African Development Bank selects Youth Love Egypt Foundation as a member of AfDB’s Civil Society Committee

CAIRO – 26 April 2024: The African Development Bank (AfDB) has selected the YLE Foundation (Youth Love Egypt Foundation) as a member of its Civil Society Committee, representing youth in Africa and North Africa, for a two-year period starting from 2024.

This significant step reflects international confidence and commitment to achieving sustainable development, according to a statement released by the AfDB.

“The YLE Foundation's selection is based on its effective role in addressing climate change and environmental issues in North Africa, particularly as it holds consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and serves as an observer member of the United Nations Environment Programme and the Framework Convention on Climate Change. Additionally, the foundation has been actively engaged in climate summit meetings,” the statement read.

Zeinab Tory, Director of Civil Society Engagement and Community Participation at the AfDB, affirmed the institution's commitment to catalyze a surge of civil society movements across various regions and thematic areas.

Tory elaborated that the committee will prioritize key areas of collaboration, aiming to enhance civil society participation in bank initiatives, facilitate effective engagement in policy discussions, and promote knowledge exchange to engage citizens and communities effectively.

Ahmed Fathy, President of the YLE Foundation (Youth Love Egypt Foundation), expressed his utmost delight at this selection, emphasizing that it not only honors the foundation but also presents a unique opportunity to enhance youth participation in continental decision-making and contribute effectively to environmental, agricultural, and sustainable technology fields.

Fathy further emphasized that the foundation is committed to ensuring robust and impactful representation on the committee.

Fathy stated that through this membership, the foundation seeks to enhance youth participation in regional and international dialogues and empower them to contribute actively to the formulation of development policies.

He highlighted their hope to expand cooperation with other African countries and exchange experiences to achieve sustainable development goals.