Yasmine Fouad resigns as Environment Minister as she takes on UNCCD Secretary-General role
The longest-serving minister in the cabinet
Fouad is one of the longest-serving ministers in the Egyptian government, having served for seven years as Environment Minister.
She concluded her term on Sunday in a celebration held by ministry employees to honor her career and her role in Egyptian environmental work, as well as her regional and Arab role.
Fouad led an exceptional career in serving the environment and sustainable development from the halls of the Egyptian government to the platforms of the United Nations.
Onto a new role
On Sunday, Fouad officially submitted her resignation from her position as Environment Minister to assume a prestigious international position as the first Egyptian and Arab woman to hold the position of Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, by decision of UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
This new international position reflects her deep experience and proven track record in environmental diplomacy, as she will lead global efforts to combat desertification starting in August.
Academic Qualifications
PhD in Euro-Mediterranean Studies from Cairo University, where she developed a deep understanding of global environmental politics.
MA in Environmental Science from Ain Shams University, which provided a solid scientific foundation for her work in environmental governance.
Visiting Scholar at the Earth Institute at Columbia University, where she contributed to the design of the Center of Excellence for Climate Change Adaptation in Egypt.
Career
During her tenure as Environment Minister, she led institutional reforms and pioneering initiatives, such as the presidential initiative 'Get Ready for Green' (2020-2023) to promote environmental awareness and youth engagement.
While she was Assistant Minister of Environment (2014-2018), she established a strong foundation for sustainable environmental policies in Egypt.
Fouad also boasts International experience with the United Nations and NGOs. She has worked with global and regional organizations such as the Nile Basin Organization, where she prepared studies on the impact of climate change on water resources.
She was a lead author on the 2017 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, focusing on desertification and sustainable land management.
Global Achievements
Presidency of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP14): Led the conference in November 2018 and contributed to the formulation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
The Egyptian Initiative for the Integration of the Rio Conventions: Launched a pioneering initiative to link climate change, biodiversity, and desertification control agreements to ensure effective financing for environmental challenges.
Leading climate finance negotiations (COP24): She played a pivotal role at the Katowice 2018 conference, leading to the completion of the financial component of the Paris Agreement.
Establishing the Loss and Damage Fund at COP27: She actively contributed to launching this fund to support countries affected by climate change.
Supporting African initiatives: She led the African Adaptation and Renewable Energy Initiatives within the framework of the Conference of African Ministers of the Environment.
Leaving behind a sustainable Legacy
A ceremony was held at the ministry to honor her pioneering role in promoting Egyptian and regional environmental policies.
Following her resignation from the government, the Prime Minister congratulated Fouad on her appointment as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
Fouad is one of the 10 most influential government leaders in the Middle East, having been selected for Forbes Middle East's 2024 list for her distinguished role in achieving sustainability.
Through her distinguished environmental initiatives, such as 'Get Ready for Green' and her role in the Rio Conventions, Fouad left behind a clear legacy in promoting environmental awareness and climate change adaptation.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
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