Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Maya Morsy, honored Ghada Waly, former Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), following the completion of her international mandate. The recognition took place on the sidelines of the inauguration of the 11th “Azima” Rehabilitation Center in the Gharbia Governorate.
Dr. Morsy expressed her deep appreciation for Waly’s contributions, noting the symbolic significance of holding the ceremony inside one of the Azima centers — a network of rehabilitation and anti-addiction facilities first launched under Waly’s leadership during her tenure as Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity.
Waly inaugurated the first Azima Center in Minya, followed by others in Matrouh and Port Said, paving the way for a nationwide expansion that has now reached its eleventh location in Gharbia. Dr. Morsy emphasized that the continued growth of these centers reflects a vision Waly set years earlier, one that remains integral to Egypt’s national anti-drug strategy.
The minister also highlighted the launch of the “Azima Journey” initiative, which forms part of the international CHAMPS preventive program designed to promote evidence-based drug prevention interventions. Waly’s involvement, she noted, helped position Egypt as the first country globally to implement this pioneering initiative.
Reflecting on Waly’s international role, Dr. Morsy praised her as a trailblazer:
- the first woman to serve as Executive Director of UNODC,
- and the first Arab and African official to hold the high-ranking UN post.
She noted that Waly’s five-year leadership at UNODC marked “an inspiring international chapter” and left a professional legacy that will remain a reference for future generations. According to Morsy, Waly championed global efforts to strengthen evidence-based drug-prevention policies and expanded support for countries seeking to bolster their anti-narcotics programs.
The ceremony concluded with a tribute to Waly’s dual legacy — both within the United Nations and in Egypt’s expanding network of rehabilitation and prevention initiatives.
