The Government of Egypt, the United Nations, and their partners reaffirmed today their commitment to a coordinated response under the Joint Platform for Migrants and Refugees (JPMR).
Convened in Cairo, the meeting brought together government counterparts, United Nations agencies, the diplomatic corps, development partners, and NGOs to take stock of progress of the Joint Programme on Migrants and Refugees, review the evolving needs of migrants, refugees, and host communities and chart the way forward.
Opening the meeting, Ambassador Dr. Wael Badawi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Migration and Refugee Affairs and Combating Human Trafficking, highlighted Egypt’s long-standing role in hosting and supporting migrants and refugees: “This first year of the implementation of this first ever Joint UN Programme has been a success on more than one account to the benefit of refugees, migrants and host communities. This programme showcases how partners can work together, through a holistic approach, sharing burden and responsibility in solidarity for a human cause. The Government of Egypt calls upon other partners to join in supporting this joint programme and promoting its sustainability”.
Launched in 2021, the Joint Platform for Migrants and Refugees was established as a whole-of-government, whole of UN and partners and whole-of-society mechanism to strengthen collective responses. It provides a structured forum to assess needs, align priorities, and mobilize partnerships, with a milestone being the first Joint UN Programme on Migrants and Refugees, funded by the European Union.
Elena Panova, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt, emphasized the significance of this joint approach: “Today’s discussions are built on the Situation Analysis and the experience of the Joint Programme, showing us clearly that needs are evolving and that enhanced cooperation is essential. It is only by combining the expertise, resources, and commitment of government, international partners, civil society, academia, and the private sector, that Egypt can sustain lasting change, one that strengthens national systems, empowers host communities, and upholds the dignity of migrants and refugees”.
In turn, the IOM Representative Carlos Oliver Cruz. in Egypt noted that the outcomes were not achieved in isolation, but were “strongly aligned with Egypt’s Vision 2030, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, and the Global Compact for Refugees.”
He stressed that this alignment “ensures our efforts are firmly rooted in both national priorities and global commitments, reinforcing sustainability and shared responsibility.”
Implemented by UNHCR, IOM, WHO and UNICEF in partnership with the Government of Egypt, the Joint Programme has delivered tangible results: more than 102,800 students in 200 schools are benefiting from improved learning environments; 22 primary health units and 12 hospitals have been strengthened to serve both migrants and host communities; protection services have reached 45,000 vulnerable individuals; and joint efforts are deployed to promote the integration of refugees into Egypt’s Universal Health Insurance System (UHIS). These achievements demonstrate how the Platform’s coordination translates into impact on the ground.
Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, Head of the EU Delegation to Egypt, reiterated the EU’s strong commitment: “The European Union strongly supports Egypt in addressing migration challenges, including with assistance for refugees’ health, education and protection as critical components of our collaboration.”
As the Joint Platform enters its fourth year, partners agreed that the road ahead requires sustained, multi-sectoral collaboration to address pressing needs while strengthening national systems. Today’s meeting reaffirmed the central role of the Platform for dialogue, coordination, and shared responsibility in support of migrants, refugees, and host communities in Egypt. Looking ahead, the Situation Analysis on Migration and Refugees, presented today by AUC, will guide the next phase of collective action under the Joint Platform for Migrants and Refugees, ensuring that evidence continues to drive a coherent and unified response.
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