President Abdel Fattah El Sisi witnessed on Friday 17/03/2023 the celebration of "Shoulder-to-Shoulder" initiative at Cairo International Stadium.

The event aims to celebrate the efforts of thousands of volunteers helping to distribute six million cartons of food supplies to 20 million citizens across all of Egypt before the holy month of Ramadan.

The initiative is being launched by the National Alliance for Civil Work for Development (NACDW) which is the biggest organized, independent gathering of civil society associations, representing the main umbrella, under which 30,000 associations work to achieve development, economic empowerment and social protection for Egyptians. 

The NACDW, which was launched in March 2022 to provide services in areas such as health and education, is a 34-entity alliance that includes the Decent Life Foundation (DLF), Resala Charity Organization, Orman Association and the Egyptian Food Bank.

Activities

El-Sisi asserted that "Shoulder-to-Shoulder" initiative is aiming to alleviate the burden on citizens in order to mitigate the effects of the global economic crises that led to substantial inflationary pressures and raised energy and food prices, squeezing real incomes of households around the world.

He added the initiative will contribute to reducing the burden on people by distributing 6 million boxes of food supplies to the most vulnerable groups and families all over the country.

The film shed light on the idea of the initiative, which was launched upon directives issued by President Sisi with the aim of supporting the National Alliance for Civil Work for Development (NACDW).

The film showed that the idea of supporting the NACDW represents a dream for everyone, highlighting that the NACDW managed to reach out to people and get to places that are very difficult to be reached, according to the film.

Via video conference, President Sisi also witnessed the proceedings of launching ''Shoulder-to-Shoulder'' initiative in 10 governorates.

A number of volunteers reviewed their relentless efforts to support the most vulnerable families and deliver foodstuff to them before the start of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

One of the volunteers, meanwhile, said that establishing the National Alliance for Civil Work for Development, which is the first of its kind in Egypt, includes institutions and associations that gather under one umbrella, upon directives issued by President Sisi in 2022.

According to them, the initiative included 300,000 volunteers helping to provide food to about 25 million people.

They noted that as of next Saturday, cartons that consist of food packages containing rice, oil, sugar and other necessities will be distributed to the needy families.

One of the volunteers in "Gamal el Garhi'' foundation for community development reviewed - via video conference - the launch of "Shoulder-to-Shoulder" initiative in Fayyoum governorate.

He also referred to “El Kheir kitchen”, which provides hot meals throughout the year and during the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

One of the volunteers in Abu el Enein charitable foundation said that after joining the National Alliance for Civil Work for Development (NACDW), it became easier to unify all databases and the services became more expanded.

In Assiut governorate, Tamer Galal at "Resala" charity organization said that he is delighted to be part of "Shoulder-to-Shoulder" initiative.

He pointed out that the charity organization has been operating in Egypt since more than 23 years, adding that Resala is at the forefront of associations participating in the National Alliance for Civil Development Work (NACDW).

In Damietta governorate, director of Dakhalia and Damietta office in Misr el Kheir foundation Hassan Mousalam said that a huge number of volunteers of different ages are taking part in preparing boxes usually consisting of food packages containing rice, oil, sugar and other necessities.

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on gave the go-ahead to volunteers of the "Shoulder-to-Shoulder" initiative in ten governorates.

President El-Sisi thanked all volunteers of the initiative, saying: " Thank you very much... Through you we extend our thanking to all associations and participants in NACDW."

El-Sisi thanked via video-conference volunteering children, who take part in the launching ceremony of the Shoulder-to-Shoulder initiative.

The President also thanked volunteers of North Sinai for participating in the launch of the initiative.

President El-Sisi witnessed several artistic performances as part of proceedings related to the launch of "Shoulder-to-Shoulder" initiative.

The event also included stunning performances presented by young talents from "El Dome" TV show.
The show was concluded by the artist, Ahmed Saad, with the song (Shoulder to Shoulder), which was admired by the audience and won loud applause.

Following the various outstanding performances, President El-Sisi delivered a speech in which he said that the "Shoulder-to-Shoulder" initiative is considered a new victory to humanity and social solidarity.
President El-Sisi, meanwhile, said that the event is a wonderful humanitarian scene, greeting all Arab and Muslim nations on the approach of the holy month of Ramadan.

The President voiced appreciation of efforts and sacrifices made by the great Egyptian people to serve the homeland.

President El-Sisi pointed out to the great national project to develop the Egyptian countryside "Decent Life" that is aiming to improve living standards and achieve genuine development in more than 4,000 targeted villages. 

President El-Sisi said that when "Decent Life" initiative was launched in 2019 its initial cost ranged between 700 and 800 billion Egyptian pounds.

The President said that due to global and domestic economic and financial changes the initiative's first phase cost hit more than 350 billion Egyptian pounds and the cost of the second and third phases are expected to reach nearly one trillion Egyptian pounds.

President El-Sisi said that "what we have been witnessing is affirming the determination and will of the people and showing their capability of changing the crisis into success and achievement in a wonderful humanitarian scene".

The President thanked all participants in this story of success including volunteers, charities, benevolent associations and active bodies operating under the umbrella of the National Alliance for Civil Development Work (NACDW).

President El-Sisi said "we are seeing today a new success by Egyptians in a civil society alliance that is aiming to support the social protection system in coordination with efforts of the government and the private sector."

He added: "They are all working to attain social development and offer quality services to citizens nationwide with the objective of reaching the most vulnerable segments in the Egyptian society."

The President concluded his speech by greeting and appreciating the great Egyptian people and congratulating the Arab and Islamic nations on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, praying to God to grant us success and grant us goodness, peace, blessing and love for all humanity.