Egypt: A Priority for Development Amid Regional Security Challenges

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During the days I spent in Cairo recently, discussions about the "Egypt Forum 2026" were prevalent in gatherings and media outlets, presented as a platform for dialogue on the current state and future of the Egyptian state.

The forum was held in the New Administrative Capital over six days, under the slogan "A Look at Today... A Vision for Tomorrow," with the participation of approximately 9,000 individuals, including decision-makers, experts, and representatives from various sectors of society.

The forum addressed issues such as the economy and public debt, education and health, employment, food and water security, and the safety of the nation and its citizens. Consolidating these files on a single platform reflects the recognition that development is not measured by projects alone, but by their impact on people's lives, the level of services and job opportunities, and the capacity to cope with the cost of living.

From this perspective, it becomes crucial to shift from showcasing achievements to evaluating their outcomes, listening to citizens' experiences, and identifying gaps and challenges. Projects derive their value when they translate into better services, broader opportunities, and tangible improvements in people's lives. Serious dialogue helps institutions understand the impact of their decisions and adjust their course when necessary.

This is particularly important given the economic pressures facing Egypt, foremost among them managing public debt, securing sustainable sources of foreign currency, and meeting the population's needs in food, water, education, health, and employment. These issues are interconnected; productive investment expands job opportunities, quality education prepares youth for them, and improved services enhance public confidence in the effectiveness of policies.

Water issues were also prominent in Cairo, coinciding with the ninth Cairo Water Week, held from October 25 to 29 under the slogan "Water as a Catalyst for Shared Peace, Prosperity, and a Sustainable Planet," and the seventh Arab Water Conference on October 26 and 27. These meetings hold special significance for Egypt in light of water security challenges, primarily the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Protecting the rights of downstream countries and the interests of all parties requires serious dialogue, clear understandings, and cooperation that ensures fair resource utilization and prevents escalating tensions.

These priorities are not disconnected from regional tensions and the risks they impose on trade routes, navigation, and energy and food supplies, particularly in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and their potential repercussions on the Suez Canal and the Egyptian economy. Consequently, economic and social preparedness becomes part of the national security framework, alongside protecting interests and diplomatic efforts to contain escalation.

In this context, the Egyptian Parliament approved, during its closed session on Monday, October 26, by a majority of at least two-thirds of its members, to authorize President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to take necessary measures to provide defensive military support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, should Riyadh request it. The decision underscores the importance of Saudi security to Egypt and the region, and reaffirms the meaning of Arab solidarity.

The authorization remains conditional upon a Saudi request and does not inherently mean that the deployment of troops has been decided. Furthermore, reaffirming the defensive nature of the support and pursuing diplomatic solutions remain essential to avoid widening the conflict.

Among the key announcements at the "Egypt Forum 2026" was the decision to make the forum an annual event, with a monthly dialogue dedicated to a specific sector, alongside monitoring the implementation of decisions and recommendations. These steps offer it a chance for continuity, but its success will be measured by the clarity of follow-up mechanisms, transparency regarding achievements and setbacks, and linking proposals to responsibilities, deadlines, and measurable indicators.

The participation of thousands gives the forum a broad base for discussion, but real impact is achieved when citizens feel their voices are heard and see a tangible link between the issues debated in conference halls and the changes in their daily lives. In a period where development challenges, water issues, and regional risks intersect, Egypt needs a dialogue that broadens participation, development whose results are felt by the people, and Arab cooperation that safeguards security and interests while reducing the likelihood of escalation.

Former Bahraini Minister of Labour and Social Development