Panova: New National Youth and Sports Strategy Reflects Egypt’s Commitment to Sport as Driver of Development

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Elena Panova, said that the launch of the National Youth and Sports Strategy by Egypt’s Ministry of Youth and Sports reflects the government’s commitment to sport “as a cultural force and as a driver of national development, and as a catalyst for empowerment, inclusion, and opportunity.”

The statement came during the launch of the National Youth and Sports Strategy (2025–2032) at a ceremony held in the New Administrative Capital under the patronage of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, in partnership with the United Nations system in Egypt, and coinciding with the celebration of International Youth Day on August 12.

During the event, Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Ashraf Sobhy presented the new strategy, which aims to promote youth and sports development through investment in human capital, supporting smart economic contributions, and achieving sustainable development.

In her address to an audience that included young participants; Minister of Education and Technical Education Mohamed Abdel Latif; Amal Ammar, President of the National Council for Women; UNFPA Representative in Egypt Yves Sassenrath; UNICEF Representative in Egypt Natalia Winder Rossi; and other representatives from ministries, UN agencies, and government entities, Panova said:

“In Egypt, sport is a source of unity, identity, and ambition. Egypt’s new strategy embraces this reality. It positions sport both as a cultural force and as a driver of national development… This is a statement of intent that Egypt sees its young people, not only as the promise of tomorrow, but already as active contributors to the progress of today.”

Noting that nearly 60% of Egypt’s population is under the age of 30, Panova said the country has “a huge demographic potential” and with it “a responsibility to ensure every young person has the chance to learn, to work, and to thrive… One powerful way to unlock that potential is through sport as a catalyst for empowerment, inclusion, and opportunity.”

She highlighted that the strategy’s distinguishing feature is the way it was developed — through “a truly national conversation led by the Ministry of Youth and Sports: over 21 workshops in 11 cities, more than 10,000 young people surveyed, and over 400 concrete measures proposed.”

“This is policy made with youth, not just for youth. It builds on the strong partnership between the United Nations and the Government of Egypt to make sure young people’s voices are not only heard but acted upon,” Panova said.

She pointed to the UN’s belief that meaningful, diverse, and effective youth participation — inside the UN and beyond — is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Panova referred to the Shabab Balad initiative, through which Egypt is part of the UN’s global Generation Unlimited movement to connect every young person to education, employment, and empowerment; and the UN in Egypt’s Youth Advisory Board, which ensures that young women and men contribute to shaping UN strategies, programmes, and decisions at every level.

Panova said the UN’s priorities for youth — including skills development, decent work, civic engagement, and digital innovation — are closely aligned with Egypt’s national vision for its young people. She cited tangible results from joint work, noting that “in 2024 alone, more than 364,000 people — most of them young — gained new skills through UN-supported programmes.” She added that community coach initiatives are empowering young women to become local champions in sport and social innovation, while across Egypt, young entrepreneurs are leading green growth projects ranging from agribusiness to smart green ventures.

Panova reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to working “for and with” young people, ensuring that collective actions are guided by their perspectives and energy.

For his part, Yves Sassenrath, UNFPA Representative in Egypt, said: “Youth are not a side agenda; they are the agenda. UNFPA is proud to support Egypt’s new National Youth and Sports Strategy, shaped by more than 10,000 young voices—this is their platform for leadership. UNFPA is also proud to work hand in hand with the Government of Egypt in its efforts to ensure that every young woman and man has the skills, health, and rights that enable them to lead change.”

UNICEF Representative in Egypt and Co-Chair of the UN Egypt Youth Taskforce, Natalia Winder Rossi, said: "Real change starts close to home—in classrooms, playgrounds, and communities where young people shape the future. Egypt’s new strategy puts youth at the heart of progress, and the UN stands with them every step of the way."

The new strategy is built on four main pillars: the comprehensive development of youth and adolescents; promoting sport as a lifestyle; developing competitive sports and creativity; and improving governance in the youth and sports sectors.