Ismail Sabri Abdallah: His legacy for the poor

By Seheir Kansouh

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Ismail Sabri Abdallah

I entered the late Dr Ismail Sabri Abdallah's office at the Third World Forum, 39 Sharia El-Tahrir, Dokki, and though I expected it, I was hit by the cheerless, absent look on the face of his lifetime friend and colleague, Dr Ibrahim Saad El-Din, and the determination of Dr Ibrahim El-Issawy to go on with Dr Abdallah's unfinished agenda. It was my first visit to the Forum after the passing of Dr Abdallah. It caused me a great pain to see the desk he had occupied for years, next to that of Dr Saad El Din, empty.

Though untouched, out of loyalty and the faithfulness of his partners and friends, I would call on the Forum not to leave his place in that office vacant for long; not let die something so important, as regrettably happened to the New Civic Forum following the death of its founder, the late Dr Said El-Naggar, because his will for continuity was not respected by his long-time disciples.

I believe that for a man that has devoted his life to his principles -- was even jailed for these principles because of ignorant nomenclatures that stigmatise thoughts without bothering to know or understand the meaning and substance of these thoughts -- this would be the best way to pay respect to the late and much missed Dr Abdallah.

Though a person who may not have met Dr Abdallah often -- nor was I of his inner circle -- I attest to his having been a mentor and an inspiration whenever confronted with a developmental challenge throughout my long work with the UNDP. Even those who did not share his ideology could not differ with his vision and sound judgment. His Alternative Future dossier for the Arab world and his Egypt 2020 vision continue to be a major source of inspiration for any person or institution holding the interests of Egypt, its people, and the Arab world in general, at heart, the plight of the poor and vulnerable always at the forefront of his thoughts.

His picture is a copy of a real painting of Dr Abdallah. The original hangs in the office of his faithful assistants -- the backbone of the Forum -- Helen and Fawzia.

Farewell, Dr Abdallah. Let us and others allow your work to live for the poor were always on your mind. May your name be kept and celebrated among the annals of great men in Egypt, and of humanity.