On the Sidelines of the “Masarak Le Bokra” Launch, Dr. Hala El-Said Defines Continuous Learning, Discipline, and Teamwork as the Pillars of a Successful Career
Hala El-Said to Egypt’s Youth: “Challenges and Setbacks are a Natural Part of the Path to Success”
Cairo – July 1, 2026
Dr. Hala El-Said, Consultant to the President of the Republic for Economic Affairs and former Minister of Planning and Economic Development, emphasized the critical importance of continuous investment in education, training, and capacity building. She stressed that academic excellence, discipline, time management, and the prioritization of goals form the essential foundation of a successful career, alongside a commitment to excellence, teamwork, and self-confidence.
These remarks were delivered during her keynote address at the launch ceremony for the “Building an Integrated Professional Personality” program, the inaugural training module of the “Masarak Le Bokra” (Your Path to Tomorrow) initiative. The initiative is being implemented by the Top 50 Most Influential Women Forum in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the Institute of National Planning (INP). The event was attended by Engineer Hoda Dahroug, Consultant to the Minister of Communications for Digital Community Development, senior ministry officials, university presidents, distinguished experts, and the students enrolled in the program.
Dr. El-Said opened her speech by thanking Dina Abdel Fattah, Founder and Chairperson of the Top 50 Most Influential Women Forum, praising the forum’s youth-centric initiatives. She noted that engaging with the youth provides her with “positive energy and a profound sense of optimism for the future.”
She further commended the Institute of National Planning (INP), describing it as the oldest and most prestigious planning institute in the Arab world, which has played a pivotal role in Egypt’s development journey. Dr. El-Said, a former Chairperson of the INP, expressed her gratitude to Dr. Ashraf El-Araby, the current President of the Institute, for hosting the program.
Addressing the students, Dr. El-Said expressed her pride in those who chose to spend their summer vacation learning rather than holidaying, describing it as a “true investment in the future” and urging them to make self-development a lifelong goal.
Reflecting on her own career, Dr. El-Said shared her journey from academic distinction at the Faculty of Economics and Political Science (FEPS) to her eight-year tenure at the Egyptian Banking Institute (EBI), where she revamped training programs for the banking and investment sectors. She recounted her successful election as the Dean of FEPS, her role in co-founding the Sovereign Fund of Egypt, and her eventual leadership of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.
She highlighted that digital platforms have expanded learning opportunities, allowing trainees to learn at their own pace. She pointed out that ministries, particularly the MCIT, offer digital programs that help identify young talent and provide better access to the labor market.
Dr. El-Said urged the youth to strive to “leave a mark” in their workplaces, asserting that success is achieved through diligence, sincerity, and a desire to serve both the institution and the nation. “Excellence must be a permanent goal for every individual,” she stated.
Emphasizing the value of collaboration, she noted that success is never a solitary achievement but is built through supporting colleagues, fostering trust, and respecting collective efforts. She added that encouragement and kind words significantly boost team efficiency and institutional success.
On the topic of time management, Dr. El-Said advised the youth to balance various life responsibilities—work, family, and social life—noting that this equilibrium is essential for building a successful personality. She encouraged them to believe in themselves once they have acquired knowledge and to keep their ultimate goal focused on serving society.
Addressing the obstacles she faced, Dr. El-Said recalled her tenure as the Dean of FEPS during a period of intense political difficulty for Egypt. She noted that while she faced immense pressure, she remained steadfast in her commitment to making a difference. “Challenges and setbacks are a natural part of the success journey,” she said, adding that the ability to recover from failure and regain self-confidence is what defines a leader.
Regarding work-life balance, particularly for young women, she stressed the importance of prioritizing family and childcare in early stages, noting that balance varies according to individual circumstances but should never involve sacrificing one side at the expense of the other.
She concluded by reassuring the youth that feeling uncertain at the start of a career is normal. She urged them to continue learning, trust in their abilities, and seek divine guidance until they find the path that suits them best. She also praised the idea of establishing a FinTech Club, calling for cooperation between the MCIT, the Central Bank, and commercial banks to support such innovation-driven hubs.
The “Masarak Le Bokra” initiative aims to support and empower young men and women through specialized training that combines technological skills, practical application, and professional mentorship. The 60-day program includes 120 hours of theoretical training followed by a full month of internships at leading corporations, bridging the gap between academic learning and the digital economy.
The ceremony concluded with the official start of the first training cycle, attended by senior officials, academic leaders, and the 100 students selected for the inaugural program.
