Partnership for improving prospects for forcibly displaced persons and host communities (PROSPECTS) in Egypt

Promoting inclusion, resilience and decent work in Egypt

Egypt has long served as both a transit and host country for refugees, asylum seekers and other people on the move. Recent regional displacement dynamics have increased demand for education, employment, social protection and other essential services, particularly in urban areas where host communities and forcibly displaced persons live side by side. These evolving circumstances underscore the importance of strengthening national systems that promote inclusion, resilience and sustainable development.

In collaboration with the Government of Egypt, the PROSPECTS Partnership brings together humanitarian and development actors to support integrated responses that strengthen national capacities and expand access to opportunities for both host communities and forcibly displaced persons. Through this approach, the Partnership contributes to stronger systems that benefit communities while supporting Egypt's broader development priorities.

Led by the Government of the Netherlands and implemented jointly by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), UNHCR, UNICEF and the World Bank, the PROSPECTS Partnership supports national efforts to expand access to education and learning, decent work and social protection.

Working closely with government institutions, employers' and workers' organizations and other partners, the ILO promotes inclusive labour market policies and institutions, quality skills development, entrepreneurship, enterprise development, employment opportunities, rights at work and social protection. These interventions contribute to more inclusive labour markets, stronger national systems and sustainable development outcomes that benefit both host communities and forcibly displaced persons.

Since 2019, the ILO has contributed to the PROSPECTS Partnership in Egypt by working with government institutions, employers' and workers' organizations, United Nations partners and other stakeholders to strengthen pathways to decent work for refugees and host communities. Through integrated interventions spanning education and learning, employment, enterprise development and social protection, Phase I strengthened institutional capacities, reinforced partnerships and promoted more inclusive labour market systems that create opportunities for sustainable economic inclusion.

Building on this foundation, Phase II deepens the Partnership's investment in national systems and institutions to expand access to decent work and strengthen resilience. Through integrated interventions across education and learning, employment and social protection, the ILO continues to support national priorities by promoting inclusive labour markets, strengthening skills systems, fostering entrepreneurship and advancing rights at work. Together, these efforts contribute to greater social cohesion and improved opportunities for refugees and host communities while reinforcing sustainable development in Egypt.