United Nations’ International Initiative ‘Shabab Balad’ appoints Ahmed Dash as its ambassador

The United Nations has selected the prominent Egyptian actor, Ahmed Dash, to serve as an ambassador of the “Shabab Balad” initiative.

“Shabab Balad” is the Egyptian version of the United Nations’ global initiative, “Generation Unlimited”, which was launched as the world’s first Public-Private-Youth Partnership (PPYP) with the aim of developing the skills of all the world’s 1.8 billion youth, between the ages of 10 and 24, to connect them to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, in addition to enhance their positive social role by 2030.

Last January, the “Shabab Balad” initiative was successfully launched, with the attendance and support of ministers, UN officials, private sector leaders, and youth representatives, during the World Youth Forum that was held in Sharm El Sheikh, under the auspices of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

Through his new role, Ahmed Dash will support the work of “Shabab Balad” initiative and highlight the importance of educating and training the youth, providing them with skills, linking them to employment opportunities, and instilling the concept of entrepreneurship in them.

The ceremony of appointing Ahmed Dash as the ambassador of the “Shabab Balad” initiative was attended by Elena Panova, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt;Jeremy Hopkins, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Egypt; and Dr. Ghada Makady, the Partnerships and Generation Unlimited Lead at UNICEF and the Director of the “Shabab Balad” initiative; in addition to a number of representatives of the United Nations’ offices in Egypt.

Elena Panova, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt, comments; “We are pleased to have a distinguished voice from the young generation in art to support the message of “Shabab Balad” such as young actor Ahmed Dash. We are confident that his joining the initiative will have a positive impact that enhances the interaction of young people in Egypt with the project."

Jeremy Hopkins, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Egypt, also adds; “Raising awareness of the initiative requires the solidarity of the various parties in society, especially the influential voice of young people. We are delighted that actor Ahmed Dash has joined the “Shabab Balad” initiative, and we hope that more influencers and thought leaders will join to deliver the initiative’s message.”

In his speech, Ambassador of “Shabab Balad” initiative, Ahmed Dash, says during the ceremony; “

"I am happy to join the “Shabab Balad” initiative, and I am committed to do my best to help achieving a promising future for all of Egyptian youth.”

Dash adds, "I believe that “Shabab Balad” is the right initiative at the right time. I call on all young people to take advantage of this great opportunity to improve their skills toqualify them for the current labor market, so that they can participate positively in society.