Egypt launches 1st website dedicated to NGOs services

Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine al-Qabaj announced on Tuesday 13/12/2022 the launching of Egypt’s first website dedicated to providing electronic services to NGOs, and whose number amounts to 36 services.

Assistant to Minister of Social Solidarity for Civil Society Affairs that Ayman Abdel Mawgoud told Al Watan newspaper in January that 28,000 unlicensed NGOs in Egypt finished legalizing their status, while 32,000 others are still in the process after applying online.

The official referred to Article 2 of law no. 149/2019 providing that unlicensed NGOs must apply on licensing within a year since the foundation date. He added that the Cabinet will submit soon a draft amendment to the House of Representatives to extend the duration to two years.

The documents required include a proof of the existence of a headquarters, and criminal records of founding members. The other requirements are that the number of board members should be between five and 15 and it has to be an odd number, and, the minimum number of founders (they can be human or non-human entities) must be 10.

Minister Qabaj stated earlier that Egypt had 52,000 local NGOs, and 59 foreign NGOs. The minister elaborated that the size of foreign funds granted to NGOs in Egypt in 2020 was LE2 billion. The grants came from American, French, German, and Swiss entities.

Qabaj pointed out that foreign funding is allowed as long as the source is known and is not suspected of involvement in terrorism, extremism, or money laundering.

Egypt and the UN celebrated the International Volunteer Day (IVD)

Egypt and the UN celebrated the International Volunteer Day (IVD), which falls on December 5 of each year with the aim to promote solidarity through volunteering.

This year focuses on contributions by volunteers with the aim to make positive change in their societies, particularly where climate action and sustainable development is concerned.

The celebration was attended by Social Solidarity Minister Nevine el Qabbaj, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt Elena Panova, UN Development Program (UNDP) Resident Representative in Egypt Alessandro Fracassetti and UN Volunteers (UNV) coordinator in Egypt Heba Nosseir.

The IVD is celebrated this year, with millions of volunteers worldwide working in solidarity to underscore the life-changing impact volunteering has on millions of people every day.

Over a billion people volunteer their time, skills, and experience to help improve their communities. From providing practical support to vulnerable children and adults to advising on sophisticated technical and legal issues, volunteers are present at all levels of society. Each one brings a specific set of skills to their tasks.

In line with Egypt hosting COP 27 and in partnership with the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Volunteerism Network Members, UNV Egypt recognizes the best national and UN Volunteers.

The national volunteer award was adopted by the Minister of Social Solidarit during IVD 2021. This year, the award is given under the theme of Environment. UNV Egypt is recognizing best performing UN Volunteers under three categories, initiative, innovation and teamwork, in addition to, special award for the 9 UN Volunteers mobilized for COP 27.

Addressing the ceremony, Minister Qabbaj praised the important role played by volunteers in Egypt, pointing out that 600 volunteers had been selected to contribute to the organization of the COP27 in the Egyptian Red Sea resort city of Sharm el Sheikh last month.

Egypt has some 600,000 volunteers working across the country with the aim to help improve their communities, families, schools and universities, Qabbaj said. They also help with implementing many national projects, she added.

The minister, however, underscored the need to have a systematic mechanism for volunteering and securing enough training for volunteers.

UNV coordinates IVD on December 5 every year to recognize and promote the tireless work, not just of UN Volunteers, but of volunteers across the globe.