Egypt has been at the center of world events for centuries. If your job were to strengthen Egypt’s economic ties with the international community, where would you start? Since September of 2015, that has been the question that Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation, Dr. Sahar Nasr, has had to answer.

About the Ministry of International Cooperation

The Ministry’s mission is to develop and support economic cooperation between Egypt and other countries, as well as with international and regional organizations. It also “advises the government on the standards and regulations for external borrowing and the receiving of foreign grants, reviews the disbursements and repayments of local borrowers in addition to the disbursements of beneficiaries from foreign grants. . .to ensure the achievement of economic development.”

About Dr. Sahar Nasr

Dr. Sahar Nasr is a professor of Economics at the American University in Cairo and a lecturer at several other universities. Since taking on the role of Minister of International Cooperation, her focus has been strengthening Egypt’s relationships with its international partners, as well as building new relationships with other countries and international organizations in Africa and Asia. In addition, Dr. Nasr heads the National Committee for the Follow-Up on the Implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

“My aim is to forge more partnerships with the international community and to mobilize resources with the objective of achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” Dr. Nasr said upon taking her position as Minister. “Job creation, especially for youth and women, is on the top of my agenda. Supporting lagging regions and enhancing access to markets is key in that regard.”

About ICSB 2016

Founded in 1955, the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) was the first international membership organization to promote the growth and development of small businesses worldwide. The organization brings together educators, researchers, policy-makers and practitioners from around the world to share knowledge and expertise in their respective fields. Each year, ICSB members and affiliates come together to discuss relevant issues and share information at conferences all around the world.

This year, the ICSB World Conference will take place at multiple locations in New York and New Jersey. The conference kicks off at United Nations Headquarters on June 16, and then moves to the Stevens Institute of Technology on June 17 and 18. Registration is open to the public, but limited and expected to sell out. ICSB 2016 will focus on the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in advancing the UN New Sustainable Development Goals.

For more information about the conference, or to secure your seat, please click here or visit the ICSB’s website at http://ICSB.org/.