UN Global Compact Egypt Marks 25th Anniversary

Global Compact Egypt at 25: UN Highlights Growing Role of Business in Egypt’s Sustainable and Regional Leadership

A vibrant anniversary gathering brings together business leaders and development partners as the United Nations calls for deeper private sector engagement in sustainable, inclusive, and green growth.

Cairo — Business leaders, development partners, senior officials, and United Nations representatives convened in Cairo to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the UN Global Compact Network Egypt, marking a quarter-century of advancing responsible business practices and strengthening the private sector’s contribution to sustainable development.

The vibrant event served both as a celebration of progress and a platform for forward-looking dialogue, highlighting the evolving role of business in addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges in Egypt and beyond.

In her keynote address, the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt underscored the significance of the milestone. “For 25 years, the Global Compact has embodied a conviction that grows more relevant every day: that business is not only a driver of economic growth, but a catalyst for sustainable development and positive social change,” she said.

She noted that the expectations placed on the private sector have fundamentally shifted. “The world we face today demands a profound change in how business engages with society,” the Resident Coordinator said. “Avoiding harm is no longer enough. Business must proactively lead efforts that build resilient economies, protect our planet, and empower people.”

Reflecting on Egypt’s trajectory, she highlighted the country’s growing momentum in responsible business practices, including investments in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, and sustainable finance. “Egypt stands at a unique crossroads,” she said. “With its young and dynamic population and ambitious development vision, Egypt is well positioned to become a beacon of responsible business in the region.”

While progress has been notable, the UN Resident Coordinator emphasized that the scale of current challenges requires a more collective and transformative approach. “The coming decade calls for sustainability to be deeply embedded into every aspect of business,” she said, “transforming responsibility into a competitive advantage and a source of lasting resilience.”

Looking ahead, she outlined three strategic priorities to guide future action: deeper integration of the Global Compact’s Ten Principles across core business operations and supply chains; accelerated private sector investment aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in clean energy, water and food security, digital infrastructure, and skills development for youth and women; and leveraging Egypt’s position to help lead Africa’s sustainability agenda.

“Egypt’s role transcends its borders,” she emphasized. “By championing climate solutions tailored to regional realities, strengthening local enterprises, expanding South-South trade, and fostering inclusive industrialization, Egypt can help drive a just and green transition across the continent.”

Reaffirming the UN’s commitment to partnership, the Resident Coordinator stressed that sustainable development cannot be achieved by governments alone. “The United Nations remains committed to working hand in hand with the private sector to accelerate this transition,” she said.

She concluded with a clear message to business leaders: “When business leads with purpose and integrity, progress inevitably follows.”

The anniversary also featured reflections from global development leaders, including Mr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Agenda, who addressed the gathering via video conference. He highlighted how profoundly the global business environment has changed since the Global Compact was launched.

“The world today is very different from 25 years ago,” Mr. Mohieldin said. “We are clearly operating in a new environment when it comes to how business is conducted—across governments, the public sector, and the private sector alike.”

He stressed that this shifting context makes the Global Compact’s principles more relevant than ever, particularly as countries and companies approach the final stretch of the 2030 Agenda. “More than ever before, we need to see the Ten Principles fully factored into national practices and regional work,” he said, welcoming the growing emphasis on partnerships and acceleration to deliver results on the SDGs.

The event concluded with a recognition ceremony honoring the early adopters of the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles—companies and leaders who laid the foundation for responsible business practices in Egypt. Ms. Walaa El Husseiny, Executive Director of the Global Compact Network Egypt, Mr. Ahmed Ismail, Chairman of Global Compact Egypt, and Ms. Elena Panova, UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, presented tokens of appreciation in tribute to their pioneering commitment, recognizing their role in advancing sustainability, integrity, and inclusive growth over the past 25 years.