Opening Remarks: Third Egyptian Women Summit

Third Egyptian Women Summit

Cairo, 3 March 2024

Opening Remarks

Ambassador Christian Berger,

Head of the EU Delegation to Egypt

Your Excellencies, Ministers, Ambassadors, Senior Officials;

Dear Partners Dr. Maya Morsy and Ms. Dina Abdel-Fattah, CEO, Top 50 Women Forum;

Dear participants of the Egyptian Women Summit

We are very honoured to partner in the third Egyptian Women’ Summit ‘A 360° Guide towards Women’s Prosperous Lives’. My special thanks to Dina for this initiative, great idea and for making it happen.

And to do this in the week of International Women’s Day.  On this occasion let me pay special tribute to all women in the midst of conflicts, wars, and other crises.

Gender equality and women empowerment is a fundamental value of the European Union.  Significant achievements by women across the world have been made. Yet, women can and will play an even stronger role in shaping a better future for us all.  

In any country, achieving priorities on women empowerment and participation in all walks of life, does not only contribute to women rights, but it also has positive impacts on economic growth.

This is why investing in women’s capabilities as leaders and decision makers, investing in their potential to further contribute to sustainable development, and investing in their health and wellbeing are becoming increasingly indispensable.

The European Union is a global frontrunner in promoting the rights of women.

Through its external action policy, the European Union collaborates with many partners around the world through EU funded projects to promote gender equality and women empowerment.

The European Union and Egypt are longstanding partners in promoting women empowerment.

EU partnerships with the Government of Egypt, civil society, and the private sector are examples of our joint efforts to benefit women, often done in the framework of ‘Team Europe’ with our Member States and Financial Institutions.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to my colleagues from EU Member States who are present today. Throughout this week until 8 March, the International Women’s Day, my colleagues and I will participate in celebrating Egyptian and European women in various ways.

Through our ongoing and future EU funded projects, the European Union in Egypt is committed, and will remain committed, to promoting women empowerment in a wide spectrum of development areas. Thanks to the commitment of EU partners, these projects are proving a positive impact on the lives of women and men.

I would like to congratulate all Egyptian women on their remarkable dedication and commitment.  More Egyptian women are now in leadership roles and senior positions, more of them are leading successful businesses, and more are leading in sectors that were limited to men.

Today’s event is a strong collaboration among partners and an example of joint efforts. It is an occasion to celebrate progress made and to discuss our joint commitment to advance in women leadership and empowerment.

Through the employment fair we want to to contribute to supporting young women and men.  And we are supporting an exhibition in partnership with the National Council for Women and the Top 50 Women Forum on ‘the Great Women of Egypt’ portraying the trajectories of Egyptian women pioneers in modern history. This exhibition can only be a small representation and stands for all women who were in the past or are now in the present so significant for the development of Egypt and Egyptian society.

I would like to thank all our partners who contribute to a successful and a strategic EU partnership:

A great appreciation to the Government of Egypt, in particular the female leadership in the Cabinet of Ministers, for their dedication and commitment to women empowerment.

EU Member States, the United Nations, civil society, and the private sector for their commitment to join us in this longstanding journey. 

Appreciations and admiration for Dina Abdel Fattah, the CEO of Top 50 Women Forum, the driving force of this event, a driving force in creating networks and partnerships, a driving force for women and girls in the Egyptian economy and society.

The European Union will remain a friend and strong partner to Egypt in supporting its national vision and commitments towards the prosperous lives of Egyptian women.

I wish you a successful participation in this event.

Thank you very much and Happy International Woman’s Day!