The United Nations has appointed young celebrities and sports champions in Egypt as Ambassadors for 'Shabab Balad' initiative, the Egyptian version of the UN Global initiative 'Generation Unlimited' launched by the United Nations as the world's first Public-Private-Youth Partnership (PPYP) aiming to skill and connect all of the world's 1.8 billion young people aged 10-24 to opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and positive social impact by 2030. 'Shabab Balad', coordinated by the UNICEF, was successfully launched during the World Youth Forum held in Sharm El-Sheikh last January under the auspices of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah Sisi. The newly appointed Ambassadors are -in alphabetical order- Actor Ahmed Dash, Actor Amir El-Masry, Actress Asmaa Abu El Yazeed, Rhythmic Gymnastic Champion Habiba Marzouk, the world U15 top ranking female table tennis player Hana Goda, Actor Nour El Nabawy, Actress Rana Raies and the swimming Champion Yasmine Hassan. As 'Shabab Balad' Ambassadors, they will contribute to raising awareness and informing the public about the project and support its work. "Egypt is a pivotal country in the region with the largest youth population which offers tremendous opportunities. With the support of our partners and stakeholders, I'm sure Shabab Balad will deliver impact for young people on a massive scale. Today, we are delighted to welcome Ambassadors for Shabab Balad in Egypt." said the UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Elena Panova who handed the certificates to the newly appointed Ambassadors in a ceremony at UNICEF's office in Cairo in the presence of several United Nations Representatives in Egypt "Shabab Balad was launched with a mission to support young people who are eager to continue their ongoing educational journey for a better employability and positive change in the society. We believe in equal opportunities for all. Today, we are delighted to welcome the renowned actors, actresses and sports champions as Ambassadors for 'Shabab Balad'. Thank you for your commitment to lend your voice to the youth in Egypt and to raise awareness on Shabab Balad work," said Jeremy Hopkins, UNICEF Representative in Egypt, during the ceremony. "Unifying efforts and voices is an essential part of 'Shabab Balad' initiative's approach. Shabab Balad is more than an initiative... It is a community movement.We are confident that these influential young voices joining 'Shabab Balad' will enhance reaching all youth in Egypt without leaving anyone behind. We thank these influential voices for supporting the initiative that launches an unprecedented Public-Private-Youth Partnership (PPYP) in Egypt," said Dr. Ghada Makady, Partnerships Specialist at UNICEF. The newly appointed Ambassadors expressed their pride in assuming this role and affirmed their keenness to convey the message of 'Shabab Balad' and to support its work for the benefit of young people in Egypt. They will volunteer their time, talents and passion to raise aw areness on 'Shabab Balad'efforts to improve the lives of millions of young people all around Egypt and encourage their positive engagement in the society. 'Shabab Balad' aspires to become the sustainable national platform for multilateral partners seeking to ensure that young people aged between 10 and 24 in Egypt have access to education, skills for employment, as well as ambitious opportunities for entrepreneurship and positive participation in society by 2030.
