The participants: "We are optimistic about the recommendations that the forum will reach; contributing to progress towards the common global goals."

Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, stressed the importance of international cooperation in providing solutions for countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reduce social inequality, and support efforts to protect better livelihoods. Ms. Mohammed gave a virtual speech during the proceedings of the first panel of the Egypt- ICF in its first edition, organized by the Ministry of International Cooperation, under the patronage of H.E. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt. This took place alongside the participation of prominent international institutions and policymakers. Her speech highlighted the importance of the forum in transferring knowledge and exploring greater opportunities for strengthening international cooperation in achieving the common global goals. In another virtual speech, the Commissioner for International Partnerships for the European Commission Jutta Urpilainen expressed her optimism about the forum's efforts in stressing the importance of global partnerships and cooperation to achieve sustainable development. Ms. Urpilainen said, “the COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of about 4.5 million people and its repercussions have unveiled economic inequality, emphasizing the need to address the challenges through international cooperation, and to create promising opportunities that can accelerate progress towards the global goals.” She added that, “together, we can promote sustainable growth and increase the education of women and youth.” Urpilainen also expressed her aspiration for continued cooperation with the European Union and the success of the African Union - European Union Summit, which is supposed to be held in 2022.” Jeffrey Schlagenhauf, Deputy Secretary-General of Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), said that as multilateralism has proven to be successful during the COVID-19 pandemic, committing to global cooperation will be necessary in the post-pandemic recovery. He also pointed out that while the finances obtained by Africa from international financial institutions amounted to $41.4 billion in 2018-2019, this is not enough to fund sustainable development. To that end, Mr. Schlagenhauf added that it is necessary to mobilize funds in order to achieve the SDGs by stimulating and encouraging the private sector. In support of reform and progress, he elaborated that the OECD is ready to transform Africa economically, integrate it into the global system. Over the next two days, national, regional and international policymakers, development partners, private sector, civil society and think tanks, will participate in high-level panel discussions and specialized workshops.