Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Maya Morsy, and Amb. Nabila Makram, Head of the Technical Secretariat of the National Alliance for Civil Development Work, witnessed the launch of Misr El Kheir Foundation’s “Community Vision for the Development and Advancement of Civil Society Organizations: The Path to Sustainability and Professional Performance.” The ceremony, attended by Dr. Mohamed Refai, CEO of Misr El Kheir, Dr. Ahoud Wafi, Chairperson of the Hayat Karima Foundation, and prominent public figures, marked a transformative moment for Egypt’s civil society sector.
Dr. Morsy hailed the Community Vision Document as a strategic roadmap for the future of Egypt’s non-governmental organizations (NGOs), emphasizing their evolution from supplementary players to a core pillar of the nation’s development ecosystem, alongside the public and private sectors. “This document is the result of extensive dialogue, deep reflection, and real-world experience led by Misr El Kheir,” she said. “It establishes civil society as a strategic partner in achieving sustainable development.”
The minister highlighted Egypt’s progressive legislative framework, including the 2014 Constitution, which enshrined the pivotal role of NGOs in national development, and the 2022 Civil Work Regulation Law, which ensures freedom of establishment, transparency, accountability, and access to local and international funding under robust governance. She also noted President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s declaration of 2022 as the “Year of Civil Society” and the establishment of the National Alliance for Civil Development Work, which unites major and grassroots NGOs to amplify their impact.
With over 35,000 registered NGOs by early 2025, Egypt’s civil society is a dynamic force in sectors like education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and social protection. Dr. Morsi emphasized that these organizations serve as the ministry’s operational arms, implementing programs nationwide. From 2021 to 2024, NGOs secured over EGP 22 billion in grants and EGP 26 billion through fundraising licenses, supporting projects in healthcare, water, sanitation, disability support, women’s economic empowerment, housing, and community education.
Misr El Kheir: A Model of Impact and Innovation
Dr. Morsy praised Misr El Kheir, a founding member of the National Alliance, for its 18-year legacy of commitment and innovation. “Misr El Kheir is not just one of Egypt’s largest NGOs but also one of its most disciplined, with a focus on sustainable impact, scientific documentation, and institutional rigor,” she said. The foundation’s Community Vision Document draws on field-tested experiences, advanced scientific approaches, and global best practices to provide technical and advisory support for NGOs, fostering sustainability and professionalism.
The minister underscored the shift in civil society’s role from providing aid to enabling empowerment, partnership, and lasting impact. “Egypt’s NGOs have proven their readiness to move from temporary relief to sustainable development, collaborating with the state and private sector to address economic challenges and deliver innovative solutions,” she added.
### National Alliance: Pioneering Human-Centered Development
Ambassador Nabila Makram highlighted the National Alliance’s role in redefining civil society as the “third pillar” of Egypt’s development framework. She commended Misr El Kheir’s contributions, including its recent first-place win in the Ahl El Kheir Award for Social Responsibility Impact. “The alliance reflects President El-Sisi’s belief in the transformative power of civil society,” she said, noting its efforts to unify databases, eliminate duplication, and enhance service delivery.
Makram also emphasized the concept of “humanitarian diplomacy,” through which the alliance extends aid beyond Egypt’s borders, such as to Gaza, while adapting to evolving global challenges. She praised Misr El Kheir’s volunteer programs, which foster youth engagement, national pride, and sustainable development. “Volunteers are the heart of our work on the ground, driving real change,” she said, extending gratitude to Dr. Ali Gomaa, Chairperson of Misr El Kheir’s Board of Trustees, for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes.
Misr El Kheir’s Vision for Sustainable Development
Dr. Mohamed Refai, CEO of Misr El Kheir, outlined the foundation’s holistic approach to development since its establishment in 2007. Focused on education, healthcare, scientific research, social solidarity, and quality of life, Misr El Kheir works to empower communities and advance Egypt’s Vision 2030. The foundation collaborates with grassroots NGOs as its operational arms, prioritizing capacity-building to reach the most vulnerable populations.
In 2019, Misr El Kheir launched the Arab Center for Civil Work Sustainability, a program to enhance NGOs’ organizational and institutional capacities through modern management systems, quality standards, and sustainable practices. “Our model is built on participation, respect for diverse perspectives, and belief in the potential of communities to drive their own development,” Refai said. The center supports NGOs with cutting-edge tools and methodologies, fostering alliances and advancing sustainable development goals.
