Thursday March 28th, 2024
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Omar Samra Appointed UNDP Goodwill Ambassador to Egypt

Egyptian explorer, adventurer, and astronaut-to-be Omar Samra is at it again, this time earning the title of 'Goodwill Ambassador to Egypt'.

Staff Writer

Omar Samra Appointed UNDP Goodwill Ambassador to Egypt

The United Nations' Development Programme (UNDP) has appointed Egyptian adventurer Omar Samra its Goodwill Ambassador to Egypt. 

The organisation announced the news in a press release, saying Samra will be promoting environmental protection and youth empowerment in Egypt in his capacity as UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, as well as generating support for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which the UN has recently adopted "to shape our future in the next 15 years."

“Today marks the culmination of a collaboration that started two and half years ago and at the same time marks the beginning of what we wish to be a long and fruitful partnership as we appoint Omar Samra as Goodwill Ambassador for UNDP,” UNDP Country Director Ignacio Artaza said in Samra's appointment ceremony. “I firmly believe that together with UNDP, we have found the perfect partnership to help effectively tackle some of the biggest challenges relating to conserving our environment and empowering our youth today. I hope that many more people and organisations join us on this journey. I’m confident that with our work, and the media’s voice, we can make a lasting positive difference that is felt by everyone,” Samra said in his speech yesterday. 

Samra will work closely with the UNDP to raise awareness about climate change and encourage Egyptian youth to think of innovative ideas to solve the development problems facing their communities. The collaboration will see both parties working on initiatives to "increase sustainability, promote and explore the protected areas in Egypt, and encourage youth to become agents of change through entrepreneurship and innovation.

Samra is the first Egyptian and youngest Middle Eastern ever to climb the Seven Summits and complete the Explorers' Grand Slam, which saw him ski to the South and North poles. Upon his return from space, Samra will become the first person to have gone to space and completed the Explorers' Grand Slam. 

(Photo Credit:Abdallah Emad/UNDP Egypt)