Egyptian Planning Minister Highlights Youth-Focused Development at UN Generation Unlimited Meeting

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, attended the Board of Directors meeting for the UN's Generation Unlimited initiative, held during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Investing in People for Sustainable Growth
In her speech, Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that Egypt's development strategy is centered on youth, recognizing that investment in human capital is crucial for both economic resilience and sustainable growth. She also noted that 2025 marks 80 years of partnership between Egypt and the UN, viewing this as a historic confirmation of a development model driven by investing in people. This long-standing cooperation has resulted in numerous development projects across various sectors.

"Shabab Balad" as a National Success Story
The Minister provided an update on "Shabab Balad," Egypt's local version of Generation Unlimited, which launched in 2022. She stated that the initiative has become a national model, now integrated into the country's broader economic strategies. She cited the establishment of the Shabab Balad Academy headquarters and substantial private sector contributions as clear evidence of the initiative's success in using multi-stakeholder partnerships to advance opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship for young people. The "Shabab Balad" platform now serves as a dynamic hub for cooperation, including the private sector, civil society, and youth themselves as active decision-makers.

Bridging the Global Funding Gap
Addressing the challenge of financing, Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted that the annual global funding deficit for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals exceeds $4 trillion. She stressed the need for innovative financing solutions beyond traditional development aid. To meet this need, Egypt has adopted a National Integrated Financing Strategy and is scaling up mechanisms like blended finance and debt swaps to close financial gaps.

She concluded by underscoring the importance of investing in digital and AI skills, as well as expanding green jobs and entrepreneurship, especially for young women. Dr. Al-Mashat reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to multilateralism and its ongoing partnership with the UN and Generation Unlimited to create tangible pathways for youth, ensuring a more sustainable future for the next generation.