Inter-Generational Dialogue takes place in Alexandria, Egypt

7th November 2019

Egypt IGD

The historic city of Alexandria, Egypt played host to an Inter-Generational Dialogue (IGD) on 7 November 2019 at the Alexandria University’s High Institute of Public Health.

The dialogue drew in a large contingency of delegates from different sectors of society such as academia, government, youth organisations and the private sector. The theme for the discussion was on “Global Health Spectrum and Sustainable Peace”. The dialogue was convened by Mariam Gamal Amine Geris, the All Africa Students Union (AASU) representative in Egypt at the University of Alexandria and facilitated by Nermin Osman, Intern at the United Nations System Staff College and the AASU Egypt partner, with Chairperson Prof Dr Amel El Sahn, Dean of High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, and Co-Chairperson Prof Dr Ola Akl, Professor of Primary Health Care, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University.

The exciting line of speakers included Prof Dr Fahmy Charl, Regional World Health Organisationa (WHO) Representative, Egypt Professor of Industrial Medicine, Alexandria University; Prof Dr Neveen, Regional Food Safety Consultant: WHO/MENA/CEHA, Professor of Food Analysis and Safety, Alexandria University; Wagdy Elshouky, Company Manager and Industrialist: Midor-Eprom – Egypt; and Layla Tamer Gaber, High School Student Section lettres – 2eme secondaire Collège de la Mère de Dieu.

The panel linked the objective of Global Peace, which is to seek innovative solutions to the challenges facing the world, to the Egyptian 2030 Development Strategy. The discussions highlighted the importance of the development of legislation for sustainable peace through Egypt’s 2030 vision in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Egypt IGD

The national strategic plan is segmented into three categories: 1) economic, 2) social and 3) environmental. Central to the national development plan, the panel touched on the impact of climate change and its ramifications on agriculture, industries and human health. The panel stressed a “switch to green” approach towards using robust techniques – especially those that have proven to affect the climate to an environment-friendly options.

The youth in attendance raised their concerns over the fear of unemployment, of quality education and the 4th industrial revolution. An additional point stressed by the youth was that young global leaders face the challenge of financial support in start-up campaigns and initiatives to tackle global challenges. Lastly, the topic of building inclusive economies tied directly to the concerns raised by the youth in attendance. The panel identified looming threats to job security and a lack of investment in small industries. Shifting focus to the 4th industrial revolution, the panel also identified the following drivers: increase in skilled personnel, investments in research and production techniques and new challenges arising such as trade restrictions, the security of enterprise data and liability issues.

After the success of the Egypt dialogue, we look forward to the convening of our Global IGD set to take place in Durban, South Africa at the UCLG World Congress on the 15th November 2019.

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