The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Fifth Edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development, held on 19-20 October in Aswan, Egypt.
"This agreement reflects our shared commitment to advancing sustainable peace and inclusive development across Africa and beyond," said Mohammed Abdiker, IOM Chief of Staff.
"Through this partnership, we reaffirm our dedication to empowering national institutions and communities to lead in shaping resilient responses to displacement, conflict, and climate challenges. Together, we are building bridges of peace and progress for the continent," he added.
The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration between IOM and CCCPA in areas such as human mobility, conflict prevention, peacemaking and peacebuilding, women and youth, peace and security, as well as the climate, peace and development nexus.
The partnership will further develop joint actions within the context of the Aswan Forum, the Egyptian COP27 Presidency's "Climate Responses for Sustaining Peace" initiative, and capacity building activities on countering cross-border crimes while advancing integrated border governance.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives, including Ambassador Amr El Sherbiny, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Affairs and International Security, Ambassador Seif Kandeel, Director General of CCCPA and Executive Director of the Aswan Forum and Mohammed Abdiker, Chief of Staff at IOM; Othman Belbeisi, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at IOM; Carlos Oliver Cruz, Chief of Mission, IOM Egypt.
"We are happy to witness this important milestone, which represents a continuation of a long chapter of collaboration between our two institutions. Over the years, CCCPA and IOM have had a longstanding and strategic partnership, translated into a wide range of joint activities in Africa and beyond. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to addressing the complex nexus between migration, peace, security, and development," said Ambassador Seif Kandeel, Director General of Cairo International Center for CCCPA.
"Through our Cairo Regional Office and offices across Africa and the Middle East, IOM is committed to working with CCCPA towards the shared goal of advancing development and prosperity for Africa. This agreement reinforces our commitment to sharing technical expertise, building partnerships, and driving collaborative, community-led solutions that make a real difference to people's lives," stated Othman Belbeisi, IOM's Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.
Egypt's leadership as a champion of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) continues to inspire regional cooperation and innovation in migration governance. Through this partnership, IOM and CCCPA reaffirm their dedication to empowering African and Arab institutions and communities to lead resilient responses to displacement, conflict, and climate challenges.
About IOM and the Aswan Forum Partnership:
The Aswan Forum is an African-owned high-level platform launched by Egypt during its 2019 African Union chairmanship, convening heads of state, government leaders, regional and international organizations, civil society, private sector, and experts to address the interlinked challenges of peace, security, and development across Africa.
IOM Egypt has been a partner since the inaugural edition of the Forum, contributing to preparatory expert workshops, policy dialogues, and implementing the humanitarian-peace-development nexus through its global expertise.
