The Priority List Podcast
Throughout 2025, The Priority List podcast, hosted and presented by Samira Rashwan, Founder and Executive Director of the Strategic Priorities Hub (SPH), served as a flagship platform for discussing Egypt’s critical national and regional policy priorities.
The program blends dialogue-based discussions, expert interviews, and participatory engagement, reaching audiences via Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, with more than 88k views.
The series emphasizes actionable solutions, fostering civic awareness, youth engagement, and policy discourse.
To Watch the Full Episodes
Episode 1 - Beyond the Papers: Think Tanks and Actual Decision-Making
Samira Rashwan, Founder and Managing Director of the Strategic Priorities Hub (SPH) hosts H.E. Dr. Magued Osman, former Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Director of Baseera Center for Public Opinion Research.
The episode discusses the essence of think tanks: If they are merely research centers, or do they represent an influential force in decision-making?
We will explore together the inception of think tanks, their functions, their importance globally and locally, and the challenges they face, especially amidst digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
Dr. Magued Ossman
Founder and CEO of the Egyptian Center for Public Opinion Research "Baseera"
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Dr. Noha Bakr
Professor of Political Science
And Member of the National Council for Human Rights.
Episode 2 - 100 Days of Donald Trump
In this episode, we host Dr. Noha Bakr, Professor of Political Science and member of the National Council for Human Rights. She discusses Donald Trump's steps after 100 days in office, the actions that accompanied that period, and the support he received from the Republican establishment.
The episode reveals how the decisions of one individual can shape global politics, and how this reflects on the American domestic scene and the world at large.
Episode 3 - The Five-Year Race: Egypt's Critical Priorities Before 2030
In this episode, we host Dr. Ahmed Darwish, former Minister of State for Administrative Development . He discuses the non-deferral priorities for Egypt over the next five years as the 2030 Vision approaches. What must be achieved immediately to ensure the best possible outcome? How can we reprioritize in this critical phase to secure the most impactful goals?
The discussion highlights three major pillars: digital transformation, water management, and employment - exploring how to turn these pressing challenges into opportunities for Egypt's future.
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Dr. Ahmed Darwish
former Minister of State for Administrative Development
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Dr. Ashraf Abdelwahab
Former Minister of Administrative Development
Episode 4 - The Al Race: Where Does Egypt Stand Now ?
In this episode, we host Dr. Ashraf Abdelwahab, Former Minister of Administrative Development, where he explores Egypt's national Al strategy: from paper to reality.
We analyze the major challenges hindering its implementation infrastructure, data quality, and legislation while addressing the importance of public trust and the delicate balance between regulation and innovation.
The discussion also highlights tangible opportunities Al could bring to Egypt, from transforming public services in health and transportation to boosting private sector productivity and competitiveness.
Episode 5 - Why Rural Women Are an Economic Priority
In this episode, we host Dr. Hala Yousry, Professor of Sociology and an expert in rural women's development.
She explores the vital economic role of rural women, who make up 45% of Egypt's agricultural workforce and are a cornerstone of national food security.
We discused how to transform their challenges limited land ownership, restricted access to finance, and digital and cultural barriers into real economic opportunities. The discussion highlights success stories in digital savings initiatives, empowerment programs such as "Mastoura" and "Hayah Kareema," and the growing role of rural women in climate resilience and the green economy.
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Dr. Hala Yousry
Professor of Sociology and Expert in Rural Women's Development
H.E. Ambassador Mona Omar
Former Assistant Foreign Minister and International Relations Expert
Episode 6 - Egyptian Diplomacy in the New Middle East
In this episode, we host Ambassador Mona Omar, former Assistant Foreign Minister and international relations expert, to analyze the structural shifts within the "New Middle East".
The discussion interrogates the erosion of traditional power balances and the rise of formalized geopolitical blocs, examining how Egypt navigates a landscape defined by redefined military deterrence and the looming challenges of nuclear proliferation. From the strategic imperatives in Gaza and Sudan to the geoeconomic struggle over energy corridors, we explore the recalibration of Egyptian foreign policy. The episode culminates in a "Priority List" for decision-makers, outlining the essential strategic maneuvers required to safeguard Egypt’s national security and regional influence amid unprecedented geopolitical fluidity.