Speakers at the event included H.E. Moushira Khattab, Egypt’s Minister for Family and Population, Prof. Dr. Hossam Mohamed Kamel, the President of Cairo University, Dr. Heba Nassar, Vice-President of Cairo University and Mr. James W. Rawley, UN Resident Coordinator in the Arab Republic of Egypt.

It also brought together almost 500 youth representing different organizations and governorates across Egypt including members of the Movement’s own International Youth Network.

 In his remarks, Mr. Rawley stated that the United Nations General Assembly is launching the International Year of Youth starting on 12 August 2010, “in an effort to harness the energy, imagination and initiative of the world’s youth in overcoming the challenges facing humankind, from enhancing peace to boosting economic development”.

 According to Rawley, the resolution calls on governments, civil society, individuals and communities worldwide to support activities at local and international levels to mark the event.  Under the theme ‘Dialogue and Mutual Understanding’, the international year of youth will also seek to “encourage dialogue and understanding across generations and promote the ideals of peace, respect for human rights, freedoms, and solidarity”. In addition, it will strive to empower young people to participate in national and international initiatives dedicated to realizing the Millennium Development Goals.

 Young people attending the event also were given the chance to be among the first to receive a featured presentation on the upcoming 2010 Egypt Human Development Report on Youth in Egypt by Dr. Heba Handoussa, the Lead Author of the Report.

The consultation gave the UNDP the opportunity to acquire feedback from this diverse youth gathering on specific topics and questions pertinent to the main themes of the report.

 The Movement’s Youth Network Members actively participated in the discussion.

Islam Amer from the Beihera governorate said that more efforts need to be made to give young people the confidence the belief that they can change themselves and their communities. Amer said many of the Movement had helped him and his peers to see how it is possible for a young person to empower and change people’s lives.

 Responding to some of the comments that young people were passive, Mrs. Nagwa Shoeb, Director-General of the SMWIPM, emphasised that when given the opportunities, young people in Egypt have the capacity, creativity and will to positively affect their societies. Shoeb referred to H.E. Mrs .Mubarak’s efforts to engage young people in Egypt in peace and development processes, not only as observers but also as active participants and leaders. 

 As an outcome of the event, the UN International Year of youth website for Egypt, entitled “shabab.net.eg”, was launched by the Egyptian Social Contract Centre (IDSC).

 Read Speech by Mr. James W. Rawley, UN Resident Coordinator in the Arab Republic of Egypt

 Participate in UN International Year of youth website for Egypt at shabab.net.eg