25th Anniversary of the UN Global Compact in Egypt

Keynote Speech

Dear Ayman Ismail, Chairman of Global Compact Egypt,

Excellencies, Business leaders, Distinguished partners, Colleagues, and friends.

It is a real honor to join you today as we mark the 25th anniversary of the UN Global Compact Network in Egypt.

For a quarter of a century, this initiative 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.

This anniversary invites us to reflect on an extraordinary journey.

From its bold beginning, Global Compact has grown into the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, drawing together over 20,000 companies across 160 countries. What began as a visionary idea, that companies should embed universal principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption into their core strategies has become a global movement shaping the future of business.

The world we face now demands a profound shift in how the private sector engages with society.

No longer can business confine itself to avoiding harm; it must proactively lead efforts that create resilient economies, protect our planet, and empower people. 

CEOs are no longer judged solely by financial performance, but by their stewardship of shared prosperity and the well-being of communities.

Egypt stands at a unique crossroads within this global landscape. With a population exceeding 110 million, a young and dynamic workforce, and an ambitious national vision for sustainable development, Egypt is poised to become a beacon of responsible business in the region.

Recent years have shown promising momentum: Egyptian companies are pioneering climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy solutions, adopting rigorous environmental, social, and governance standards, and increasingly embracing sustainable finance. 

The vibrancy of the Global Compact Network Egypt reflects this progress and the growing commitment of the private sector to be part of the solution.  Yet, the scale of the challenges ahead compels us to move beyond individual achievements.

The coming decade calls for a collective transformation that deeply integrates sustainability into every aspect of business, transforming responsibility into a competitive advantage and a source of lasting resilience.

Realizing Egypt’s development aspirations requires unlocking greater private investment in critical sectors such as clean energy, water and food security, digital infrastructure, and inclusive urban growth.

Advancing opportunities for youth and women is equally vital, as their leadership and participation are key drivers of Egypt’s sustainable future.

The United Nations remains committed to partnering with you to accelerate this important transition.

Egypt’s role transcends its borders. Positioned at the nexus of Africa and the Arab world, Egypt has a distinct opportunity to champion a just and green transition across the continent.

By fostering climate solutions attuned to regional realities, strengthening local enterprises, expanding South-South trade, and promoting inclusive industrialization, Egypt can lead a sustainability agenda that benefits millions beyond its shores.

And the Global Compact Network Egypt is well positioned to serve as a hub for this critical regional collaboration.

Looking ahead, I see three priorities that must guide our collective efforts over the next decade. 

• First, deepening the integration of the Ten Principles across all facets of business. Embedding responsible practices within the core business, including human resources, procurement, labour standards, and governance and within the supply chains, is no longer optional; it is essential to building trust, attracting investment, and ensuring resilience in an increasingly complex world.
• Second, accelerating private sector investment in the Sustainable Development Goals. Meeting Egypt’s ambitious development agenda demands mobilizing capital towards renewable energy, water and food systems, digital infrastructure, sustainable cities, and, crucially, skills development and employment opportunities for youth and women.
• Third, Egypt is uniquely positioned to lead Africa’s sustainability agenda by championing climate solutions tailored to the continent’s needs, supporting small and medium enterprises, expanding South-South trade and investment, and fostering inclusive industrialization. 

As we honour the principles of Global Compact and all who have advanced this vision, we are reminded that sustainability is an evolving journey, one that requires innovation, courage, and unwavering commitment. 

I encourage each of you to deepen your engagement, to go beyond compliance, and to lead transformative initiatives that redefine industries, uplift communities, and secure a sustainable future for Egypt and the region.

Let us be clear: when business leads with purpose and integrity, progress inevitably follows.

On behalf of the United Nations in Egypt, I congratulate the Global Compact Network Egypt and all its members.

I look forward to strengthening our partnership as we write the next chapter of Egypt’s sustainable development and prosperity together.

Thank you.