Egyptian Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk has called for new mechanisms for sustainable debt management in low and middle-income countries and the reform of the global financial structure to turn debt into opportunities for investment and development. Speaking at a roundtable on finance and debt during an UNCTAD conference in Geneva, Kouchouk emphasized the need for UNCTAD to play a larger role in addressing developmental challenges and finding innovative financing solutions.
Egyptian Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk spoke at a roundtable on finance and debt during an UNCTAD conference in Geneva on October 21, 2025, calling for a shared vision for economic transformation toward more just, inclusive, and sustainable development. He highlighted Egypt's anticipation for UNCTAD to take a larger role in tackling developmental challenges and devising innovative financing solutions.
“Geopolitical tensions, climate change, food security, and the digital divide impose enormous pressures on developing economies,” Kouchouk said, adding that stimulating private sector investment is essential to bridge development gaps. He stressed the need to enhance the role of African countries in trade, development, and the global economy in a fair and balanced manner.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area is a strategic opportunity to boost intra-regional trade and access to international markets,” Kouchouk noted, renewing Egypt’s commitment to multilateralism, the U.N. Charter, and collective dialogue to address international challenges. This address comes amid global economic pressures affecting developing nations, where Kouchouk seeks to transform debt into drivers for investment and development.