Cairo, Egypt – In a landmark development reaffirming Egypt’s enduring commitment to multilateral diplomacy and South-South cooperation, the Nasser International Forum has proudly announced its strategic partnership with the United Nations to implement the Fifth Cohort of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership.
Scheduled for May 2025, the prestigious program will unfold under the theme: “Egypt and the United Nations: 80 Years Representing the Issues of the Global South”, and under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The event will host 150 promising youth leaders from around the globe, uniting executive talents and change-makers in a unique platform for dialogue, capacity-building, and development-oriented action.
Speaking on the announcement, Hassan Ghazaly, anthropological researcher and founder of the Nasser International Forum, emphasized that this historic collaboration with the UN aligns with Egypt’s unwavering advocacy for the rights and representation of Global South nations. “For eight decades, Egypt has stood at the heart of global efforts to amplify Southern voices in the corridors of international diplomacy—from co-authoring the UN Charter to championing decolonization and development.”
Ghazaly highlighted Egypt’s pivotal role in ushering many African and Asian nations toward independence, noting Cairo’s efforts to bring liberation leaders to the UN floor in the 1950s and 60s—decades before their flags were formally raised at the General Assembly.
With the evolution of the United Nations’ mandate towards sustainable development, Egypt remains a front-runner in championing the UN 2030 Agenda and pioneering initiatives rooted in the principles of equity, inclusion, and cooperation.
The fellowship’s fifth edition coincides with the 80th anniversary of the UN, celebrated globally with the powerful slogan “Hand in hand towards a better future.” Ghazaly elaborated on the rich symbolism of the new UN logo marking this milestone, stating that it captures a universal call for united action to create a just, prosperous, and sustainable future. The logo, he noted, resonates deeply with the “Pact for the Future”, reflecting Egypt’s ongoing commitment to reimagining multilateral frameworks in favor of inclusive global governance.
First launched in 2019 during Egypt’s presidency of the African Union, the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership has evolved from an Africa-focused initiative into a worldwide movement, expanding to engage youth from Asia, Australia, Latin America, and Europe. Backed by presidential patronage for four consecutive years (2021–2023), the Fellowship embodies Egypt’s leadership in exporting its developmental model and nurturing the next generation of global influencers through the lens of solidarity and shared prosperity.
As Egypt and the United Nations celebrate eight decades of shared values and vision, the upcoming Nasser Fellowship cohort stands as a dynamic beacon of what this partnership represents: an unwavering dedication to the Global South, youth empowerment, and a united march toward a brighter tomorrow.
About The Author
