
Egypt to Participate in UN's 69th Commission on the Status of Women
Mar 10, 2025
Egypt is set to take part in the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), which will be held in New York from March 10th to the 21st. The Egyptian delegation will be led by National Council of Women (NCW) President Amal Ammar.
This year's session marks the 30th anniversary of the 1995 World Conference on Women, known as Beijing +30. During the opening session, the Egyptian representatives will deliver a speech highlighting its national efforts in advancing women's rights and promoting their empowerment across social, economic and political spheres.
Throughout the event, the Egyptian delegation will engage in a series of discussions and side events addressing gender equality and women's empowerment, aligning with the objectives of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
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Egypt Independent
an hour ago
- Egypt Independent
On the development of national media
We consistently complain about the declining performance of our media, and its inability to meet our expectations. While some criticize the absence or scarcity of serious public opinion institutions—and cast doubt on the methodologies of foreign surveys, arguing they are 'susceptible to manipulation and bias'—others claim that a 'culture of public polling' is fundamentally lacking in our region for political and cultural reasons. Nonetheless, the essence of this constant complaint is undeniable. The most prominent evidence of this dissatisfaction with the performance of our 'traditional' media can be seen by any observer: a massive shift away from conventional channels towards social media platforms. There is a continued reliance by a significant portion of the local public on foreign, Arabic-speaking media for news, information, and analysis concerning their own country. This is compounded by the almost effortless discovery of sharp and frequent criticism of traditional media outlets and their stars across social media. If we can agree that this general feeling of dissatisfaction with the performance of national media exists, and then agree that there is an overwhelming desire—and even a stated political will—to 'develop' the media, then reaching an agreement on the nature of this 'development' becomes a difficult and elusive task. This paradox creates a rare situation among reform and development experiences in various fields. Its symptoms are evident in an analysis of the complaints that crystallize this public dissatisfaction. We find that some critics focus their critiques on the prevalence of closed-mindedness and the entrenchment of a traditional, conservative culture in media practices, while others see a spread of an openness that borders on permissiveness and a dissolution of values. As a result, we also see complaints about the absence of critique and opposition, while others criticize the media for neglecting to highlight government achievements. Some will attack the media's focus on international and regional affairs, while others will complain about the lack of a strong external media presence and a retreat into domestic issues. This clear contradiction in what motivates public dissatisfaction with the performance of national media reflects the reality that Egyptian society is full of multiple—and at times contradictory—trends and currents. This is, of course, a healthy state of affairs, as long as the tools used to manage this diversity are professional and operate within the law. Among the factors that deepen the negative effects of this public dissatisfaction is that most critics direct their critiques, attacks, or change proposals toward the single largest owner and almost sole manager of the media: the national state. Since its establishment, the state – through its executive bodies – has managed, directed, funded, or controlled the media, with very few exceptions. In reality, this is a genuine dilemma, and none of us has a decisive or final solution for it. That's because part of the problem is based on the conflicts of interest that are necessarily present in any healthy society. This is strengthened by the intellectual, political, and social diversity that is required, which is then reflected in the contradictory stances toward media management and its content. Nevertheless, the most organized countries in the developed world have previously faced this very problem. Among the best practices they have adopted to address and control its effects, we find three solutions. The first is that the state has the right to own and supervise a system of what is called 'public media.' Through this system, it can broadcast messages and content that serve higher national interests and embody public visions that enjoy a broad consensus. However, the state is also obligated to ensure that its media system reflects the diversity of viewpoints within society. Its performance must be governed by strict administrative, financial, and professional standards, and it should offer a sophisticated and advanced product, serving as a role model for private channels. The second solution is to make the media landscape free, diverse, and pluralistic. This would allow every trend, school of thought, and stakeholder to find an opportunity for self-expression, as long as they abide by mandatory legal and professional considerations. Of course, this would require adapting ownership to allow for fair competition and to avoid monopolies and harmful concentrations of ownership. The third solution is to give society an opportunity to manage its national media space through a diverse, broad, and balanced representation of its various groups. This approach would eliminate the biggest pretext for public complaints and allow the media to earn the appropriate amount of public trust and satisfaction. It would also enable the media to fulfill its presumed role in achieving self-sufficiency, ensuring the necessary credibility, and preserving higher national interests. Author's bio: Yasser Abdel Aziz is an Egyptian writer, media expert, and consultant with a master's degree in public law and PhD in media from Cairo University. He boasts distinguished career that includes serving as the Cairo bureau chief for Asharq Al-Awsat and working as a correspondent for several major Arabic newspapers. He has also acted as a consultant for including Al-Masry Al-Youm, Al-Watan, and Kuwait's Al-Jarida and trainer for the BBC World Trust in the Middle East and North Africa. He has published multiple books and research papers on media ethics and the organization of the media sector.


Egypt Independent
3 hours ago
- Egypt Independent
In exclusive interview, Pakistan's ambassador to Cairo talks relations with Egypt, Cairo's role in halting the Gaza war, and situation with India
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We are eagerly waiting for the visit of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to Pakistan. Egypt is a gateway to Africa. Pakistan is gateway to Central Asia. There is immense scope, potential and mutual desire of the leadership of these two countries to capitalize this potential and geo-strategic location to significantly enhance the existing volume of bilateral trade for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries. What is the volume of trade between the two countries, and what are the ways to increase it? Bilateral trade, which usually hovered around US$200-300 million, jumped to around $605 million in 2022 following a spike in imports of mineral fuels from Egypt, before it declined due to global economic conditions. There are a number of areas in which both countries can enhance their cooperation, such as science and technology, information technology, tourism and housing. In September 2023, the Pakistan-Egypt Business Opportunities Conference was organized by the Embassy in collaboration with Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce. Almost 150 delegates from Pakistan participated in the Conference. Pakistan also organized the Fourth Pakistan-Africa Trade Development Conference and Single Country Exhibition in Egypt at Cairo in January 2024. The existing bilateral consultation system between Pakistan and Egypt consists of a Joint Ministerial Committee that covers a range of diverse avenues of cooperation including bilateral trade. Recently, frequent interactions between DPM/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar & Foreign Minister of Egypt Badr Abdelatty have further strengthened the mutual desire to consolidate the existing mechanism of cooperation particularly enhancement in bilateral trade between Pakistan and Egypt. There is immense potential for investments in textile sector, sports goods, real estate, tourism and hospitality sector, mining sector waiting to be capitalized by both the countries. Since the past two years, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has offered one window swift facilitation for foreign investors in Pakistan. Additionally, the simplification of VISA regime for 126 countries, including Egypt, offers Pakistan as an ideal avenue for investment. Apart from these incentives there is huge potential for investment in agriculture, clean energy sectors of Pakistan. Information Technology and software development sectors have witnessed phenomenal increase in return on investments for prospective investors. With approximately 700,000 IT workforce members and 60 percent of the population being young, Pakistan is poised to produce more engineers and developers in the IT sector. In your opinion, what is Pakistan's view of Egypt's role in stopping the war on Gaza, and is the idea of normalization with Israel impossible? Regarding Gaza, Egypt and Pakistan have pushed for ceasefire right from the beginning. Both countries share an identical stance on the Gaza and Palestine issue at numerous regional and multilateral forums. Pakistan is closely supporting provision of humanitarian assistance for the residents of Gaza in active collaboration and cooperation with Egypt. On a solution for the Gaza catastrophe, Pakistan is fully aligned with Egypt. We highly value Egypt's pivotal role in containing Israel's aggression and continuously engaging all the stake-holders to find a permanent and lasting solution to the conflict. Is the situation with India currently calm, and what is the solution to end the tension? Pakistan adheres to the ceasefire with India agreed after the intervention of President Trump. We welcome President Trump's statements regarding the threat posed by unprovoked recent Indian aggression against Pakistan, and his intent to mediate on Kashmir dispute. Pakistan has historically maintained its legitimate and decades old principled stance that Kashmir dispute should be resolved by fully implementing the relevant UNSC resolutions and in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of people of Kashmir. Kashmir issue is an unfinished agenda of the partition of the sub-continent and UNSC. This dispute will remain one of the central issues behind tension between Pakistan and India. The other issue is the Indus Water Treaty which can trigger escalation between two nuclear states at any time. How did Pakistan defeat India in its last war? Pakistan believes in peaceful neighborhood, regional peace and development, and prosperity for the residents of more than a billion people in South Asia. We respect sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of all other states, and do not harbor nefarious designs against any regional state. However, we maintain minimum credible deterrence for preserving strategic balance in South Asia. The unprovoked Indian aggression, despite Pakistan's consistent offer to investigate the Pahalgam terror attack, enlisting international state(s) supported by credible evidence was outright rejected by India. Still, Pakistan responded in a measured, mature and firm manner without targeting civilian installations. Our Air warriors did not leave Indian birds, who launched missiles targeting innocent civilians, to see light of the next day. Through indigenous technology harmoniously employed throughout the conflict, Pakistan proved its superiority in the face of naked Indian aggression. Above all, the resolve of the entire nation reinvigorated the spirit of Pakistan Armed Forces towards a decisive victory. How do you view the Iran-Israel war? Pakistan is non-permanent member of United Nations Security Council. Our permanent representative in the UN requested urgent meeting at UNSC at the outset of Iran-Israel war. We have clearly and unequivocally termed the Israeli attack on nuclear facilities in Iran as illegitimate. These facilities are under the safeguards of UN. Therefore, Israel's aggression is highly condemnable and dangerous for regional stability. Pakistan is in favor of dialogue and diplomacy. We've seen Pakistan announce its support for Iran. What form will this support take, and will it arm Tehran? Pakistan supports Iran diplomatically, politically and as a brotherly neighboring country. Our DPM/Foreign Minister had categorically rejected fake news and misinformation manufactured regarding Pakistan's arms support to Iran. Why did Pakistan close its border with Iran amid the escalation with Israel? We did not close our borders with Iran. However, we established the monitoring mechanism on our border crossings with Iran in view of presence of Pakistan's Zaireen and students who were stranded in Iran after the Israeli aggression. What message you would like to give on the Independence Day of Pakistan this year? This year, Independence Day is being observed with a unique, illustrious stature as witnessed by the entire global community where Pakistan beams brilliantly after inflicting a well resonated, firm response to the aggression during the glorious Operation 'Bunyan Al-Marsoos'. We bow our heads in respect and express infinite gratitude to Almighty Allah for enabling us to defend our motherland, and defying hardly the ill-fated attempt of establishing a new normal in South Asia, in a manner never witnessed in our history. I express my profound admiration for small but dynamic Pakistan community in Egypt for their good work towards consolidating existing bond of friendship between the two brotherly countries. While we commemorate this significantly special Independence Day, we should not forget our brothers and sisters in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Palestine. They are subjected to oppression and worst kind of human rights abuses. Still, they are upholding the spirit of freedom alive. Peace in South Asia and the Middle East will remain elusive till the resolution of these two decades old promised issues by the United Nations relevant resolutions, and in accordance with the wishes and aspirations of Kashmiris and Palestinians. We remain steadfast in raising our voice for Palestinians and for the Kashmiris' right to self-determination.


See - Sada Elbalad
5 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt Launches 5th Special Train for Voluntary Return of Sudanese Refugees
Ahmed Emam Egypt's National Railway Authority (NRA) on Sunday began operating the fifth special train under the voluntary return program for Sudanese nationals wishing to go back to their homeland, as part of Cairo's humanitarian and logistical support for its southern neighbor. The special service, train No. 1940 (third-class air-conditioned), departed Cairo Station at 11:00 a.m. and is scheduled to arrive at Aswan's High Dam Station at 11:40 p.m. on the same day. The return journey will operate on Monday, August 18, under train No. 1945 (third-class air-conditioned), departing Aswan at 8:30 p.m. and reaching Cairo at 9:25 a.m. the following morning to serve regular passengers. To ensure smooth travel, the authority has equipped the trains designated for Sudanese passengers with an additional luggage carriage known as "Spensa" , allowing extra space for personal belongings and providing greater comfort during the trip. The initiative reflects Egypt's ongoing efforts to support the Sudanese people during challenging times, reaffirming the deep-rooted historical ties between the Egyptian and Sudanese nations. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid Videos & Features Story behind Trending Jessica Radcliffe Death Video News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News The Jessica Radcliffe Orca Attack? 100% Fake and AI-Generated