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On the road in Cairo

Friday, 7 March 2008 | posted by Matt_BC
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As she edged into the oncoming traffic, Yossra told me that I'd be seeing a new side to her. She couldn't have been more right. The way she weaved in and out of the chaos that is always present in Cairo's streets, not losing her cool for a second, was really impressive. But then I've always been impressed by Yossra, who I first met as one of the Greenwich Forum participants and then in Davos and again in Brussels last year.

yossra_cairo_march_08_295

I was in Cairo for three days this week, to participate in a preparation meeting for the World Economic Forum on the Middle East. There were two of us there from the British Council, myself and Azza, Deputy Director Jordan. With a youth element being included for the first time in the Middle East WEF, we had been invited to come along to see where the British Council's priorities fit with those of the WEF and to ensure that there was a strong focus on young people in the scenario-building exercises. I hope we succeeded in making sure that issues affecting young people are included on the agenda for Sharm el Sheikh. The meeting took place in the boardroom at the very top of one of Cairo's newest and tallest buildings, on the bank of the Nile, which was adjacent to a desperately poor area. As a city of contrasts, it would be hard to beat Cairo - a city of over 17 million people (and to my mind, about as many cars), and the most densely populated metropolitan area in Africa. But there is something endearing about the place. And having had a special couple of hours with Yossra, sipping banana and mango juice in Gezira, a large island in the middle of the Nile, makes it all the more memorable.

Caroline

7 Comments
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.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
10 March 2008

That makes me inspired
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
11 March 2008

Hey Yossra, it’s so good to see and hear that you’re still as busy and inspiring as at the time we got to know you. Hope you’ll be engaged in the WEF Middle East project in one way or another and that all your wedding preparations are getting on smoothly
I hope we’ll also be able to sip some drinks at the bank of the Nile one of these days! Take care and all the best!
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
12 March 2008

Cool you look awsom, i hope i will be choosen and get a chance 2 c you in UAE or Egypt.

:D
Gillion Bosman
13 March 2008

Seraaj that is not the only reason for you going to the forum. You must go there to engage with the issues facing the youth not to meet Yosra. I am sure there will be lots of girls there to distract you.

But I also hope that you will be chosen
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
13 March 2008

hahahaha :D thanx you got me on this 1
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
13 March 2008

Wow great memories, Caroline, it was almost as being there…Good luck with the WEF middle east!!!!

bests,
Juan
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
25 March 2008

I feel so embarssed being last to comment on a piece of me in it, and that late but I took my time to check the whole site and I must say I’m very much impressed. Caroline dear thank you so much for your kind words, I was exremely touched, and I hope you enjoyed your time and that your family liked the stuff Armin miss you loads and please don’t remind me of my marriage arrangements it’s driving me crazy I hope I get to meet as many of you during the WEF middle east and hope I stay friends with you all forever