Dr. Rania Al-Mashat assumes duties as UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCWA Executive Secretary in Beirut
via Egypt Today3 min read
Dr. Rania Al-Mashat officially began her role as United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia ESCWA on June 2, 2026, at the Commission鈥檚 headquarters in Beirut. Her appointment, announced by United Nations Secretary-General Ant贸nio Guterres on April 20, 2026, comes at a critical time for ESCWA Member States, marked by developments in the Middle East, pressures on energy markets, global trade, and supply chains, and broader economic and social challenges. This period also coincides with the UN80 Initiative, launched in March 2025, which aims to modernize the UN system. Dr. Al-Mashat expressed her honor in the confidence placed in her and stated that ESCWA will support Member States in advancing inclusive and sustainable development, fostering regional integration, and building strategic partnerships. She also plans to launch a coalition of regional think tanks to support evidence-based policymaking. Dr. Al-Mashat brings over 25 years of experience in economic diplomacy, macroeconomic and monetary policy, and sustainable development. She previously served in the Government of Egypt as Minister of Tourism, Minister of International Cooperation, and Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation. Her experience also includes roles at the International Monetary Fund and as Sub-Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt for Monetary Policy. In her new position, Dr. Al-Masha
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President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, for an official visit. He landed at Julius Nyerere International Airport and was met by Tanzanian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo and Egypt's Ambassador to Tanzania Sherif Ismail, along with members of the Egyptian Embassy. President El-Sisi received an official welcome upon his arrival.
Egypt and Turkey have concluded their joint military exercise "Golden Eagle," which involved Egypt's Paratroopers and Sa'ka Thunderbolt Forces and Turkish Special Forces. The multi-day exercises took place at combat training facilities under the command of Egypt's Paratroopers and Sa'ka Forces. The final phase included a simulated helicopter raid on a terrorist hideout in an urban setting, involving hostage rescue and the apprehension of militants. Participants also engaged in conventional and unconventional live-fire drills, close-quarters combat, room-clearing operations, and vertical assault training using an aircraft simulator. Instruction was provided on handling explosive devices, combat first aid, and life-saving procedures. The training also covered drone usage, counter-drone tactics, free-fall simulation, and operational parachute jumps. A joint "Friendship Jump" saw paratroopers descend with the national flags of both countries. Senior commanders from both armed forces and the Turkish military attach茅 in Cairo attended the closing phase.
South Sudan officially opened the Egypt-funded SOMBA Groundwater Station at the University of Juba on July 16. This project, financed by an Egyptian grant, aims to enhance bilateral cooperation on water resources and sustainable development. The inauguration was attended by South Sudan's Minister of Water Resources, James Mawich Makuach, Egypt's Ambassador to South Sudan Hazem Mamdouh, and Shaaban Abu El-Fath, head of the Egyptian Irrigation Mission in South Sudan. Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sweilem stated that the station will provide safe drinking water to students, staff, and nearby communities, improving public health and supporting education. This initiative is part of broader Egyptian development efforts in South Sudan, which include constructing 28 solar-powered groundwater stations, dredging the Bahr el Ghazal River, building rainwater harvesting dams, and establishing a forecasting center. These projects also feature training programs for local staff to ensure sustainable operation and maintenance, reflecting Egypt's commitment to technical support and knowledge transfer to South Sudan.