H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat:

● Soon to be launched, the Shabab Balad Academy will expand the positive impact on youth and support their access to economic and professional opportunities.

H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, received Sofia Helal, the youngest ambassador for the “Shabab Balad” (Youth of a Nation) initiative, the Egyptian version of the United Nations’ Generation Unlimited initiative.

The Minister expressed her delight at meeting Sofia Helal, describing her as an inspiring representative of Egyptian youth within the framework of Generation Unlimited. She noted that Egypt launched the initiative in 2022 during the World Youth Forum, with the aim of providing young Egyptians with opportunities to refine and develop their skills.

Dr. Al-Mashat highlighted that the Egyptian government will soon launch the Shabab Balad Academy, designed to expand the initiative’s positive impact on the lives of youth. The Academy will support their access to economic and professional opportunities, while opening up broad prospects for cooperation with public and private sector partners to advance youth skills and empower their paths toward employment and entrepreneurship.

It is noteworthy that Sofia Helal, champion of the Shabab Balad initiative, was selected by the Young People in Action Team as its youngest member at just 15 years old. Her role is to represent Egyptian youth and to ensure their participation in high-level global conversations. Earlier this year, Sofia Helal took part in the activities of the Global Board for the Generation Unlimited initiative in New York, proudly representing Egyptian youth on the international stage.