Cairo University hosted a distinguished conference on Thursday marking the 80th anniversary of Egypt’s membership in the United Nations, underscoring the country’s longstanding contributions to international peace. The event brought together diplomats, academics, and key UN officials to launch a series of initiatives celebrating the UN’s core missions.
The conference culminated in the reinforcement of partnerships between Cairo University’s Faculty of Economics and Political Science, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Multilateral Affairs and International Security Sector, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt.
A key announcement from the conference included the launch of a year-long series of events throughout 2025, each focused on one of the three main pillars of the United Nations’ work: maintaining international peace and security, promoting sustainable economic development, and safeguarding the environment. The series will also focus on vital human rights issues, as well as international humanitarian and social concerns.
Esteemed speakers at the event included Ambassador Amr Aljowaily, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Affairs and International Security, Professor Mohamed Sami Abdel Sadek, President of Cairo University, Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, and Dr. Hanan Ali, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Political Science. They all highlighted the importance of strengthening the relationship between diplomatic and academic circles to support global initiatives.
The conference also saw the participation of 18 ambassadors, assistant foreign ministers, and senior officials from various sectors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with directors from the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding. Additionally, 15 directors from UN regional and country offices in Cairo, alongside 10 faculty members from Cairo University’s Faculty of Economics and Political Science, contributed to discussions.
Key topics addressed included Egypt’s significant contributions to the UN’s peacekeeping missions, sustainable development initiatives, climate action, urban development, and addressing global challenges such as migration, human trafficking, women’s empowerment, and food security. Egypt’s role in international legal matters, technological advancements, and its collaboration with global and regional political blocs also formed part of the discussions.
The closing session heralded the launch of an annual conference, scheduled to take place every February. According to a proposal, specialized study unit for professors and a student club will be launched for those interested in multilateral UN affairs. Plans were also shared to select outstanding students for visits to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to invite senior UN officials for public lectures at Cairo University.
This event not only celebrated Egypt’s 80-year membership in the UN but also laid the groundwork for an enduring academic and diplomatic collaboration, enhancing Egypt’s vital role in the global multilateral framework.
