Ashraf AboArafe
Ms. Elena Matveeva, Chairperson of the Egyptian-Russian Committee for Relations with BRICS Countries at the Arab Women Investors Union and Member of the Women’s Rights Committee at the United Nations Association of Russia, delivered her speech at the roundtable “BRICS: Cooperation on the Path to Sustainable Development” during the BRICS International Municipal Forum, Moscow, August 27-28, 2024.
On August 28, the United Nations Association of Russia held a roundtable entitled “BRICS: Cooperation on the Path to Sustainable Development” at the BRICS International Municipal Forum. The event was supported by the Administration of the President of Russia and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the assistance of the Rosotrudnestvo Foundation and the Government of Moscow.
The discussion brought together representatives of government structures, international organizations and experts in sustainable development from the BRICS countries, as well as representatives of business and academic circles. The event was chaired by the Secretary-General of the United Nations Association of Russia, Vice-President of the World Federation of United Nations Associations and President of UNESCO Chair at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), Mr. Borisov.
Ms. Elena Matveeva
Dear colleagues,
First of all, let me express my sincere gratitude to the organizers of this roundtable – the United Nations Association in Russia and the Government of Moscow. I would like to express my deep appreciation for the opportunity to speak before you and discuss important issues of sustainable development in the BRICS countries.
The Russian-Egyptian Trade and Economic Commission plays an important role in improving and increasing trade exchanges, as well as in strengthening networking ties between Russia, Egypt and other Arab countries.
Today I would like to present the main areas of the Commission’s activity that represent current priorities. With the permission of Mr. Borisov, I will also touch upon several initiatives of the United Nations Association in Russia, of which I am a member of the Women’s Rights Commission.
The first area of the Russian-Egyptian Trade and Economic Commission’s work is educational exchange projects aimed at developing relations between our countries. As an example, I would like to mention the successful cooperation with Samara State Medical University (SamSMU), which is actively developing the export of educational services. Over the past five years, the university has increased the number of its international students by more than 2.5 times. Today, more than 1,000 students from 40 countries study at Samsu University, most of them from countries such as India, Egypt, Algeria, Yemen, Morocco, Syria and the CIS countries. The university has achieved great success in adapting educational programs to international standards, which has made its programs in demand in the global market.
The second area is academic mobility programs. The interest in Samsu University from students from other foreign universities is increasing every year. Last year, 38 foreign students from Egypt, Turkey, Tunisia, Brazil, Palestine and other countries visited the university within the framework of these programs. In turn, 30 Samsu University students participated in exchange programs in Turkey, India, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Malaysia and other countries.
The third area is the development of infrastructure and trade relations between our two countries. I would like to draw special attention to the development projects for the construction of additional facilities, which are the basis for the development of the tourism industry and, consequently, economic growth. One of the most important of these projects is the construction of a water collection station in the Egyptian desert, which will provide drinking water to vast areas of the Egyptian desert and will serve as a basis for effective greening and cooling of the climate.
The fourth area is the development of information technologies. The current developments of Russian scientists in the fields of energy, agriculture and other industries, where our committee is actively working to promote the establishment of necessary links for further cooperation and economic growth of our countries.
I would like to highlight the importance of the 27th Investment Summit “Arab and African Investments and International Cooperation” to be held from November 11 to 15, 2024. This summit will become a major platform for investments, trade and tourism, and will contribute to the opening of new markets, the development of trade exchange and the strengthening of cooperation between the Arab region, Africa, the BRICS countries and, of course, Russia. The participation of representatives of the chambers of investment, tourism, trade and industry, as well as members of civil society organizations, associations and high-level business councils, will ensure the strengthening of cooperation in all sectors of development. Simultaneously, important business meetings will be organized, including negotiations between business representatives, government officials and investors, which will create unique opportunities to present high-yield projects and establish strategic partnerships on the international stage, contributing to sustainable economic growth. The extensive media coverage of the summit and the exhibition in local and international media will add additional significance to this event. We invite all interested parties to participate.
Finally, let me note the role and importance of the support provided by the United Nations Association – Russia in the projects implemented by the Commission. As you know, since 1999, the United Nations Association – Russia has had general consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council. Its mission is to provide comprehensive assistance in achieving the goals and principles proclaimed in the UN Charter and to strengthen international relations. Since its founding in 1956, the Association has gained extensive experience in building trust and friendship between States.
The United Nations Association – Russia is actively engaged in protecting women’s rights and implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. We are currently planning to sign an agreement between the Arab Women Investors Union and the United Nations Association – Russia and are also considering opening a branch of the United Nations Association – Russia in Egypt. This will significantly enhance cooperation between sectors and disciplines, especially in important areas such as medical tourism and food security. Close interaction between UN-Russia, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UN structures and leading academic institutions, primarily the Moscow International Medical Institute, will ensure the successful development of these initiatives.
Thank you for your attention!
Elena Matveeva
