The economic stakes could not be higher. As Chao Wang, an education economist at UNICEF Egypt, pointed out at the study’s launch event in Cairo, Egypt, the country was previously suffering from a severely suppressed human capital dividend.

“The economic returns to education were far below the global average,” Wang noted, highlighting a sobering baseline.”With one additional year of schooling, your earnings only increased by 3.4% in Egypt, compared to around 9% globally.” The root causes—low attendance, shortened school days, and massive class sizes—meant children were schooling, but not learning. Reversing this trend, Wang argued, is not merely a social initiative but a macroeconomic imperative. Global evidence suggests that sustained improvements in learning outcomes could ultimately boost Egypt’s GDP by 5 to 36% over the long term.

The Mechanics of a Miracle

The sheer scale of the turnaround was detailed by Shiraz Chakira, Chief of Education for UNICEF Egypt, who stated unequivocally: “We are confident that the education system is being restored.”

The data presented by Chakira was little short of staggering. Student attendance, which languished at a dire 15%, has surged to 87%. Classrooms that once crammed over 100 students together have been eliminated entirely. In primary schools—the system’s most severe pressure point—average class sizes have dropped from 63 to 41 pupils. Furthermore, learning time has increased by 58%, and a targeted 60-hour remedial literacy program for grades 3 to 6 saw Arabic literacy scores jump by over 50% in just three months.

“This is not just one single change,” Chakira observed. “It is a coordinated system-wide effort.” He emphasised that the introduction of weekly, grade-linked assessments was the behavioural catalyst that drove students back into the classrooms, reconnecting the act of attending school with the tangible outcomes of learning.

Amine Marai, the study’s lead researcher and a lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, underscored the unprecedented speed and fiscal efficiency of the reforms. Over just two years, the Ministry of Education tackled a massive deficit of roughly 467,000 teachers through a blend of redeployment and new hiring incentives.

More impressively, the state addressed its infrastructure bottleneck without breaking the bank. By creatively repurposing existing spaces and bringing underutilised facilities back into service, the ministry effectively created 98,000 “new” classrooms—a 20% expansion of system capacity.

“If you’re thinking about the equivalent of that in terms of monetary value,” Marai explained, “adjusted for inflation, it would be around $2.5 to $3bn. That’s billion with a ‘B’.”

The Macroeconomic View: Financing the Future

Despite the operational triumphs, the spectre of fiscal constraint looms large. Mahmoud Mohieldin, United Nations Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Agenda and Egypt’s former Minister of Investment, delivered a sobering but pragmatic macroeconomic perspective.

Referencing Nobel laureate Esther Duflo, Mohieldin reminded attendees that systemic change requires three inseparable enablers: financing, technology, and behavioural incentives. “Without these, nothing will change in any field,” he stated. He issued a stark warning that failure to build the skills required for the future will subject Egypt to severe economic and social pressures.

Drawing on his extensive experience at the World Bank and IMF, Mohieldin urged the government to explore innovative financing mechanisms to sustain the reforms without exacerbating sovereign debt. He pointed to successful international models, such as Indonesia’s use of long-term sovereign sukuk for school construction, and Côte d’Ivoire’s debt swaps, which converted €400m in commercial debt into funding for 33 new schools.

“I had hoped that what is spent on education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure in my country would exceed what we spend on debt servicing,” Mohieldin remarked, stressing that education must not be crowded out by the state’s fiscal obligations. Looking forward to the AI-driven economy, he cited the IMF’s AI Preparedness Index, noting that technology alone is insufficient; true readiness demands aggressive, sustained investment in human capital.

A Global Blueprint

The international community is taking note of Egypt’s aggressive timeline. Natalia Winder Rossi, UNICEF Representative in Egypt, commended the “scale, ambition, and speed” of the undertaking. “Often, progress is incremental and systemic change can take a decade or more,” she noted. “What we’re witnessing here in Egypt is remarkable.” However, she cautioned that the country is only at the end of the beginning, noting that true transformation “will require stamina, focus, and continuous investment.”

Esohe Ebike, Country Engagement Lead for Egypt at the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), echoed this sentiment, admitting that the pace of the ministry’s work left her wondering, “Do these people sleep?” She confirmed the GPE’srecent approval of a system capacity grant for Egypt and positioned the country as a vital case study for the Global South.”Expect yourselves to be inundated with other countries seeking to learn from you,” she advised Egyptian officials, while outlining the GPE’s campaign to leverage $10bn  globally for education transformation.

The View from the Top: State Power and National Identity

The most forceful political mandates of the day came from the highest echelons of the Egyptian government, signalling that these reforms are viewed not merely as departmental policy, but as the cornerstone of national security and statecraft.

In a comprehensive and deeply philosophical address, Minister of Education and Technical Education Mohamed Abdel Latif positioned the reform agenda as the ultimate measure of the republic’s global standing. Directing his remarks to the Prime Minister, Abdel Latif asserted that “education is the true measure of the strength of nations and their ability to compete globally.”

For Abdel Latif, the granular operational successes—the repurposed classrooms and the eliminated teacher deficits—are in service of a much grander geopolitical imperative. He emphasised that under the direct directives and comprehensive vision of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the state has fundamentally redefined human development. The goal is no longer just basic literacy, but the construction of a modern, resilient Egyptian citizen capable of navigating and dominating an increasingly complex global economy. The Minister made it clear that the state’s investment in human capital is non-negotiable, viewing it as the highest priority of the political leadership.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly reinforced this structural commitment, delivering an overarching mandate that bridged the gap between global integration and domestic sovereignty. Acknowledging the monumental shifts achieved by the Ministry of Education, Madbouly explicitly committed the full weight of the state apparatus to continuing these reform efforts.

The Prime Minister articulated a dual mandate for Egypt’s educational future: the absolute necessity of aligning with the highest international benchmarks, without sacrificing the nation’s cultural soul. The state, he declared, is dedicated to”building a modern educational system that aligns with the latest global standards, while preserving our national identity.” This delicate balancing act—integrating Egyptian youth into the hyper-competitive, AI-driven global workforce while fiercely protecting their cultural and historical roots—lies at the very heart of the government’s long-term strategic vision.

As the dust settles on this initial, explosive phase of reform, Egypt finds itself at a critical juncture. The classrooms are full, the teachers are at the chalkboards, and the data is pointing upward. The challenge now is maintaining the fiscal discipline, political stamina, and international partnerships required to ensure that this rapid turnaround evolves into a permanent economic renaissance.

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Speaking at the “Securing Egypt’s Future Through Education Transformation: New Evidence, Progress, and the Way Forward” conference, Abdellatif stated that over the past 20 months, the country has undertaken one of the boldest and most comprehensive education reform programmes in its modern history under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.

The minister highlighted that the secondary education system has undergone a fundamental update with the introduction of a new Baccalaureate system, designed to provide multiple opportunities for students and ease psychological and social pressures on Egyptian families. He noted that an agreement was signed in London two days ago with the International Baccalaureate organization to review the educational frameworks and curricula of the new Egyptian certificate.

The broader reform agenda goes beyond expanding access to education to redefining what and how students learn, and how their outcomes are measured, Abdellatif said. The reforms include developing curricula to the latest international standards, expanding digital transformation and applied technology schools, building new schools, and upgrading technological infrastructure.

“We realised that every generation needs components and skills that must be reflected in the educational system to keep pace with the development of building a balanced personality,” Abdellatif said, warning that stagnation in the system leads to intellectual rigidity, slow responses to change, and the stifling of creativity.

The minister outlined ambitions to graduate a generation equipped to adapt to rapid global changes.

“We look forward to building a generation that masters programming and artificial intelligence skills, possesses financial literacy tools, and is capable of openness to the digital economy and non-banking financial activities,” he added.

Addressing the role of educators, Abdellatif stressed that improving teachers’ living conditions is at the forefront of the government’s development agenda, describing them as the true driving force of any reform project. He noted that the ministry has introduced training programmes at international standards in cooperation with Japan’s Hiroshima University.

Directing his remarks to the country’s educators, he said: “Every educational renaissance begins with a teacher whose mind believes in reform and whose heart beats with sincerity … thank you, you remain a pillar for Egypt in building the future.”

Abdellatif thanked Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly for his continuous support of the decisions and his field visits to schools across various governorates, which confirm the state’s commitment to making education a fundamental pillar of national development.

The minister also praised the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for its deep-rooted partnership in developing education and supporting children in Egypt. He stated that the cooperation proves international partnerships are a genuine catalyst for tangible and measurable change when governments and the UN work side by side.

Concluding his remarks, Abdellatif said: “The task of building a human being will remain the most difficult challenge, but it is the most enduring in its impact across time.”

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The initiative forms part of the “Ward Al-Kheir” programme, which aims to empower women and girls in the water sector by promoting the recycling of water hyacinth. The programme is expected to be officially launched during celebrations marking World Water Day on 15 March 2026.

Hany Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, said the ministry’s regional training centre has already organised training programmes for women focused on recycling the plant to produce handicrafts.

A total of 24 training activities have been conducted across several areas, including Kafr El-Sheikh, Damietta, Damanhour, and Esna, benefiting 643 women from civil society organisations and water user associations.

Sewilam added that the ministry plans to expand the training programmes, improve processing techniques for drying and preparing the plant, and develop new product designs to enhance their marketability.

For her part, Sahar El-Sambaty, head of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, said the council places strong emphasis on economically empowering girls and strengthening their skills through initiatives such as the national “Dawwie” programme.

She added that the council is also preparing to launch a separate initiative called “Ghazl Banat”, aimed at training girls in traditional crafts and enhancing their productive skills.

Meanwhile, Natalia Winder Rossi, UNICEF Egypt representative, said the programme demonstrates how environmental challenges such as water hyacinth can be transformed into sustainable economic opportunities for girls.

She also emphasised that access to safe water and sanitation services remains essential for girls’ health, dignity and ability to continue their education and participate fully in their communities.

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Organized by What Women Want magazine in collaboration with UN Women, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and UNICEF, the festival blended policy dialogue, art, and public engagement to raise awareness and drive collective action. The opening ceremony featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Amal Tawfik, Director of the NCW’s Women’s Complaints Office; Yves Sassenrath, UNFPA Representative in Egypt; and Eric Hosum, the Norwegian Ambassador to Egypt.

Empowering women in the digital age

During panel discussions, Amal Tawfik underscored the National Council for Women’s long-standing commitment to protecting women from all forms of violence, whether physical, psychological, or economic. This year’s conversations placed particular emphasis on the growing risks women face in digital spaces.

Tawfik highlighted NCW initiatives aimed at promoting cybersecurity awareness and digital safety for women, especially those seeking to establish or manage online businesses. By addressing online harassment and digital abuse—often referred to as “e-violence”—the Council aims to remove barriers that prevent women from fully participating in the digital economy.

“Ensuring women’s safety online is no longer optional; it is essential for economic empowerment,” Tawfik noted, stressing that secure digital environments enable women to innovate, lead, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Where art meets activism

Beyond formal discussions, the festival relied on the power of creativity to confront sensitive issues and spark dialogue in accessible and emotionally resonant ways. Art installations and performances throughout the venue invited visitors to engage with the lived experiences of women and children affected by violence.

Among the highlights was the “Safe Spaces” exhibition, a powerful visual showcase depicting the social pressures and daily challenges faced by women and girls. Through mixed media and storytelling, the exhibition encouraged reflection on the concept of safety, both in public and private spheres.

Equally compelling was the “Little Heroes” gallery, organized in partnership with UNICEF. The exhibit demonstrated how artistic expression can serve as a therapeutic and healing tool for children who have experienced violence, offering them a voice and a pathway toward recovery.

Live performances by the Banati Foundation further animated the festival, bringing stories of resilience, survival, and hope to life through expressive movement and theatrical storytelling. These performances underscored the idea that art is not merely a form of expression, but a powerful catalyst for social change.

Support is just a call away

Amid the creative energy and interactive workshops, the NCW emphasized the importance of accessible support services for survivors of violence. Representatives from the Women’s Complaints Office were present throughout the festival to raise awareness of the 15115 Hotline, a critical lifeline offering legal guidance, psychological support, and referral services.

Festival attendees were encouraged to view seeking help not as a last resort, but as a right. The NCW reiterated its commitment to ensuring that no woman faces violence or its aftermath alone, highlighting the role of institutional support in rebuilding lives and restoring dignity.

A continuing call to action

The festival runs through December 22, featuring a diverse program of hands-on workshops, theatrical performances, film screenings, and panel discussions. Each activity reinforces a central message: ending gender-based violence requires sustained effort, collaboration, and community engagement.

By merging advocacy with culture and creativity, the “16 Days of Activism” festival serves as a reminder that change is driven not only by policy, but also by empathy, dialogue, and collective courage.

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Ismail Al-Thawabta, director general of Gaza’s Government Media Office, described the three-day weather system as creating a “compound humanitarian disaster” on top of the devastation caused by Israeli military operations. Speaking at a news conference at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza on Saturday, he reported 11 deaths and one missing person after buildings previously damaged by bombardment collapsed under harsh weather conditions.

Al-Thawabta said government teams had documented the collapse of at least 13 homes, all hit earlier by Israeli strikes. More than 27,000 tents sheltering displaced people were swept away or flooded, while a total of over 53,000 tents suffered full or partial damage, leaving hundreds of thousands exposed to the elements.

Separately, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that three Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire over the past 48 hours, with 16 wounded admitted to hospitals during the same period. Since a ceasefire took effect on October 10, the ministry said the death toll has reached 386, with 1,018 people injured.

On the military front, The Israeli occupation army’s radio reported an airstrike in Gaza City targeting what it described as Hamas’s second-in-command, Raed Saad, claiming he had been involved in rebuilding the group’s capabilities and weapons production. Hamas did not immediately comment.

US media have reported that Bulgarian diplomat Nikolay Mladenov is a potential candidate to represent a proposed “Peace Council” backed by the United States and endorsed by the UN Security Council to oversee Gaza in a future phase, following Arab objections to the nomination of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Neither nomination has been officially confirmed.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said any peace council must address what he described as the security problem posed by Israel. Speaking after a visit to Turkmenistan, Erdogan emphasised that Israel must honour its commitments and fully adhere to the ceasefire to allow life in Gaza to return to normal.

Humanitarian crisis

At the United Nations, Rick Peeperkorn, WHO representative in the occupied Palestinian territories, said approximately 1,092 patients in Gaza had died while awaiting medical evacuation between July 2024 and November 28, 2025. He warned that the figure is likely an underestimate. Peeperkorn added that 18 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals and 43% of primary healthcare centres were only partially functioning amid severe shortages of essential medicines and medical supplies. While some improvement has been seen in aid delivery approvals, the process of bringing medical equipment and drugs into Gaza remains “slow and unnecessarily complex.”

UNICEF warned of a severe health crisis, noting that malnourished pregnant women are giving birth to underweight and premature babies, many of whom are dying in neonatal intensive care or facing lifelong medical complications.

Two US officials said that US Central Command will host a conference in Doha on December 16 with partner nations to develop a plan for an international force to stabilise Gaza. More than 25 countries are expected to send representatives to discuss command structures and operational frameworks.

In New York, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution urging Israel to allow full humanitarian access to Gaza, stop obstructing UN agencies and comply with international law. The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine welcomed the vote but said it lacked enforcement mechanisms and called for binding measures under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter to ensure aid delivery and halt what it described as an ongoing campaign of extermination and starvation.

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Speaking at a joint press conference in Berlin with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, Abdelatty said the programme is designed to help fill the security vacuum created by more than two years of war. He added that Cairo aims to increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza “without restrictions” to meet the growing needs of its population.

The minister stressed the urgency of consolidating the ceasefire and advancing to the second phase of the U.S. peace plan. He noted that Egypt is coordinating with Washington to set a date for an international reconstruction conference, warning, “Time is running out.”

Germany’s foreign minister urged Cairo to expedite preparations for the conference, cautioning that the approaching winter will worsen Gaza’s already dire humanitarian situation. Wadephul said Berlin is “committed” to supporting reconstruction and is ready to participate as soon as invitations are issued. He reiterated that the disarmament of Hamas remains essential and called on Israel to uphold the ceasefire and allow greater volumes of aid to enter the territory.

In Doha, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said mediation efforts to advance the Gaza agreement are “ongoing,” though he described recent Israeli violations as “concerning.” He noted that a monitoring cell in Cairo tracks such violations daily, adding that Qatar maintains “confidence in the U.S. plan and in the role of mediators.” Al-Ansari said Doha continues to press all parties to move toward the agreement’s second phase, emphasising that the current truce is the longest since the war began.

Warnings over the humanitarian situation are intensifying. UNICEF reported that nearly 9,300 children under five in Gaza suffered from acute malnutrition in October 2025, cautioning that the onset of winter will accelerate disease transmission and increase the risk of death among vulnerable children.

Inside Gaza, the civil defense service said that, in coordination with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), its teams evacuated dozens of families trapped under fire from Israeli tanks and drones in the Al-Tuffah area of Gaza City. It said casualties evacuated had risen to five, including two women and two children.

Meanwhile in London, the UK government called for all Gaza crossings to be opened to guarantee “unrestricted humanitarian access,” criticising severe delays in aid delivery. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said a shipment of more than 1,100 tents took over a year to reach the enclave and warned that other UK-funded assistance still cannot reach civilians despite the ceasefire.

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The Gaza Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday that three Palestinians were killed and one injured over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths since the ceasefire to 245. Since the war began on October 7, 2023, the overall toll has reached 69,182 killed and 170,694 injured, according to the ministry.

The ministry added that around 6,000 people have undergone amputations, including 25% children and 12.7% women, warning that severe shortages of medical equipment and rehabilitation services are worsening the suffering of the wounded. “These figures reflect a profound humanitarian tragedy that requires urgent action to provide rehabilitation, psychological, and social support—especially for children facing permanent disabilities at a young age,” the statement read.

The Gaza Civil Defense said its teams had transferred 35 unidentified bodies from the yard of Sheikh Radwan Clinic to Al-Shifa Hospital for sampling and coordination with international organizations to assist in identification. After 48 hours, the bodies are to be reburied in the Al-Salib Cemetery in Deir Al-Balah.

The Gaza Government Media Office accused Israel of committing 282 violations of the ceasefire since it came into effect on October 10, resulting in 242 deaths and over 620 injuries. The office described the actions as “a blatant violation of international laws and conventions.”

Amid deteriorating health conditions, UNICEF and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society have launched a mass vaccination campaign targeting children in Gaza City, aiming to prevent the spread of infectious diseases amid severe shortages of medicine and medical supplies. The Red Crescent warned that 80% of Gaza’s water supply is contaminated, with more than 70,000 hepatitis cases recorded since the start of the war.

On the diplomatic front, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, during a meeting in Tokyo with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, urged all parties to uphold the ceasefire and halt unilateral measures against Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem. He also called for increased international support for UNRWA to sustain its humanitarian operations.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office denied claims by Yisrael Beiteinu party leader Avigdor Lieberman that Netanyahu had promised US officials to release Hamas fighters trapped in Rafah without cabinet approval. The Prime Minister’s Office described the reports as “false,” adding that no decision had been made regarding the fighters’ fate.

Meanwhile, the Hebrew outlets Shomrim and Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the United States plans to establish a major military base in Gaza’s periphery to host international forces responsible for maintaining the ceasefire, with an estimated budget of $500m.

A Reuters report, citing multiple European and US officials, said efforts to advance US President Donald Trump’s post-war plan for Gaza have stalled, increasing the likelihood of a de facto division of the Strip—one part under Israeli control and the other under Hamas. Officials warned that such a split could persist for years.

Palestinian factions strongly condemned Israel’s approval of a new law authorizing the execution of prisoners. Hamas called the measure “a continuation of Israel’s racist, genocidal policy and a form of collective killing,” while Islamic Jihad described it as “a criminal escalation within a systematic extermination campaign.” The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) said the law represents “a war crime and a fascist attempt to legitimize murder.”

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A new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, supported by the United Nations, has confirmed famine conditions in both El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, and Kadugli in South Kordofan. The report paints a grim picture, revealing that over 21 million people in Sudan were facing severe food insecurity as of September, with at least 20% suffering from extreme hunger. Among them, more than 30% of children under five are malnourished.

The situation has worsened significantly since the war began. The IPC warns that 375,000 people in Darfur and Kordofan have now been pushed into starvation since September, while more than 6 million people nationwide are facing extreme hunger. Twenty additional regions across these two areas are at imminent risk of famine due to the escalating conflict. The crisis is expected to persist through at least May 2026.

In El-Fasher, some of the deadliest days of the conflict have occurred. On October 26, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), took control of the city after an 18-month siege. Thousands of civilians were killed within days, and more than 62,000 people fled in just under four days. However, around 177,000 people remain trapped in the city, with no safe corridors or access to aid. The United Nations has called for immediate, unrestricted humanitarian access to these areas.

Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 36,000 people fled towns and villages in North Kordofan last week alone. In total, the conflict has displaced more than 14 million people, making Sudan the world’s largest displacement crisis. Over 30 million people now require urgent humanitarian assistance.

The mounting reports of atrocities underscore the crisis’ severity. According to the Sudan Doctors’ Union, dozens of bodies were found decomposing in homes in Bara, North Kordofan, after RSF fighters allegedly barred families from burying their dead. Communications are down, and medical services are virtually nonexistent. The Union has called for immediate UN intervention to address the growing humanitarian needs.

On October 31, rocket attacks hit displacement shelters in South Kordofan, tragically killing at least eight children, according to UNICEF. Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), described the situation in Darfur as “catastrophic and horrifying,” warning that the region could be witnessing a repetition of mass killings akin to those in previous conflicts.

The RSF, which controls most of Darfur’s five states and parts of Kordofan, is facing off against the Sudanese Army, which holds the remaining 13 states, including the capital, Khartoum. The RSF, once a Janajweed militia notorious for ethnic cleansing and atrocities, has gained power by exploiting Sudan’s gold mines in Darfur. Hemedti, the RSF leader, became the deputy head of the Sovereign Council before the war erupted in April 2023 over disputes on the integration of the RSF into the national army.

As clashes intensify in North Kordofan, the Sudanese Army has mobilized large forces, launching airstrikes on RSF positions in Bara and nearby areas. The RSF has threatened to advance on El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, a key commercial hub.

At the political level, Sudan’s Security and Defence Council is meeting to discuss U.S. proposals for a ceasefire. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on both warring parties to cooperate with his envoy, halt hostilities immediately, and ensure accountability for war crimes.

The war, which broke out in April 2023, has already left tens of thousands dead, devastated entire cities, and pushed Sudan into famine, displacement, and lawlessness. Humanitarian agencies warn that, without a ceasefire and guaranteed access to humanitarian aid, Sudan risks becoming one of the worst humanitarian disasters of the 21st century.

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Presidential spokesperson Mohamed El-Shenawy said the president was briefed on the start of the school year, which recorded an unprecedented attendance rate of about 87.5% of students. The meeting also addressed measures to reduce classroom overcrowding and resolve teacher shortages.

The president reviewed ongoing curriculum reforms, with the minister noting that 94 curricula across all grade levels had been updated with contributions from teachers and university professors. A new training programme for teachers has also been launched in cooperation with UNICEF, alongside the introduction of new courses in programming and artificial intelligence.

Al-Sisi underscored the importance of delivering a high-quality education system that meets the demands of the digital era and aligns with labour market needs. The meeting also discussed priorities for the 2025–2026 education investment plan, including expanding high-performing schools and strengthening technical and vocational education through public–private partnerships to establish technology-focused institutions.

The president was briefed on the national literacy and reading skills programme for primary students, which targets one million pupils across 2,000 schools in 10 governorates. Discussions also covered the newly introduced Egyptian Baccalaureate, launched this year, which streamlines the number of subjects and offers multiple testing opportunities. Around 88% of eligible students have enrolled in the programme.

Minister Abdel Latif presented updates on the Egyptian–German Schools Initiative, which recently inaugurated its first school in 6th of October City and aims to expand to 100 schools nationwide.

Al-Sisi directed the government to prioritise technology-driven education, including artificial intelligence and digitisation, while boosting public investment in education to foster innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. He also emphasised improving teachers’ welfare, ordering a monthly teaching bonus of EGP 1,000 starting in November 2025 and calling for continued efforts to enhance their economic conditions.

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In a meeting with Hara Shohei, Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Al-Mashat discussed the future of Egyptian-Japanese relations and efforts to empower the private sector in Egypt. The two sides reviewed a joint report titled “Shared Relations: 70 Years of Friendship and Trust” and discussed expanding cooperation to include advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and industrial localisation, the ministry said in a statement.

Al-Mashat also met with Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Their discussions focused on joint development cooperation priorities, efforts to enhance human development, and the localisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Egypt. They also covered the “Shabab Balad” national youth empowerment initiative and UNICEF’s role in supporting refugees and migrants in Egypt.

With William Ross, Assistant Minister of the French Treasury for Multilateral Affairs, Development, and Trade, discussions addressed the global development financing agenda. According to the statement, the talks touched on solutions to debt challenges faced by developing countries, Egypt’s experience with debt-for-development swaps, and the recommendations of the U.N. Secretary-General’s Expert Group on debt distress.

The meetings followed the conclusion of the TICAD9 conference, which aimed to consolidate relations between Japan and African countries and create multilateral partnerships to implement the continent’s development agenda.

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