UNFPA Deputy Executive Director Ib Petersen concludes first official visit to Egypt

alhadath – Cairo

United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and United Nations Population Fund Deputy Executive Director, Management, Ambassador Ib Petersen conducted a visit to Egypt on June 13-17, to understand the population program in Egypt and discuss how UNFPA can further support the Government of Egypt to achieve its 2030 agenda.
Mr. Petersen held meetings with the Minister of Health and Population Dr. Hala Zayed, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Dr. Hala El-Said, Minister of Social Solidarity Dr. Nevine El-Kabbage, Minister of International Cooperation Ms. Rania Al-Mashat and Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Ashraf Sobhy.
He also met the President of the National Council for Women Dr. Maya Morsy along with Secretary-General of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood Dr. Sahar al-Sonbaty. Getting to ZERO gender-based violence and harmful practices by 2030 is one of the three strategic objectives of UNFPA. Mr. Petersen participated in a meeting with the National Committee for the Eradication of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in light of the UNFPA’s joint efforts with the Government of Egypt to eradicate FGM and child marriage.
Mr. Petersen’s visit came at an opportune moment as the Government of Egypt embarks on an ambitious newly-endorsed accelerated National Action Plan for the Egyptian Family Development lead by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development. Petersen discussed the program with different ministers, since it is a multi-sector program, with women empowerment at its heart.
He discussed ways UNFPA can best support Egypt in implementing this action plan and was interested in seeing special attention given to young people and adolescent girls in other programs like the presidential initiative Hayah Karima among others.
He states that investment in young people and adolescent girls are crucial for the achievements of the Sustainable Development Agenda.
Another highlight of Mr. Petersen’s program was a conversation with His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria, and Patriarch of the See of St Mark and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed El-Tayeb.
Working with faith-based organizations is essential for UNFPA since religious leaders and community leaders play important roles in people’s lives and wellbeing.
“I’m impressed with the knowledge and the vision of both leaders in how they and their communities can contribute to the achievement of social programs and improve overall wellbeing.”
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Mr. Petersen of Denmark as Assistant Secretary-General to serve as the Deputy Executive Director, Management of UNFPA in June 2020.
Mr. Petersen recently served as Director for the Department of Migration, Conflict and Stabilization of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and has over 30 years of experience within the spheres of bilateral and multilateral affairs and development.
Prior to his position as Department Director, Mr. Petersen served as the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Denmark to the United Nations from 2013-2019, during which he held several important duties.
Currently in its 10th program cycle (2018-2022), UNFPA’s programs of intervention are aligned with national development priorities outlined in the National Action Plan on Egyptian Family Development, as well as Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the National Population Strategy.
Interventions aim at enhancing reproductive health and family planning services, raising awareness through innovative methods with communities and young people, as well as addressing social norms around family size and violence against women and girls.