Egypt, UN Reaffirm Commitment to Supporting Migrants, Refugees

Egypt, the United Nations and international partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and host communities during the annual meeting of the Joint Platform for Migrants and Refugees (JPMR), held in Cairo on Sunday.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Egyptian government, UN agencies, development partners, civil society organizations and academia to review progress, identify emerging priorities and strengthen cooperation in addressing migration and refugee-related challenges.

Convened under the leadership of Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates and the United Nations Resident Coordinator, the gathering focused on advancing coordinated, inclusive and sustainable responses while reinforcing national systems at the center of migration and refugee policies.

Established in 2021, the Joint Platform for Migrants and Refugees has become a key mechanism for coordination between the Egyptian government and the United Nations, bringing together a broad range of stakeholders to align priorities, enhance partnerships and support evidence-based policymaking.

Participants reviewed efforts aimed at expanding access to education, healthcare, protection services and other essential support for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, while also strengthening the resilience of host communities.

In his address, Amr El Sherbini, Assistant Foreign Minister for Multilateral Affairs and International Security, said the platform was created to improve coordination among stakeholders, ensure the efficient use of resources and align interventions with national priorities.

El Sherbini stressed that the current phase requires moving beyond coordination toward maximizing impact through stronger links between humanitarian and development programs, increased support for national institutions and the pursuit of long-term, sustainable solutions.

He also highlighted the growing pressures facing host countries as a result of ongoing regional crises and increasing population movements, calling for enhanced international support, particularly in the form of financial assistance.

"The level of international support should reflect the scale of the challenges and burdens borne by host countries," El Sherbini said.

In turn, Elena Panova, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt, emphasized the importance of sustained partnership and continued collaboration.

She said: “Amid escalating regional crises and declining resources, stronger coordination between the Government of Egypt, development partners, and the United Nations is critical to support the national response to migrants and refugees. This is precisely why the Joint Platform for Migrants and Refugees convened today to anchor interventions in national systems, align efforts across the humanitarian-development nexus, and prioritize access to services, protection and social cohesion. This is essential to reduce fragmentation and maximize impact.”

The discussions underscored the importance of maintaining a comprehensive approach that supports both displaced populations and the communities hosting them, while promoting social cohesion and sustainable development.

The annual meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from Egypt, the United Nations and development partners to strengthen cooperation and advance practical solutions that respond to evolving migration and refugee needs across the country.