Interior designer Rabab Abdelaty and civil society leader Samia Abou El Fotouh were among the leading honorees at the Second Arab Youth Leaders Forum, held at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States in Cairo on September 29 and 30, 2026, under the theme “Generations Preserving the Unity of the Nation.”
The forum honored a number of prominent figures from the fields of art, media, community work, and entrepreneurship, including veteran actress Yousra, actress Caroline Azmy, media professional Samir Omar, as well as Rabab Abdelaty and Samia Abou El Fotouh.
Interior designer Rabab Abdelaty received the “Pioneers of Joint Arab Action Medal” in recognition of her role in supporting entrepreneurship and development initiatives, her contributions to community work, and her role as a model of Arab female leadership.
Samia Abou El Fotouh, a pioneer in civil society and volunteer work, was also honored in recognition of her career in community service and civil society activities, as well as her efforts to support community and volunteer initiatives.
The list of honorees also included veteran actress Yousra, a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, in recognition of her long artistic career and contributions to Egyptian art and soft power. Rabab Abdelaty accepted the honor on her behalf.
The forum also honored actress Caroline Azmy as one of the young talents representing Egyptian drama, recognizing her artistic career and presence among the stars of the new generation.
Media professional Samir Omar, Head of the News Channels Sector at United Media Services, was also honored for his role in leading the national news operation and contributing to shaping public awareness.
The forum was organized in cooperation between the Arab Council for Integrated Youth Development and the Civil Society Organizations Department of the League of Arab States, with the participation of several Arab entities and institutions. The event aimed to support and empower young people while strengthening joint Arab action.
Its program included panel discussions and workshops attended by leaders and young people from several Arab countries. Discussions addressed economic empowerment, digital transformation, active citizenship, and the role of youth in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
Organizers said the honoring of these figures was part of recognizing influential personalities in the fields of art, media, civil society, and entrepreneurship, while highlighting experiences that contribute to community development and strengthen identity and joint Arab action.
