The president made his remarks during the opening of the first conference of the National Alliance for Civil Development Work (NACDW).

The alliance was launched in March of last year to ensure effective engagement of civil society institutions in developing communities and meeting their legitimate needs in service, health, education, awareness and urban fields.

The alliance comprises more than 30 associations, civil society organisations, and service and developmental entities.

El-Sisi praises NACDW role

El-Sisi underlined the important role played by the NACDW, praising its coordinated and sustained work and its fruitful outcomes.

The president called on the NACDW and other civil society organisations to intensify their efforts during 2023 in light of the world’s current economic crisis.

"Civil society organisations play a role that the government alone could never accomplish with the same efficiency," adding that there is a need to expand the NACDW to improve assistance in economic, health and other fields.

He noted that the NACDW has announced a package of EGP 14 billion for charity work, calling on the Tahya Misr fund – which targets vulnerable families – to contribute to it, also asking the government to exert more efforts in this regard.

He said existing donations of EGP 10 billion should be increased, noting that 2022 was declared as the year of civil society and the current year needs even more efforts to overcome the impact of the economic crisis.

The president asserted that he has been in continuous contact with civil society entities to be briefed on their work and their ideas, adding that he admires them a lot.

El-Sisi also addressed a woman, a beneficiary of the NACDW who runs a farm on her own, calling her a role model for economic empowerment.

Do not spread panic

The president expressed hope that 2023 would witness more efforts of civil action, noting that the current tough circumstances requires all parties collaborate with the government.

El-Sisi also criticised people who speak randomly and without knowledge, urging Egyptians to listen to the government because it fully recognises the size of the current challenge ahead of the country based on and data and figures.

The president said any ideas are most welcome. However, any random talk can cause disturbance and more panic to citizens amid the pressure from tough economic circumstances facing Egypt and the world alike, he added.

El-Sisi asserted that spreading panic among people would have bad consequences for the government and the people, weakening their will to stand firm in countering any challenges.

He asked, rhetorically, "could we ever give up on our country with such current hard conditions?"

The president went on to say that the government has not been engaged in any wars and never squandered its funds, noting that the Russia-Ukraine crisis and the two-year coronavirus pandemic were not made by Egypt.

Egypt is paying a dear price, like other countries, El-Sisi added, calling on all "to stop such futile talk."

Conference kick off

The conference kicked off by screening a documentary on the alliance's efforts in 2022.

The film highlighted the key role played by civil society in realising development and improving living conditions.

The film also included a speech by late Dr. Anisa Hassouna on the importance of civil society.

It also highlighted efforts of the alliance to prioritise supporting the health sector, referring to health and food convoys in various governorates.

The film said the alliance extended monthly pensions for more than 600,000 families over the past year.

The alliance is planning to continue its efforts in 2023 to reach more beneficiaries.