The United Nations Global Compact Network Egypt (UNGCNE) celebrated the graduation of 50 women leaders from the first batch of Bloom with Purpose, its flagship program that has been designed to bridge the gender leadership gap in the Egyptian private sector. Rooted in the principles of inclusive leadership and sustainable development, the program reflects the Network’s broader mission to foster a more equitable and inclusive business environment in Egypt, aligning with the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 on Gender Equality, Egypt’s Vision 2030, and the National Strategy for the Empowerment of Egyptian Women.
Spanning over 12 weeks, the program is designed in collaboration with and delivered by the International Academy for Advanced Research and Studies- London (PEARSON-IARS) as a strategic partner, and is certified by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)—the only Royal Charter management body in the United Kingdom and the sole authority entitled to award the Chartered Manager designation, with a membership base of more than 180,000. With the technical training provided by IARS, the program aims to empower 100 women annually in mid- to senior-level management positions, equipping them with strategic leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and decision-making capabilities needed to advance into executive roles and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient business ecosystem.
The program was made possible through partners who believe in the power of women to shape a better future. Bloom with Purpose is empowered by Tatweer Misr who played a leading role in supporting women’s advancement and enabling them to step confidently into leadership positions across the private sector, in line with its strategy to empower women. The program was also supported by Contact Insurance Brokerage and MBG Developments as Platinum Partners, whose shared dedication to equality and opportunity underscores a collective commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient business community in Egypt.
Commenting on the program’s completion, Ms. Walaa El-Husseiny, Country Director of UNGCNE, said: “When we first envisioned this program, we asked ourselves what skills truly matter, which modules would create real impact, and how we could design a journey that would make a difference. That vision became Bloom with Purpose. At its heart was one belief: to and empower women’s leadership and help make it shine. We didn’t want to create just another training; we wanted a program, internationally recognized and certified from an institution that reflects real excellence.”
Mr. Karim El Safty, Regional Director (Middle East) of IARS and Secretary General of the Board of Directors at UNGCNE, stated: “You will remember this moment as a starting point—a new beginning in your career and a step closer to achieving your dreams. Thank you to UNGCNE and CMI for this powerful partnership, and sincere appreciation to the instructors for their guidance and dedication. Most importantly, thank you to the outstanding participants whose commitment and hard work have earned them the certificates they receive today.”
Mr. Hakeem Haider, CMI International Engagement Manager, stated: “One of the really unique things about the Bloom with Purpose program is that it is one of the first of its kind, not just in Egypt but in the entire Middle East region. That in itself is a really unique selling point for these women who have now graduated, allowing them to take the stage, continue their professional development, continue seeking opportunities, and, of course, most importantly, continue representing the country of Egypt on the global stage as well. These learners have now achieved really important things, including their CMI membership, which empowers them with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors to continue championing great management and leadership.”
Mr. Ayman Ismail, Chairman of the Board of Directors of UNGCNE, underlined: “At Bloom with Purpose, we believe that sustainable growth is a responsibility we act on today. By empowering leaders and aligning innovation with purpose, we are shaping a future where business success and societal impact go hand in hand. In Egypt, this also means ensuring women have equal opportunities to lead, contribute, and grow, as their role is essential to the country’s progress.”
Mrs. Nehal Break, Board of Directors Member at UNGCNE and Chairman and Managing Director of Contact Insurance Brokerage, stated “Building something that doesn’t yet exist in the professional world can feel like standing alone in the desert. I was constantly told ‘no,’ ‘it won’t happen,’ ‘it can’t be done,’ and ‘others tried before you and failed.’ But the most important thing is not to listen to those voices and to trust that you carry your own unique formula for success. That’s why the presence of a program like the one delivered by UNGCNE is truly remarkable. Bloom with Purpose doesn’t just teach leadership—it transforms you, guiding you from being an executive leader to becoming a CEO-level thinker and decision-maker.”
The program delivered a rigorous, internationally recognized curriculum that guided women participants in a dynamic learning journey combining technical leadership training, emotional intelligence development, professional mentoring, and exposure to global leadership insights. This holistic approach enabled participants to grow both professionally and personally while strengthening their organizations’ commitments to sustainability and gender equality.
By equipping women with the skills, confidence, and networks needed to lead, the program advanced a broader vision of gender equality, fostering a generation of leaders driving meaningful change across the private sector.
Through the successful completion of this program, UNGCNE reaffirmed its leadership in engaging the private sector and enhancing its pivotal role in shaping a fairer, more inclusive, and more prosperous future.
