Egypt's Foreign Affairs Ministry Marks 75th Anniversary of UNICEF

On Wednesday, Egypt's Foreign Affairs Ministry and UNICEF Egypt marked the 75th anniversary (UNICEF@75) of the establishment of UNICEF. 

In recognition of children’s rights and UNICEF’s contributions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs marked this special occasion by lighting the word UNICEF 75 on its headquarters in Cairo as well.

During a ceremony sponsored by the ministry and UNICEF, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry said: “We are pleased to celebrate this special anniversary with UNICEF to highlight the achievements done to ensure that all children in Egypt grow up in an environment supporting their development and wellbeing."

“In line with Egypt’s strategic vision 2030; protecting the rights of the child is of heightened importance to the country, and nowadays; it is placed on top of the political and developmental agenda,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Mr. Jeremy Hopkins, UNICEF Representative in Egypt said: "UNICEF’s presence and longstanding cooperation in Egypt goes back to the early 1950s since then, we have worked closely with our line ministry partners and international and national civil society organizations as well as the corporate sector to deliver results for children – and always under national leadership.”

“UNICEF@75 celebration provides a window to highlight UNICEF’s commitment towards child wellbeing and to continue supporting the progress achieved in Egypt in terms of health, education and youth empowerment."

"I would like to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM), and all the relevant ministries for cooperating to enhance the lives of Egyptian children during the past years,” added Mr. Hopkins.

The event was attended by a number of high-ranking officials and renowned figures in Society, amongst, Dr. Khaled El-Enany, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr. Hala H. Elsaid, Minister of Planning and Economic Development,  Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, and renowned actress and UNICEF ambassador  Donia Samir Ghanem.

The Minister of Planning and Economic Development said: "Today, I thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNICEF for the fruitful cooperation with the Egyptian government to support children."

In the same connection, she said: "Egypt places children in its heart, especially since the largest segment of its population is children and youth. In its 2030 strategy, Egypt focuses on human development and on reaching every child in Egypt and providing them with health care and education services.”

Minister of International Cooperation Al-Mashat, emphasized the close cooperation between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United Nations Children's Fund, and the partnerships that were implemented over the years of the organization's work in Egypt, which contributed to improving children's lives through health services, nutrition, equity, and social protection.

Moreover, she highlighted the contribution to support the Egyptian government’s efforts to achieve SDGs, explaining that the United Nations Children’s Fund has strengthened the government’s efforts to confront the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I would like to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNICEF for working closely together with the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood and all the relevant ministries, the international and national partners to make Egyptian children fulfill their dreams," Dr. Tarek Tawfik, Supervisor of The National Council for Childhood and Motherhood said.

He added: "UNICEF@75 event is an opportunity to cooperate for the best interest of children and to reiterate our strong partnership on child rights."

In a statement by UNICEF, it said that the UNICEF@75 event provided an excellent opportunity to highlight the achievements done throughout the 75 years in terms of the enormous reduction in maternal and infant mortality rates, the eradication of polio, and drastic reduction of maternal and neo-natal tetanus.

In the Education sector, the gap between boys and girls in schools has closed, with primary enrolment close to 100%. Currently, Egypt’s education reform program focuses on advancing the quality of education, embracing the digital transformation, and providing every student with the opportunity to learn and grow.

The legislative framework that protects children from exploitation, neglect, violence, and abuse is now stronger than ever.  In addition to, the progress to date on FGM and child marriage.

These achievements are testament to the government’s commitment to bring an end to harmful practices that inhibit children from reaching their full potential.

During the event, UNICEF Egypt renewed the appointment of Egypt’s Ambassador; Actress Donia Samir Ghanem, as an extension and acknowledgment of her work and contributions to supporting children's rights in Egypt. 

“I am happy to renew my appointment with UNICEF Egypt and will continue exerting my utmost efforts to be an effective voice and to contribute to making a positive change in the lives of our children,” Ghanem expressed.

It's worth mentioning that Egypt was one of the first member states to ink the Convention on the Rights of the Child and has since ratified all the optional protocols related to it.