Egypt’s Minister of Social Solidarity,Dr. Maya Morsy, recently held a meeting with a delegation of foreign ambassadors in Egypt, representing the GLAM Group. The event, which took place at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, was attended by Angelina Eichhorst, Ambassador of the European Union to Egypt, Dina El-Sirfi, Assistant Minister for International Cooperation and Agreements, and Amira Tag, Director General of International Relations at the Ministry.
The meeting brought together ambassadors from 14 nations, including Romania, Bangladesh, Colombia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Niger, Uruguay, Estonia, Malawi, New Zealand, Norway, and Slovakia.
Dr. Morsy expressed her enthusiasm for the gathering, emphasizing its role in fostering international cooperation across key sectors aligned with the Ministry’s strategic priorities.
Social Protection Programs in Focus
Dr. Morsy highlighted that social protection programs remain at the core of the Ministry’s agenda, particularly the flagship “Takaful and Karama” conditional cash transfer program. The program benefits 4.7 million families, encompassing approximately 22 million citizens, with an annual budget of EGP 41 billion. It focuses on promoting education and healthcare compliance while providing a flexible framework for lifting vulnerable communities out of poverty through economic empowerment initiatives.
She further elaborated on the Ministry’s vision of integrating social protection with economic empowerment. Efforts include strengthening partnerships to develop a comprehensive micro-lending system and fostering opportunities that drive financial independence and economic stability.
Empowering Marginalized Groups
The Minister outlined various services provided to senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and women. Notably, she highlighted the significant progress made in women’s empowerment under the political leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, which has bolstered women’s participation across political, social, and economic spheres.
Dr. Morsy also discussed alternative care systems for children in foster care. She detailed the establishment of the National Foster Care Center in 15th of May City, Cairo, aimed at streamlining the adoption process and ensuring governance in the alternative care ecosystem. The ambassadors were invited to visit the center as part of ongoing collaboration efforts.
Family Development and Community Initiatives
The Minister spotlighted the “Mawadda” program, a strategic initiative launched by President El-Sisi in 2019. Designed to prepare and empower couples for marriage, the program focuses on equipping participants with essential life skills to build stable and secure family relationships. The initiative is implemented in partnership with government entities, international organizations, and civil society.
Additionally, Dr. Morsy praised the unprecedented support provided to civil society, noting that in 2024, international grants for NGOs totaled EGP 14.5 billion, reflecting the government’s commitment to fostering robust community engagement.
Humanitarian Efforts in North Sinai and Gaza
The Minister highlighted her recent visit with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health to North Sinai, where they assessed the readiness of hospitals and medical facilities in Arish and nearby cities. The tour also included an evaluation of the logistical preparedness of the Egyptian Red Crescent’s warehouses.
The discussion extended to humanitarian assistance for Gaza, with a focus on the critical role played by the Egyptian Red Crescent in providing aid to those in need.
Strengthening Collaboration
The ambassadors expressed their appreciation for the Egyptian government’s commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and social solidarity. They commended the leadership of President El-Sisi in elevating the role of women across various sectors.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepening collaboration on social welfare and economic empowerment programs, paving the way for integrated and inclusive social protection systems.
