Egypt has inaugurated the headquarters of the Shabab Balad (Youth of the Nation) Academy at Al-Gezira Youth Center, launching a flagship national platform designed to empower more than 13 million young people and girls through integrated pathways in training, education, employment, and entrepreneurship. The initiative is the Egyptian chapter of the UN’s Generation Unlimited (GenU), signaling a deepened partnership between the Egyptian government, the United Nations, and international development partners.
The opening ceremony brought together senior Egyptian ministers, UN leaders, international partners, and youth ambassadors—underscoring the country’s strategy to invest in human capital as a driver of inclusive growth and long-term development.
A Whole-of-Government and UN Partnership
The academy was officially opened by Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, and Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, alongside Elena Panova, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt; Kevin Frey, Executive Director of Generation Unlimited (GenU); Hamad Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Cairo; Natalia Winder Rossi, UNICEF Representative in Egypt; and Abdulaziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation. Youth ambassadors of the Shabab Balad initiative also participated.
Following the inauguration, ministers and guests toured the academy’s facilities, where young ambassadors showcased ongoing programs focused on skills development, employability, and innovation.
Investing in Youth to Lead the Future
Dr. Al-Mashat said the Shabab Balad Academy reflects the Egyptian state’s vision and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s commitment to empowering youth, emphasizing that investment in young people’s capabilities is essential to preparing future leaders and sustaining economic transformation.
Minister Sobhy described the academy as “a real investment in youth energy” and a gateway that connects young people to education systems and labor markets—bridging skills gaps and expanding access to decent work.
Global Support for Egypt’s Youth Agenda
UNICEF’s representative in Egypt highlighted the academy’s role in enabling every young man and woman to develop the skills they need to build the future they deserve, while the UN Resident Coordinator affirmed the UN’s support for Shabab Balad as a catalyst to unlock the vast potential of Egyptian youth.
Abdulaziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, stressed that Egypt’s progress and prosperity rest on its youth, describing them as a wellspring of talent and innovation critical to the country’s future.
A Platform Aligned with Generation Unlimited
As Egypt’s national implementation of Generation Unlimited, Shabab Balad brings together government, the private sector, civil society, and international partners to scale solutions in skills, employment, and entrepreneurship. The academy will serve as a national hub—supporting blended learning, career pathways, and partnerships with employers—while amplifying youth voices through leadership and ambassador programs.
