3rd session of Egypt’s National Dialogue kicks off, focuses on societal axis

CAIRO – 18 May 2023: The third session of the National Dialogue kicked off on Thursday, to tackle the societal axis of the initiative after the political and economic axes have been discussed.

The Dialogue’s Family and Social Cohesion Committee will primarily discuss financial guardianship of minors, while the Culture Committee will address national identity.

The National Dialogue discusses family-related issues, most prominently guardianship on minors’ finances in case of divorce or the passing of a parent. Thus, representatives of Al-Azhar are also present to highlight Islamic opinions on the matter.

Moreover, the National Dialogue called on Egyptians to follow the live sessions on family issues and national identity in proactive steps to build a better future for families.

On Tuesday, the second session of the National Dialogue discussed ways of enhancing social protection and eradicating poverty.

Politicians suggested establishing an authority for managing pensions and social insurance that is independent from the Ministry of Social Solidarity. That is in addition to amending the social insurance law.

Others recommended establishing a unit for microfinancing in order to create jobs, and help existing micro businesses to be part of the formal sector, besides redefining the categories of below poverty line and marginalized, given the current price hikes.

Committees of the political axis of the National Dialogue discussed on Tuesday the electoral system, the elimination of all forms of discrimination, and the challenges of the civil society.

As part of the economic axis of the National Dialogue, the Social Equality Committee discussed social security programs. Meanwhile, the Tourism Committee of National Dialogue set a map for tourism in Egypt to create new opportunities and means to attract more visitors.

On May 14, the first National Dialogue session called for the need to establish a non-discrimination commission in Egypt, said Lawmaker Tariq Radwan, the head of the Human Rights Committee in the House of Representatives.

The session discussed the file of combating discrimination, shedding light on citizens' rights to treatment and housing, in addition to not being subjected to physical or psychological abuse.

The National Dialogue was launched by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during the family iftar event in April 2022.

President Sisi said the dialogue will open its doors for “all political forces without exclusion” except for the parties that have shown violent behavior or sponsored terrorist attacks,” pledging to attend the final sessions of the dialogue.

The dialogue aims to reach a common ground with regard to priority issues facing the Egyptian society on the political, economic, and social tracks.