Cairo – Wednesday, July 22, 2026
The Most Rev. Dr. Sami Fawzy, Archbishop of the Episcopal/Anglican Province of Alexandria, inaugurated the first camp of the “Citizenship and Peace Leadership Program,” launched by the Christian–Muslim Center for Understanding and Partnership in cooperation with the Misr El Kheir Foundation and under the patronage of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The initiative aims to empower Egyptian youth, promote the values of citizenship, peacebuilding, and coexistence, and strengthen a shared sense of national identity.
Archbishop Fawzy welcomed the participants and expressed his delight at meeting them, emphasizing that youth gatherings provide a vibrant space for life, activity, and engagement. He noted that such gatherings foster meaningful human relationships built on dialogue and mutual understanding, enhancing young people’s ability to work together and serve their communities.
He stressed that true investment begins with investing in people, expressing his hope that the camp would offer a rich experience combining learning and meaningful interaction. He added that he hopes participants will leave with new friendships and practical experience that will enable them to play an active role in serving their communities.
The Archbishop explained that the program combines educational sessions, hands-on activities, and field visits to provide a comprehensive learning experience that equips participants to become active ambassadors of peace and coexistence.
For his part, Bishop Mounir emphasized that the camp seeks to prepare a generation of leaders capable of creating positive change within society. He stressed that “a true leader is not merely a consumer but a maker of change,” adding that young people have the potential to contribute to building a better future for Egypt through responsible leadership and community engagement.
He explained that the program covers key themes including citizenship, critical thinking, peacebuilding, artificial intelligence, and community initiatives. He encouraged participants to make the most of technological advancements as tools for learning and innovation, transforming ideas into practical initiatives that have a tangible impact on their communities. He also affirmed that building peace begins with promoting the values of equality, acceptance of others, and collaborative action.
In her remarks, Dr. Amal Gamal Soliman, Consultant for the Life Aspects Sector at the Misr El Kheir Foundation, stated that the initiative aims to prepare young leaders capable of leading community-based initiatives that promote citizenship and peace, thereby contributing to a more cohesive society. She expressed her pleasure at the launch of the project and the participation of young people from Upper Egypt.
She added that the four-day training program combines practical training with interactive activities and concludes with participants designing community initiatives, with the most outstanding projects receiving recognition. The program also includes cultural tours designed to enrich participants’ learning experience.
The “Citizenship and Peace Leadership Program” targets approximately 60 young men and women between the ages of 18 and 22 from the governorates of Minya and Assiut in Upper Egypt. The program brings together participants from diverse religious backgrounds to promote interfaith dialogue, develop leadership and community engagement skills, and encourage active civic participation.
The project includes two four-day training camps, featuring workshops and interactive sessions on citizenship, peacebuilding, critical thinking, artificial intelligence, gender equality, and environmental stewardship. Participants will also engage in discussions with religious leaders and public figures and implement youth-led community initiatives. The program is organized through a partnership between the Christian–Muslim Center for Understanding and Partnership, the Misr El Kheir Foundation, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, with the goal of establishing a network of young leaders committed to promoting a culture of peace and serving their communities.
Issued by:
The Press Office of the Episcopal/Anglican Diocese of Egypt