At the 7th “Employers for Youth” Forum, President of Egypt’s National Council for Women, Counselor. Amel Ammar, underscored a national shift toward building a long-term ecosystem for youth employment, calling the event a leading platform for partnerships that support young people in a rapidly evolving labor market.
The forum brought together development partners, private-sector leaders and young professionals, with attendance from Anis Aclimandos, Chair of EFE-Egypt’s Board of Trustees, and NCW members Dalia Ibrahim and Laila Salem.
Leading Platform for Youth Employment in Egypt
In her opening remarks, Ammar said the event has become “a leading annual platform that unites development partners to enhance employment opportunities for young people in a rapidly evolving labor market.”
She noted that global approaches to youth employment are shifting from job provision to building integrated ecosystems focused on technology adoption, entrepreneurship, and the empowerment of young women, which she described as “a fundamental pillar of future development.”
Egypt’s National Strategy Prioritizes Youth and Women
Ammar highlighted Egypt’s national efforts, under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, to expand skills training, increase access to decent work, and promote fair economic participation.
She pointed to major national initiatives supporting youth and girls in technology and digital transformation, sectors she said will define the future global economy.
AI, Technical Education and Women in Tech at the Center of Discussions
Ammar welcomed the forum’s discussions on artificial intelligence, technical and vocational education, and success stories of young women in the technology sector. These themes, she said, align with NCW programs that aim to strengthen women’s access to high-demand fields.
The NCW Women’s Skills Development Center remains central to this mission, offering:
- Training workshops and specialized programs
- Small-scale industrial units and production spaces
- Support for micro and small enterprises
- Projects under the National Project for the Development of the Egyptian Family
NCW Expands Support for Entrepreneurship and Youth Policies
Ammar outlined several NCW-led initiatives that promote entrepreneurship and policy development:
• Committee for Small Projects and Entrepreneurship
Led by former Trade and Industry Minister Nevine Gamea, working to expand women’s participation in the entrepreneurial economy.
• Youth Committee
Chaired by Ahood Wafi of Hayah Karima, integrating youth perspectives and expanding participation in entrepreneurship and innovation programs.
• “She Leads” Program for Technical School Students
A five-year initiative implemented with civil society partners, launched under former NCW President Maya Morsy, supporting young women in technical education nationwide.
• Research, Technology and Cybersecurity Committee
Led by Dr. Maryan Azer, enhancing women’s roles in technology and digital safety.
• Education Committee
Headed by Dalia Ibrahim, shaping education policy in line with workforce needs.
Investing in ‘National Imperative’
Ammar emphasized that investing in young people is essential to building a resilient national economy, adding that supporting girls today strengthens long-term development.
She praised EFE-Egypt for achieving a 53% female graduation rate across its programs, describing it as a strong indicator of inclusive progress.
Ammar also called for workplace environments that promote retention, innovation and respond to the expectations of a new generation with “broad ambitions and a different vision for the future of work.”
Future Employment Models
Ammar commended the forum for offering a valuable platform for dialogue, especially amid rapid global economic changes. She said she hopes the event’s discussions will help shape new strategies for sustainable employment and expand the role of young women and men in advancing Egypt’s economic growth.
She concluded by thanking EFE-Egypt and national partners for supporting youth inclusion, affirming that the National Council for Women will remain a committed partner in all efforts to empower young Egyptians.
