Egypt, UN Showcase Results of EU-Funded Joint Program Supporting Refugees

A high-level field visit was conducted on November 11, 2026, by Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Migration, Ambassador Neveen Elhussein, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt Gianluca Rampolla del Tindaro, and representatives from the European Union. The visit aimed to observe the results of the EU-funded UN Joint Program on Refugees, Migrants and Host Communities. This program demonstrates how coordinated international cooperation can improve the lives of refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and host communities.

The delegation visited education and health facilities in 6th of October City and Omraneya, which were rehabilitated through the Program. These facilities reflect the importance of supporting refugees and migrants while strengthening national systems and public services. The visit showcased the Program's impact on improving access to essential services for refugees, migrants, and host communities. Egypt hosts 1.1 million registered refugees and asylum seekers, alongside several million migrants, including those in vulnerable situations.

The EU-funded UN Joint Program on Refugees, Migrants and Host Communities was launched in 2024 under the Joint Platform for Migrants and Refugees. It is a flagship partnership between the Government of Egypt, the United Nations, and development partners. The Program supports Egypt's national response to migrants and refugees, as well as the Egyptian communities hosting them. It has been implemented by UNHCR, IOM, WHO, UNICEF, and WFP.

Since its inception, the Program has reached more than half a million people, supporting 120 schools and strengthening 56 public health facilities. It has provided education services to over 162,000 students, trained more than 2,500 health professionals, and supported efforts to raise nutrition awareness and improve maternal and child nutrition and food security. The Program has also delivered protection services to 85,200 individuals and promoted social cohesion among children and adults.

The delegation reaffirmed its support for the Joint Program and commended the results achieved through the close partnership with the Ministry of Health and Population and the Ministry of Education and Technical Education. Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Migration, Ambassador Neveen Elhussein, emphasized the importance of translating international solidarity into tangible investments that benefit both refugees and migrants and the community hosting them.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Egypt, Gianluca Rampolla del Tindaro, highlighted the power of partnership in delivering tangible results for the most vulnerable. Sebastien Lorion, Team Leader of the Delegation of the EU to Egypt, reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting Egypt's efforts to address complex migration challenges. The visit underscored the importance of continued international solidarity and investment in Egypt's national systems.

The EU-funded Joint Program is crucial in supporting Egypt's efforts to address migration challenges, particularly in an increasingly volatile regional context. The Program's integrated interventions are expanding access to essential education, health, and protection services across Egypt, contributing to social cohesion and sustainable development. Key points include:

Key points

• The program has reached over half a million people since its inception.
• The program has supported 120 schools and strengthened 56 public health facilities.
• The program has delivered protection services to 85,200 individuals and promoted social cohesion.