Pyramids, Sphinx turned blue marking 75th anniversary of UNICEF

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Thu, 23 Dec 2021 - 08:19 GMT

BY

Thu, 23 Dec 2021 - 08:19 GMT

Pyramids, Sphinx turned blue marking 75th anniversary of UNICEF

Pyramids, Sphinx turned blue marking 75th anniversary of UNICEF

CAIRO - 23 December 2021: UNICEF celebrated with national counterparts the 75th anniversary of the establishment of UNICEF in a high-level event under the auspices of and attended by His Excellency Sameh Shoukry, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt, 

The event was attended by His Excellency Mr. Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Ambassador Nabila Makram,  Minister of Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates,  H.E. Dr. Khaled El-Enany, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, H.E. Dr. Hala H. Elsaid, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation as well as Representatives from line Ministries, the diplomatic corps, international and national partners, the civil society and celebrities.

“We are pleased to celebrate this special anniversary with UNICEF to highlight the achievements done to ensure that all children in Egypt grow up in an environment supporting their development and wellbeing" said H.E. Mr. Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs. “In line with Egypt’s strategic vision 2030; protecting the rights of the child is of heightened importance to the country, and nowadays; it is placed on top of the political and developmental agenda,” he added.

Dr. Hala Alsaid, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, said: "Today, I thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNICEF for the fruitful cooperation with the Egyptian government to support children. Egypt places children in its heart, especially since the largest segment of its population is children and youth. In its 2030 strategy, Egypt focuses on human development and on reaching every child in Egypt and providing them with health care and education services.”

Minister of International Cooperation, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, emphasized the close cooperation between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United Nations Children's Fund, and the  partnerships that were implemented over the years of the organization's work in Egypt, which contributed to improving children's lives  through health services, nutrition, equity and social protection. Dr. Rania also highlighted the contribution to support the Egyptian government’s efforts to achieve the sustainable development goals, explaining that the United Nations Children’s Fund has strengthened the government’s efforts to confront the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. As well as redirecting developmental cooperation to the relevant sectors of the targeted communities in order to enable those communities to deal with the effects of the pandemic.

Egypt was one of the first member states to sign the Convention on the Rights of the Child and has since ratified all the optional protocols related to it.  In recognition of children’s rights and UNICEF’s contributions, the Pyramids and Sphinx, the wonder of the ancient and the modern times, were turned to blue. In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has marked this special occasion by lighting the word UNICEF 75 on its headquarters in Cairo as well.

“UNICEF’s presence and longstanding cooperation in Egypt goes back to the early 1950s since then, we have worked closely with our line ministry partners and international and national civil society organizations as well as the corporate sector to deliver results for children – and always under national leadership.” said Mr. Jeremy Hopkins, UNICEF Representative in Egypt. “UNICEF@75 celebration provides a window to highlight UNICEF’s commitment towards child wellbeing and to continue supporting the progress achieved in Egypt in terms of health, education and youth empowerment. I would like to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM) and all the relevant ministries for cooperating to enhance the lives of Egyptian children during the past years.” added Mr. Hopkins.

“I would like to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNICEF for working closely together with the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood and all the relevant ministries, the international and national partners to make Egyptian children fulfil their dreams. UNICEF@75 event is an opportunity to cooperate for the best interest of children and to reiterate our strong partnership on child rights,” said Dr. Tarek Tawfik, Supervisor of The National Council for Childhood and Motherhood.

UNICEF@75 event provided an excellent opportunity to highlight the achievements done throughout the 75 years in terms of enormous reduction in maternal and infant mortality rates, the eradication of polio and drastic reduction of maternal and neo-natal tetanus. In the Education sector, the gap between boys and girls in schools has closed, with primary enrolment close to 100%. Currently, Egypt’s education reform programme focuses on advancing the quality of education, embracing the digital transformation, and providing every student with the opportunity to learn and grow. The legislative framework that provides the protection of children from exploitation, neglect, violence, and abuse is now stronger than ever.  In addition to, the progress to date on FGM and child marriage. These achievements are testament to the government’s commitment to bring an end to harmful practices that inhibit children from reaching their full potential.

“I am happy to renew my appointment with UNICEF Egypt and will continue exerting my outmost efforts to be an effective voice and to contribute to making a positive change in the lives of our children” said Actress and singer Donia Samir Ghanem.

As children are an essential part of this occasion, they brought the best closure to the event, presenting their talents in a special musical show performed by young people from El Darb Al Ahmar Arts school.

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