Omar Samra Appointed as UNDP Goodwill Ambassador
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has appointed the first Egyptian to climb Mount Everest, the well-renowned Omar Samra as Egypt’s goodwill ambassador.
“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 organizations 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,” said Samra in his speech yesterday.
His appointment came in an effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through the next 15 years, particularly in the field of youth development and environmental conservation.
There are 17 sustainable development goals on the list compiled by member states exactly one year ago, on the 25th of September, 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity once and for all.
“I think the impact of a goodwill ambassador is only as strong as the effort that he or she is willing to put into the task, and of course the commitment of the organization, in this case the UNDP in activating this initiative,” the award-winning hiker said.
He is the first Egyptian and youngest Arab to climb Mount Everest, climb to the highest peak in every continent –‘the 7 Summits’– and complete the Explorers’ Grand Slam by skiing to the South and North Poles. On 5 December 2013, Samra won a competition among 2 million participants to represent Egypt on a commercial space mission in 2016. If completed, Omar would become the first Egyptian in space.
WE SAID THIS: We have great hopes for this partnership!
