplomatic approach based on de-escalation, dialogue, and peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

Abdelatty, also, welcomed the youth from the Global South who were participating in the fellowship.

He stressed that Egypt is always proud to host initiatives that enhance the role of youth and strengthen bridges of cooperation and mutual understanding between nations.

Furthermore, Abdelatty outlined the fundamental principles underpinning Egypt’s foreign policy, noting that they stem from a balanced vision and clear strategy established by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi since 2014.

He also highlighted Egypt's firm belief in the importance of a multilateral system as the foundation for a fair and balanced international order.

Abdelatty further stressed the indispensable role of the United Nations as a platform that reflects the collective will of the international community.

He said: "Egypt is unwaveringly committed to reforming the international system, including the structure of the global financial system and the UN Security Council."

He explained that the current structures of these institutions do not fully reflect the Global South's interests or fairly address its people's aspirations for justice and balanced representation.

Minister Abdelatty, also, reviewed Egypt’s stance on key regional issues amid highly alarming developments, especially as the foundational principles of the international system are being questioned.

He addressed Israel’s continued violations of the core principles of international law and international humanitarian law, as well as its repeated breaches of the UN Charter.

He also reiterated Egypt’s condemnation of Israel's use of starvation as a weapon of collective punishment against the Palestinian people. He warned that such actions create an extremely dangerous international environment that threatens global peace and stability and requires urgent and serious international action to restore respect for the rule of law.

Additionally, Abdelatty called for greater solidarity among countries of the Global South in the face of escalating challenges that threaten international peace and security.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration Badr Abdelatty concluded: "The current moment requires the Global South to unite to defend shared rights and interests and build a global order that respects national sovereignty and stands on justice, equality, and cooperation."

Edited by SIS