GYDA and Egypt’s Ministry of Local Development Launch SDG Leadership Training in Cairo

The Global Youth Development Alliance (GYDA), a Paris-registered nonprofit under French Law 1901, is honored to announce a cooperation agreement with Egypt’s Ministry of Local Development (MLD) to co-host the SDG Leadership Training Program in Cairo, targeting outstanding youth leaders from Egypt and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The cooperation agreement was signed by distinguished representatives from both sides. From GYDA: Executive Director Allan Han, Advisory Committee Member Dr. NJOKE MBANDA LIONEL ROMEO, Program Assistant Sylvie and Jane. From MLD: Deputy Minister Dr. Naglaa El Adly and International Coordinator Hesham Hafez Sayed.

About the Ministry of Local Development (MLD)

Established in 1999, the MLD is Egypt’s principal government body driving local sustainable development and decentralization reforms across all 27 governorates. With longstanding partnerships with the World Bank, UNDP, and other international institutions, the MLD is the most prominent local governance institution in the Arab world — a recognized leader in regional development planning and digital urban transformation.

This GYDA × MLD partnership marks GYDA’s first formal engagement in the MENA region — a milestone that significantly expands the organization’s continental reach. The MLD regards GYDA as a highly valued partner, recognizing GYDA’s professional expertise in youth empowerment, international network governance, and multilateral capacity building.

SDG Leadership Training: Bridging Knowledge and Action

The Cairo-based training program uses the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as its organizing framework, with three thematic pillars: digital economy, green cities, and inclusive governance. GYDA is responsible for curriculum design, expert faculty recruitment, and international network linkage, while the MLD provides local policy context and regional coordination.

“We highly value our partnership with GYDA. The international vision and professional capacity that GYDA brings are precisely what Egypt needs in advancing local sustainable development. Through this training program, we look forward to creating life-changing opportunities for young leaders across the MENA region.”

Why This Partnership Matters

The GYDA × MLD collaboration formally establishes GYDA’s multilateral presence in the MENA region — a strategic expansion that strengthens the organization’s continental coverage as a global youth development actor. This partnership also opens new avenues for China-Egypt cooperation in youth development and digital governance.