: Aswan Forum Concludes with a Call for African-Led Solutions and Restoring Global Trust
Misr Mubasher – October 22, 2025
The city of Aswan has once again become a hub for African dialogue, as the fifth edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development wrapped up after two days of intensive discussions under the theme “Restoring Trust in the International System and Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Development in Africa.”
The forum was inaugurated by Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs, and drew wide participation from African and international leaders, including the Prime Minister of Somalia, and the Foreign Ministers of Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, Somalia, Yemen, and Angola—the latter holding the current chairmanship of the African Union.
Also attending were the Rwandan Minister of Interior, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, and the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, along with over 440 representatives from international and regional organizations, financial institutions, the private sector, and civil society.
Across 15 sessions, participants examined key challenges and opportunities for peace and development across the continent.
Discussions covered a wide range of issues — from rebuilding confidence in the global rules-based order and revitalizing peace and security mechanisms, to innovative partnerships that address resource shortages.
Panels also explored the strategic importance of the Red Sea as a link between the Arab and African regions, the impact of artificial intelligence on peace and security, and how infrastructure investment can drive regional economic integration.
Speakers consistently underscored one central message: Africa must lead its own path to stability and growth.
They stressed that African leadership and continental integration remain the cornerstone of lasting peace and sustainable development.
At the closing session, Ambassador Seif Kandil, Executive Director of the Aswan Forum, presented the “Aswan Conclusions”, a document outlining the key outcomes and recommendations of this year’s event.
He explained that these conclusions will be translated into tangible programs under what is known as the “Aswan Cycle”, which will include a series of capacity-building workshops and initiatives in the coming months.
Ambassador Kandil emphasized that the forum seeks to bridge the gap between policy dialogue and implementation, promoting an African-owned, solution-oriented approach that connects local realities with sustainable peace and development.
In its final statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the forum reflects Egypt’s enduring commitment to peace and development in Africa and its leadership role in supporting African priorities through dialogue, partnership, and mutual respect.
