In Celebration of United Nations Day: A Joint Podcast with the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and UN Resident Coordinator
DT (Cairo): Iman Mohamed
Egypt’s Partnership with the United Nations
On United Nations Day, Ambassador Amr El-Goweily, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Affairs and International Security, emphasized Egypt’s commitment to collaborating with UN offices to create projects that bring tangible benefits to Egyptian citizens. This statement was made during a joint podcast episode with the UN Resident Coordinator. Ambassador El-Goweily described Egypt’s relationship with the UN as multi-dimensional, recognizing the UN as both a forum for establishing international regulations and standards and as a “knowledge hub” that gathers expertise from around the world. This partnership allows Egypt to adopt best practices and share its success stories within the region, a role Egyptian diplomats highlight alongside their active contributions in international negotiations.
Egypt’s Contribution to Peace and Security
The Assistant Minister highlighted Egypt’s leadership in strengthening the UN’s role in maintaining global peace and security. Egypt has been proactive in conflict resolution through peacekeeping, peacebuilding, and peace enforcement in the Middle East. He noted Egypt’s staunch defense of Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. As one of the UN’s major contributors to peacekeeping, Egypt provides military, police, and civilian personnel in several African missions, including a significant number of female peacekeepers. Egypt also supports peacebuilding efforts by hosting the African Union’s Center for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development.
Leading Initiatives in International Security
Ambassador El-Goweily underscored Egypt’s role in advancing international security through initiatives such as the establishment of a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East. Egypt has also taken a proactive approach in counter-terrorism, raising the issue on the global stage during its tenure on the UN Security Council. Less than a decade ago, Egypt addressed the need to counter terrorist organizations’ recruitment strategies and propaganda, showcasing its commitment to a safer international environment.
Collaboration with Specialized UN Agencies
Ambassador El-Goweily outlined the depth of Egypt’s cooperation with various UN specialized agencies, supported by the country’s ongoing partnership program with the UN. Egypt plays an active role in multiple UN agencies, including the World Food Programme, International Telecommunication Union, World Intellectual Property Organization, UNESCO, and WHO, among others. These agencies frequently hold conferences and regional workshops in Egypt, directly benefiting Egyptian citizens as well as the broader Arab and African communities. This collaboration is strengthened through daily coordination with Egypt’s technical ministries, ensuring effective and sustainable impacts on public welfare and development.
Through this multi-faceted partnership with the United Nations, Egypt continues to work towards strengthening its domestic and regional development goals, fostering peace, and upholding international security and cooperation.
