In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, UN Women organized a special event entitled “Beijing +30 Action Agenda: Honoring Inspiring Egyptian Women Leaders” recognizing the remarkable efforts and contributions made by current and former Egyptian Women Ministers, as well as current and former Presidents of the National Council for Women in Egypt to advance women’s empowerment.
The event started with opening remarks by Ms. Marwa Alameldeen, UN Women Egypt Officer in Charge; Ms. Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt; and H.E. Counselor Amal Ammar, President of the National Council for Women.
“Women’s leadership in Egypt has demonstrated an exceptional ability to drive change. Many women, foremost among them the female ministers, have presented inspiring models in good governance, policy formulation, and the implementation of programmes that directly impact citizens’ lives. Today, they actively contribute to advancing development and work to create a more just and inclusive environment for all. At UN Women, we commend the clear commitment we witness in Egypt from the political leadership to support women’s rights and empowerment, making them a cornerstone of the country’s vision for sustainable development. Experience has proven that investing in women is an investment in the nation’s future, and that women’s full participation is not only a fundamental human right but also an essential pillar for achieving growth and prosperity,” stated Ms. Marwa Alameldeen, Officer-in-Charge of UN Women Egypt.
In her address, Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator highlighted: “As we look toward the next phase of our shared journey, let us carry forward the spirit of Beijing with renewed determination. Let us honor the women who paved the way, support the women who are leading today, and inspire the girls who will shape our tomorrow. Egypt’s future—like the future of our world—is brighter, fairer, and more prosperous when women lead”.
In her opening remarks, Counselor Amal Ammar expressed her delight for participating at this important event, which brings together a distinguished group of national and international women leaders and figures, in commemoration of a legacy that has stood for three decades since the launch of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. This document marked a turning point in the global path towards women’s inclusion and laid the foundation for a new era of awareness and international commitment to women’s rights and empowerment.
A highlight of the evening was an interactive dialogue between H.E. Ambassador Mervat Tallawy, Former Minister of Social Solidarity and Chairperson of the Contact Group on Health at the 4th World Conference on Women, and H.E. Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity reflecting on the lasting impact of the Beijing Platform for Action and its transformative agenda. Both leaders shared insights from their experiences as women’s advocates , particularly reflecting on their role as Presidents of the National Council for Women and Ministers of Social Solidarity, underscoring the progress achieved and the challenges overcome.
During the session, Dr. Maya Morsy emphasized that no one could succeed alone; participation is the foundation of success. She highlighted her collaboration with other female ministers in many areas, including the Egyptian Women’s Celebration, noting that this cooperation was a driving force for success. She affirmed that just as she was mentored by pioneering women leaders, she is now working with a new generation of young women who will play a significant role in the coming period.
For her part, Ambassador Mervat Tallawy, former Minister of Social Solidarity and Chair of the Health Subcommittee at the Fourth World Conference on Women, expressed that this conference succeeded in achieving numerous gains for women and in drawing the attention of civil society organizations to many rights and benefits for women, which must be preserved.
Among the women leaders honored were Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation; Dr. Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity; Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment; Dr. Hala El-Said, Advisor to the President for Economic Affairs; Ambassador Fayza Aboul Naga, Advisor to the President of Egypt for National Security; Counselor Amal Ammar, President of the National Council for Women; Ambassador Mervat Tallawy, former Minister of Social Solidarity and former President of the National Council for Women; Ms. Ghada Waly, former Minister of Social Solidarity; Dr. Sahar Nasr, Former Minister of International Cooperation; Dr. Hala Zayed, former Minister of Health; Ambassador Soha El Guindy, former Minister of Immigration and Expatriate Affairs; Ambassador Moushira Khattab, Former Minister of State for Family Affairs; Ms. Aisha Abdel Hady, former Minister of Manpower; Dr. Inas Abdel Dayem, former Minister of Culture; Ms. Nevine El Kelany, former Minister of Culture; Ms. Nevine Gamea, former Minister of Trade and Industry; Dr. Yasmine Fouad, former Minister of Environment; Dr. Naglaa Al Ahwany, former Minister of International Cooperation; Dr. Nadia Zakhary, former Minister of Scientific Research; Dr. Nevine Al Kabbaj, former Minister of Social Solidarity; Ms. Nabila Makram, former Minister of Immigration and Expatriate Affairs, and late Dr. Farkhonda Hassan, former Under-Secretary General of the National Council for Women.
The event was also attended by a number of prominent women leaders from the private sector and civil society, in addition to several public figures from the media and film industry.
A special exhibition was also organized on the sidelines of the event featuring key moments for UN Women Egypt and development partners throughout the journey of translating Beijing commitments into action and creating positive impact among the lives of women.
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