Cairo- In the framework of IOM’s Initiatives for Local Development of Egypt through the Support of Egyptians Abroad (ILDEA) project, the Ministry of State for Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates’ Affairs (MoSEEA) held a video conference on 26 June 2018 with Egyptian expatriates to discuss mechanisms for facilitating knowledge exchange on the design and implementation of local community development projects in Egypt.

The activity was held in IOM Egypt’s premises with the participation of eight Egyptians residing in Italy, and representatives from MoSEEA and IOM. Mr. Laurent De Boeck, IOM Egypt’s Head of Programmes, delivered opening remarks highlighting the importance of engaging Egyptian expatriates in the development of the country, while also working towards the Sustainable Development Goals. MoSEEA, in partnership with IOM, is organizing an outreach workshop during July 2018 in Milan to build on the outcomes of the virtual return activity and further engage the expatriates in the five local community development projects.

The participants reflected on the proposed local community development projects, the steps forward and the modalities of engagement. They welcomed the initiative, stressing the importance of more institutionalized and systemic means of engaging Egyptians abroad. The projects are an integral part of ILDEA, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and implemented by IOM in partnership with MoSEEA and the Egyptian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (MSMEDA).

The activity is part of ILDEA, which supports the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, 10 Reduced Inequalities, and 17 Partnership for the Goals. It also supports the realization of Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy: Egypt Vision 2030.

For more information, please contact Monica Ibrahim at IOM Egypt, Tel: +2 02 2736 5140/1, Email: mgibrahim@iom.int