Egypt has inaugurated the headquarters of the “Shabab Balad Academy“, underscoring the state’s commitment to investing in youth as the nation’s most valuable asset and a key driver of sustainable and inclusive development.
In his address at the inauguration ceremony, Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Ashraf Sobhy said the academy reflects the Egyptian leadership’s vision to expand opportunities for young people, enhance their skills, and prepare them for both local and international labor markets. He noted that the Ministry is working to equip youth with competencies in innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation in line with the demands of the modern economy.
Dr. Sobhy described the academy as a comprehensive model of cooperation between the Egyptian government, the United Nations, and international partners. He added that it serves as a bridge linking young people to contemporary education and training pathways aligned with evolving labor market needs.
The minister affirmed that youth centers across Egypt have developed into integrated development hubs rather than venues solely dedicated to sports activities. This transformation, he said, is embodied in the selection of Gezira Youth Center as the academy’s headquarters.
He further noted that the Shabab Balad initiative is among Egypt’s leading national programs, aiming to empower 13 million young men and women by 2027, reflecting the state’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthening partnerships with international organizations and the private sector. Dr. Sobhy commended the support of the United Nations, UNICEF, and Al Ghurair Foundation, reaffirming the Ministry’s continued support for initiatives that broaden opportunities for Egyptian youth.
Natalia Winder Rossi, UNICEF Representative in Egypt, said the inauguration goes beyond opening a new facility. “Today, we are not simply launching a building; we are unlocking new possibilities. This milestone advances Egypt’s efforts to ensure that every young person has the skills, confidence, and support needed to build the future they deserve,” she said.
On her part, Elena Panova, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt, emphasized that the UN stands united behind the Shabab Balad initiative, working closely with Egypt to unlock youth potential and accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Meanwhile, Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Al Ghurair Foundation, expressed his appreciation for the initiative’s progress in Egypt, noting that the country’s development and prosperity rest on its youth.
He described young people as Egypt’s greatest source of talent and innovation, adding that investing in their potential enhances regional competitiveness and global success. Al Ghurair also praised Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, for her leadership and contributions to implementing the initiative.
The Shabab Balad Academy is the flagship program of the national Shabab Balad initiative, which aims to accelerate Egypt’s voluntary commitment to supporting 13 million young people by 2027 through integrated pathways in education, training, employment, and entrepreneurship. With 18.5 million Egyptians aged 15 to 24, the academy offers a comprehensive national platform designed to help young people realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
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