Dr. Hoda Yass during the Arab Women Investors Union Iftar gatheringH.E. President "Sisi" has established the foundations of national unity, emphasising that everyone is part of a unified and harmonious social structure.

 

In a beautiful Ramadan atmosphere, the Arab Women Investors Union, in collaboration with the Businesswomen Association for Development under the leadership of Dr. Hoda Yassa hosted an Iftar gathering under the theme "National Unity and International Cooperation... for Love of Egypt." 

The event was attended by representatives from all units of society. Key speakers included Dr. Sorour Al-Jurmani, the Arab League's official in charge of Arab unions and organisations; religious leaders such as Dr. Mohamed Al-Jundi, the Secretary-General of the Islamic Research Academy representing the Imam of Al-Azhar; Sheikh Ahmed el Tayeb and Father Moussa Ibrahim, the official spokesman for the Coptic Orthodox Church representing Pope Tawadros II Also present were Dr. Nema Abed from the World Health Organisation, Ambassador Mohamed Al-Arabi, Chairman of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Nasreen Lasheen, Director General of Investor Services at the Ministry of Finance, and Ms. Elena Matveeva, Chairwoman of the Egyptian-Russian Committee at the AWIU, who attended especially from Russia.

The iftar also saw the presence of notable figures such as Talaat Abdel-Qawi, President of the General Federation of NGOs; Major General Mohsen Al-nomany, Former Governor of Sohag; Dr. Wassim Al-Sisi, Professor of Urology and Egyptologist; Major General Samer Al-Hamili, Assistant to the Air Force Commander for Foreign Relations, on behalf of His Excellency Lieutenant General Mahmoud Fouad Abdel-Gawad, Air Force Commander; Major General (Ret.) Engineer Essam, Director of the Military Production Factories; Dr. Hazem Attia, former Governor of Fayoum and member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs; and Dr. Hassan Ratib, Chairman of the Sinai White Cement Factory.In her speech, Dr. Hoda Yassa emphasised that today is the greatest testament to national unity, as Muslims and Christians are fasting together during the holy month of Ramadan and the Great Lent. She pointed out that the foundations of national unity were solidified by H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi since his excellency took office, highlighting his excellency's significant efforts to maintain social peace and unity. She added that Egypt stands as a model for national unity, noting that H.E. President Sisi is the first president in the Middle East to consistently visit churches during religious holidays to promote goodwill and harmony among all segments of society.

Dr. Yassa also extended congratulations to H.E. President Sisi for his excellency's continuous support for women and their empowerment, acknowledging the efforts of H.E. Mrs. Intisar El-Sisi, the First Lady, during the holy month of Ramadan. 

She praised the First Lady for supporting every woman striving to achieve her dreams both economically and socially.

Dr. Yassa also praised the Egyptian Armed Forces and the police for their role in safeguarding Egypt’s security and stability.

The Iftar gathering was attended by religious leaders from both the Church and Al-Azhar, representatives from the World Health Organisation, the Arab League, ambassadors, and members of the diplomatic corps, as well as representatives from 32 Arab, African, European, Asian, and friendly countries.Additionally, there were officials from ministries such as finance, social solidarity, and education; representatives from the Armed Forces, the Air Force, and the Ministry of Interior.

Also present were members of the House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Youth Party Coordination, as well as officials from the National Authority for Management and Investment, the Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises Development Agency, the National Council for Human Rights, the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, the General Federation for Associations and Civil Institutions, Egyptian universities, the media, and the "qaderoon Youth" initiative. 

Furthermore, senior investors and businesspeople from Egypt and friendly nations attended the iftar.

Dr. Yassa concluded her speech by stating that Egyptian unity is a vital "wall of defence" to safeguard the country’s national security and overcome challenges, emphasising that it is one of the key pillars for the nation’s development.

 She emphasized the significance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges and highlighted the Iftar as an example of both national unity and international collaboration on Egyptian land, where the headquarters of the Arab Women Investors Union is located.

She further stated, "We are truly grateful to all of your excellencies and take great honour in your excellency's presence and participation today. This moment highlights the vital role played by the Arab Women Investors Union and the Businesswomen Association for Development in advancing our mission and fostering a relationship that we hold in high regard. As a civil society and private sector, we have an essential role to play in strengthening soft diplomacy. 

The Arab Women Investors Union is distinguished by its strong international relations with Arab, African, and other friendly countries.

She emphasised the importance of the culture of soft diplomacy in fostering cooperation among all of us, which runs in parallel with official diplomacy to achieve the aspirations of our people.

She also expressed gratitude to the AWIU active members, including Ms. Elena Matveeva, Chairwoman of the Egyptian-Russian Committee, and heads of several committees within the union, such as Dr. Nasreen Nagaty, head of the Technology and Digital Transformation Committee; Engineer Ola Mehailba, head of the Community Development Committee; and Nagwa Seif Al-Nasr, head of the Small and Micro Projects Committee.In her closing remarks, Dr. Yassa stressed the importance of unity among all segments of society and cooperation based on mutual benefit to ensure the country’s growth and development. 

She concluded, “We always affirm that we are with your excellency, Mr. President. May God protect your excellency for our future, the future of our children, and our tomorrow.