Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt is looking to deepen cooperation with the United Nations University in areas ranging from artificial intelligence governance to climate-related peacebuilding, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said during talks with the institution’s president in Tokyo on Wednesday.
The discussions reflected Cairo’s growing interest in strengthening partnerships with international research and policy institutions as it seeks to expand its role in emerging global debates on technology, sustainable development and conflict prevention.
During the meeting with United Nations University President and UN Under-Secretary-General Tshilidzi Marwala, Abdelatty highlighted Egypt’s efforts to position itself as a regional leader in responsible artificial intelligence development while exploring opportunities for closer collaboration with the Tokyo-based institution.
Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Takes Center Stage
According to the Foreign Ministry, Abdelatty emphasized Egypt’s commitment to advancing artificial intelligence technologies while developing governance frameworks designed to ensure their responsible use.
The minister pointed to a series of measures adopted by Cairo in recent years, including the establishment of the National Council for Artificial Intelligence in 2019, the launch of Egypt’s national AI strategy and the adoption of guidelines governing the ethical use of artificial intelligence technologies.
Egyptian officials view AI as a key component of the country’s digital transformation agenda and are seeking partnerships that can support research, policy development and capacity building in the rapidly evolving field.
Abdelatty praised the role played by the United Nations University in examining emerging global challenges, particularly its work on artificial intelligence and other technological developments with implications for sustainable development and international governance.
Climate and Peacebuilding Cooperation Discussed
Beyond technology, the talks explored opportunities for cooperation on climate-related security challenges.
The foreign minister highlighted Egypt’s efforts to integrate climate action into peacebuilding and conflict-prevention strategies, pointing to initiatives launched through the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding.
He referenced the Climate Responses for Sustaining Peace initiative, introduced during the United Nations climate conference held in Sharm El-Sheikh, as an example of Egypt’s efforts to address the growing links between climate change, instability and security challenges.
Egypt has increasingly promoted international dialogue on the relationship between environmental pressures and conflict, particularly in regions vulnerable to resource shortages, displacement and climate-related risks.
University President Expected to Visit Egypt
Abdelatty welcomed plans for Marwala to visit Egypt in the coming period, describing the trip as an opportunity to explore new avenues of cooperation between Egypt and the United Nations University.
Officials are expected to discuss potential partnerships in research, training, technology policy and sustainable development during the visit.
The minister also extended an invitation to the university president to participate in the sixth edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, scheduled to take place in November 2026.
The forum has become one of Egypt’s principal platforms for discussions on peacebuilding, development and regional security, bringing together policymakers, international organizations and experts from across Africa and beyond.
UN University Marks 50 Years
The meeting coincided with preparations for the United Nations University’s 50th anniversary in 2025.
Abdelatty congratulated the institution on the milestone and praised its contribution to supporting the United Nations development agenda through research, policy analysis and international cooperation.
Founded in 1975, the university serves as the academic and research arm of the UN system, focusing on global challenges ranging from sustainable development and governance to technology and environmental change.
The latest discussions in Tokyo suggest Egypt is seeking a larger role in shaping international conversations on artificial intelligence, climate security and sustainable development through partnerships with leading global institutions.
