Government of Egypt, the United Nations, Partners Reaffirm Shared Commitment  under the Joint Platform for Migrants and Refugees

Cairo, 21 June 2026 – The Government of Egypt, the United Nations, development partners,  civil society organizations gathered today for the annual meeting of the Joint Platform for  Migrants and Refugees (JPMR), reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing  coordinated, inclusive and sustainable solutions that support migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and host communities across Egypt. 

Convened under the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates and the United Nations Resident Coordinator, the meeting provided an opportunity to take stock of progress, review emerging priorities and strengthen partnerships in support of the national response on migrants and refugees. Discussions focused on translating shared commitments into  practical action, while ensuring that national systems remain at the centre of the response. 

Established in 2021, the Joint Platform for Migrants and Refugees has evolved into a key  Government/UN-led mechanism for coordination and partnership, bringing together  national institutions, UN agencies, development partners, civil society and academia  around common objectives: fostering dialogue, aligning priorities and enhancing  partnerships. At the heart of this effort is the strengthening of national systems and the  expansion of opportunities for migrants, refugees, and the communities that host them. This  ensures access to quality education, healthcare, protection, and essential services, while  contributing to more resilient and inclusive communities. 

Opening the meeting, Ambassador Amr El Sherbini, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for  Multilateral Affairs and International Security, emphasized that the Joint Platform was established to strengthen coordination, align efforts, and ensure resources are directed efficiently toward national priorities. He noted that the current phase requires moving beyond coordination to maximizing impact through stronger links between humanitarian and development interventions, greater support to national systems, and sustainable solutions. 

Ambassador El Sherbini further highlighted the growing need for enhanced international support, particularly financial support, in light of the ongoing regional crises and increasing arrivals, stressing that such support should reflect the scale of the challenges and pressures faced by host countries.

Elena Panova, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Egypt, emphasized the importance of  sustained partnership and continued collaboration. She said: “Amid escalating regional crises and declining resources, stronger coordination between the  Government of Egypt, development partners, and the United Nations is critical to support  the national response to migrants and refugees. This is precisely why the Joint Platform for  Migrants and Refugees convened today to anchor interventions in national systems, align efforts across the humanitarian-development nexus, and prioritize access to services,  protection and social cohesion. This is essential to reduce fragmentation and maximize  impact.”

The meeting highlighted Egypt’s commitments under the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and the Global Compact on Refugees, key findings from the  Common Situational Analysis on the needs of migrants and refugees in Egypt carried out by  the American University of Cairo as well as Egypt Vision 2030. Participants underscored the importance of evidence-informed policymaking, strengthened national systems and broad-based partnerships in  addressing evolving needs and advancing sustainable solutions. 

Participants reviewed progress achieved through the Platform, including under the  European Union-funded Joint UN Programme jointly implemented by UNHCR, IOM, WHO,  UNICEF and WFP. Through investment in education, health and protection systems, the  programme is strengthening national capacities while providing direct assistance to those most in need. Nearly half a million people have benefited from improved services and  support, demonstrating the impact that can be achieved when government, international  partners and communities work together toward shared goals. Since the launch of the  Programme, 162,000 students have benefitted from education services, 4,800 life-saving  and essential health services have been provided, and 85,200 individuals have received  protection services including child protection, mental health and family reunification.  

Deputy Ambassador of the EU delegation in Egypt, Ms. Anne Schouw said:  “The challenges faced by migrants, refugees, and host communities cannot be solved through fragmented, short-term interventions. For the EU, it is vital to support both the displaced populations and the communities that generously host them. Through the Joint Platform, we are providing immediate, tangible support to Egypt’s national health, education, and protection systems so they can sustain essential services under this immense pressure. Crucially, the EU is anchoring all of its support directly within the priorities of the Egyptian Government. Reflecting on five years of fruitful partnership and tangible achievements, the participants reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to further enhancing cooperation in alignment with Egypt’s national priorities.”

Building on five years of partnership and results, partners reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration in support of Egypt’s national priorities. The meeting concluded  with a shared commitment to further strengthen national systems, expand opportunities,  and reinforce international responsibility-sharing and solidarity with Egypt as a major host country for refugees and migrants. Partners also reiterated the importance of ensuring that  migrants, refugees and host communities, including children and women, can access their basic food needs, and the services, protection and opportunities they need to thrive and contribute to Egypt’s sustainable development. 

For more information, please contact:

UNIC: Nihal El Kady, [email protected]

UNHCR: Christine Beshay, [email protected]

IOM: Salma Okasha, [email protected]

WHO: Yasmeen Ali, [email protected]

UNICEF: Noha Abouzeid, [email protected]

WFP: Amina Alkorey, [email protected]