Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, welcomed 15-year-old Sophia Hilal, the youngest appointed ambassador of the “Shabab Balad” initiative — the Egyptian chapter of the global Generation Unlimited platform backed by the United Nations.
In an official statement, Dr. Al-Mashat expressed her admiration for Hilal, emphasizing the importance of integrating youth voices into policy and development conversations. “Meeting Sophia is a strong reminder of the potential that lies within Egypt’s youth,” said the Minister. “Our commitment through Shabab Balad is to unlock that potential and ensure young Egyptians have a seat at the table—locally and globally.”
Sustainable Youth Development
During the meeting, Dr. Al-Mashat also announced the upcoming launch of the “Shabab Balad Academy”, a national platform designed to expand access to economic and professional opportunities for Egyptian youth. The academy is expected to roll out in the coming months and will focus on skills development, entrepreneurship training, and job readiness programs.
“The academy will serve as a gateway to scalable, sustainable solutions for youth development,” Al-Mashat stated. “By partnering with both public and private sectors, we’re building a future where every young person can thrive.”
Global Representation for Egyptian Youth
Sophia Hilal’s selection as the youngest ambassador comes from the Young People in Action Team, a global youth engagement group within the Generation Unlimited framework. Despite her age, Hilal has already represented Egypt at international forums, including the Generation Unlimited Global Leadership Council in New York.
Her role is not just symbolic. As part of the global team, she contributes to high-level conversations about education, employment, and digital access — ensuring that the voice of Egyptian youth is heard on the world stage.
Glance About “Shabab Balad”
Launched during Egypt’s World Youth Forum in 2022, Shabab Balad is the localized version of Generation Unlimited. It brings together government entities, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector to co-create solutions that improve education, employment, entrepreneurship, and digital skills for youth aged 10 to 24.
The initiative aligns closely with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on quality education, gender equality, and decent work.
Catalyst For Youth Empowerment
With over 60% of Egypt’s population under the age of 30, the stakes — and the opportunities — are high. Initiatives like Shabab Balad and its forthcoming academy aim to harness this demographic advantage by equipping young people with the skills and networks they need to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.
As Dr. Al-Mashat concluded, “This is just the beginning. Empowering our youth isn’t an option—it’s our national priority.”
