The Egyptian government has announced the launch of the main headquarters for the Shabab Balad Academy, a landmark initiative aimed at empowering 13 million young men and women by 2027. The ambitious goals were presented by Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports, and Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, during a recent cabinet meeting.
The launch event at the Gezira Youth Center saw the attendance of key international partners, including the UN Resident Coordinator, the CEO of the UN’s Generation Unlimited (GENU) initiative, the UAE Ambassador to Cairo, a UNICEF representative, and the head of the UAE’s Al Ghurair Foundation, underscoring the collaborative nature of the project.
A National Vision for Youth Empowerment
Dr. Ashraf Sobhi highlighted that the new academy is a core component of the Shabab Balad initiative, which serves as the Egyptian chapter of the global UN Generation Unlimited program. He emphasized that the launch reflects the state’s vision of investing in its youth, a directive of the country’s political leadership.
“This opening clearly reflects the Egyptian state’s vision for investing in its youth,” stated Dr. Sobhi. He added that the academy aims to provide essential opportunities to qualify young people for both local and international job markets by building their capabilities in vital fields such as entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital transformation.
Forging International and Private Sector Partnerships
The academy represents a model of cooperation between the Egyptian government, the United Nations, and other international partners. The initiative is also strategically designed to enhance and foster partnerships with the private sector to create a sustainable ecosystem for youth development.
Dr. Rania Al-Mashat noted that Shabab Balad demonstrates the significant progress Egypt is making in youth empowerment, aligning skill development with market opportunities and promoting a culture of innovation. “The launch of the academy confirms the state’s commitment, under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, to preparing and qualifying youth for the future,” she affirmed.
Dr. Al-Mashat, who co-chairs the Shabab Balad initiative alongside the UN Resident Coordinator, confirmed plans to expand the program’s scope across Egypt. The goal is to open up broader opportunities for the nation’s youth, investing in human capital to drive comprehensive and inclusive economic development.
About Shabab Balad
Shabab Balad is the national Egyptian brand for the United Nations’ global Generation Unlimited (GENU) initiative. It is a multi-sector platform that aims to connect young people with opportunities for training, education, employment, and entrepreneurship. The initiative focuses on developing the skills of Egypt’s youth to meet the demands of the modern job market, fostering innovation and supporting their role in achieving sustainable economic growth.
Source: Masrawy
