Under the patronage of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Dr. Maya Morsy, Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity and President of the Executive Bureau of the Arab Ministers of Social Affairs Council, led the celebration of Arab Senior Citizens Day and World Volunteer Day. The event, themed “Endless Giving,” brought together key figures from the Arab world, including Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports; Osama bin Saleh Al-Alawi, Minister of Social Development of Bahrain; and Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazala, Assistant Secretary-General of the Arab League.
A Focus on Senior Citizens and National Priorities
In her opening remarks, Dr. Morsy emphasized the vital role of senior citizens in society, describing them as the foundation of wisdom and the architects of the nation’s progress. She pointed to Egypt’s ongoing commitment to senior citizens’ welfare, highlighting President El-Sisi’s strategic vision to elevate their rights. In 2024, Egypt has officially designated the year as the “Year of Senior Citizens,” reinforcing the government’s dedication to improving the lives of older adults through comprehensive social and health services.
Dr. Morsy underscored the importance of the National Human Rights Strategy launched in 2021, which included provisions for senior citizens’ rights. She also pointed to President El-Sisi’s personal endorsement of the initiative, which is aligned with Egypt’s broader human rights agenda.
Government Initiatives and Social Programs
The Ministry of Social Solidarity is spearheading numerous initiatives aimed at empowering senior citizens. One such program is “Karama,” which supports over half a million seniors with a total annual funding of 3.36 billion Egyptian pounds. Furthermore, the ministry provides transportation benefits for those aged 65 and above, including discounted fares and full exemptions for those 70 and older.
Dr. Morsy highlighted the ministry’s oversight of 175 senior citizens’ homes, offering a range of services, from healthcare to recreational activities. Additionally, 191 senior citizens’ clubs serve more than 56,000 members, fostering a sense of community and engagement. The Ministry has also launched the “Elderly Companion” initiative, which trains young people to provide home-based care for older adults, ensuring their dignity and well-being.
Strengthening Arab Cooperation and Volunteerism
Dr. Morsy also addressed Egypt’s active role in the broader Arab region, stressing the country’s commitment to implementing the Arab Strategy for Senior Citizens, adopted during the 2019 Arab Summit in Tunisia. This strategy aims to ensure that by 2029, senior citizens across the Arab world will live in supportive, inclusive environments with full access to quality services.
Additionally, Dr. Morsy highlighted the Arab Volunteer Strategy, an initiative designed to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing across Arab nations. The Egyptian Red Crescent’s efforts in Gaza, where over 1,500 volunteers have been providing humanitarian and psychological support, were cited as a prime example of the power of volunteerism in addressing regional crises.
Collaborative Efforts for a Unified Vision
Dr. Morsy concluded her speech by endorsing a proposal from Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazala to organize a joint meeting between the Arab Ministers of Social Affairs Council and the Arab Ministers of Youth and Sports Council. The aim would be to accelerate the implementation of the Arab Volunteer Strategy, with a particular focus on the integration of youth into volunteer activities. She expressed her gratitude to all participants and extended her special thanks to Osama bin Saleh Al-Alawi for his dedication to the event.
This celebration of senior citizens and volunteerism underscores Egypt’s leadership in advancing the rights and well-being of older adults, as well as its pivotal role in fostering regional cooperation on social issues. The event reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to building an inclusive, compassionate society for all its citizens.
