Latest news with #COP27
Daily News Egypt
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's Environment Minister chairs regional CEDARE meeting ahead of UN desertification role
Egypt's Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, chaired the 18th Board of Trustees meeting of the Center for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE) on Monday, ahead of her upcoming appointment as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The meeting, held at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, brought together senior Arab officials and international partners. Among the attendees were Saudi Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli—who co-chaired the meeting—UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Amna Al-Dahak, Yemen's Minister of Water and Environment Tawfiq Al-Sharjabi, and representatives from Jordan, Bahrain, the Arab League, the Islamic Development Bank, the University of Malta, and various UN programs. Egypt was also represented by Ali Abu Senna, CEO of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency. In her remarks, Fouad, who also serves as Deputy Chair of the SIDAR Board, commended Saudi Arabia's robust technical and financial support to CEDARE, calling it a 'model for institutional revitalization.' She expressed hope that this successful approach could be replicated in other regional organizations, such as the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA). She also praised Khaled Fahmy—CEDARE's interim Executive Director and former Egyptian Environment Minister—for his leadership in revitalizing the center's operations in recent months. Fouad underscored the need for CEDARE to continue aligning with Arab environmental priorities in the face of intensifying regional challenges. Fouad highlighted the strategic importance of Europe's involvement in CEDARE, urging member states to leverage recent political momentum following key climate milestones: Egypt's presidency of COP27, the UAE's leadership at COP28, and Saudi Arabia's forthcoming role as host of COP16 under the UNCCD. She noted that these events provide Arab countries with a timely opportunity to transform climate risks into development opportunities. Addressing the region's most critical environmental threats, she pointed to water scarcity and food insecurity—both exacerbated by climate change. She emphasized the potential of circular economy approaches, developed in cooperation with Saudi Arabia, to address these concerns through more efficient water use, waste management, and renewable energy adoption. Fouad called for a full strategic and administrative restructuring of CEDARE to enhance its effectiveness and responsiveness. She encouraged greater involvement from the private sector, viewing it as a key stakeholder in advancing regional sustainability. Concluding her speech, she thanked colleagues at CEDARE and the Egyptian Ministry of Environment, noting this would be her final participation in the meeting as minister before assuming her UN leadership role. In his address, Saudi Minister Al-Fadhli echoed the call for reform, emphasizing the need to redefine CEDARE's mission, strengthen its administrative and financial systems, and enhance its role in fostering Arab-European cooperation on environmental governance. He also highlighted regional sustainability efforts, including the Saudi-led Middle East Green Initiative and recent major UN climate conferences hosted in the region. CEDARE Executive Director Khaled Fahmy congratulated Fouad on her new appointment, reaffirming the center's commitment to fulfilling its mandate amid shifting regional needs. He welcomed ongoing discussions on institutional reforms, strategic planning, and building partnerships with academia and the private sector. During the session, Egypt's representative to the Arab League, Mahmoud Fathallah, presented a proposal to enhance regional collaboration on circular economy frameworks. Eng. Samah Saleh, Head of CEDARE's Sustainable Development Unit, underscored the urgency of improving resource efficiency in response to mounting environmental and economic pressures. The Board of Trustees approved a one-year extension of its current term and reviewed key financial and institutional reports. Discussions focused on governance reforms, partnership development, and setting strategic priorities for CEDARE's next phase.
Egypt Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Egypt Today
Egypt, Germany Advance Green Energy Ties with €21 Million Debt Swap Deal
CAIRO – 26 May 2025: Egypt has signed a new €21 million debt swap agreement with Germany, further strengthening their long-standing development cooperation. The agreement brings together the Central Bank of Egypt, the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy, the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company, and Germany's KfW Development Bank. This funding will help bolster Egypt's renewable and sustainable energy infrastructure, supporting efforts to enhance energy security and transition to cleaner sources. With this latest deal, the total value of debt swap tranches executed between the two countries now stands at approximately €297 million—equivalent to around EGP 16.8 billion. Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, stressed the significance of the agreement, noting it extends a development partnership that began in 2011 and has since delivered numerous impactful projects. The agreement aligns with Germany's €250 million pledge at COP27 to support Egypt's NWFE (Nexus of Water, Food, and Energy) program, including €104 million allocated through debt swaps. One of the program's milestones came in 2023 with a €54 million agreement to expand Egypt's electricity transmission network and connect two major Red Sea wind farms—Noes and Amunet, with a combined capacity of 500 MW—to the national grid. A second tranche under the NWFE platform, valued at €50 million, is currently in the works. The Egypt-Germany debt swap program is governed by a structured framework that ensures effective implementation and optimal use of funds. The Ministry of Planning plays a leading role in coordinating project selection, conducting negotiations with KfW, and managing the technical and financial components in collaboration with national stakeholders.
Middle East
6 days ago
- Politics
- Middle East
OPEN// Egypt welcomes UN appointment of Yasmine Fouad as Executive Secretary of UNCCD
CAIRO, May 23 (MENA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates warmly welcomed the announcement made by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres regarding the appointment of Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad as the new Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The ministry stated Friday that this high-level appointment reflects Egypt's leading and pivotal role under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi in recent years in the field of environmental diplomacy and international development. It added that 'This leadership was prominently demonstrated during Egypt's presidency of the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), which served as a distinguished model of responsible leadership aimed at balancing economic development and environmental preservation, thereby ensuring a secure and sustainable future for coming generations. It also amplified Africa's voice on the international stage, significantly contributing to advancing the sustainable development agenda and highlighting critical issues such as climate adaptation, water security, and energy.' The foreign ministry emphasized that the appointment of Yasmine Fouad to this prominent international post is a testament to the confidence in her capabilities and extensive expertise in addressing global environmental challenges and supporting international efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in light of the escalating environmental crises worldwide. The ministry extended its sincere congratulations to her and wished her continued success in fulfilling the responsibilities of her new role. The UN has announced in a statement that Fouad will succeed Ibrahim Thiaw of Mauritania whom the Secretary-General said he is deeply grateful for his dedicated service and outstanding commitment to the Organization. According to the UN statement, 'serving as Minister of Environment of Egypt since 2018, Fouad is an expert in environmental diplomacy with over 25 years of experience in environmental governance, global environmental themes and international climate diplomacy, the statement read. She has a proven track record in designing and implementing institutional and systemic reforms for sustainable development. 'On the global stage, Fouad has played a pivotal role in multilateral environmental processes, serving as the President of the 14th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD-COP 14) (2018-2021) and as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP 27 Envoy (2021-2022). She co-led the process for reaching consensus to draft the Global Biodiversity Framework 2030 and played a key role in advancing global initiatives on adaptation, food security, agriculture and nature-based solutions at COP 27. She also spearheaded the Presidential Global Initiative, which links the Rio Conventions launched at CBD COP 14. She co-facilitated climate finance at five Climate COPs representing the interests of the global South in collaboration with Northern partners. 'Regionally, she has contributed to the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) and African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) (2015-2017) as Assistant Minister of Environment for Sustainable Development, Regional and International Cooperation. She was instrumental in the technical preparation and coordination of the African Adaptation Initiative and the African Renewable Energy Initiative. She co-chaired the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) Regional Flagship Programmes steering committee including Sustainable Land Management, Desertification, Biodiversity and Ecosystems-based Adaptation to Climate Change. 'As a visiting scholar at Columbia University, Fouad contributed to the Earth Institute, helping design a Centre of Excellence for Climate Change Adaptation in Egypt. She holds a Euro-Mediterranean Studies, Cairo University, and a in Environmental Science, Ain Shams University.' (MENA) R E E/
Egypt Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Egypt's Minister of Environment appointed as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
CAIRO – 23 May 2025: The UN Secretary-General announces the appointment of Egyptian Minister of Environment Dr. Yasmine Fouad as the new Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). She succeeds Ibrahim Thiaw of Mauritania in this prominent international role. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs welcomed the announcement, made on 22 May 2025, praising Dr. Fouad's appointment as a testament to Egypt's growing leadership in environmental diplomacy and sustainable development. 'This appointment to a high-level international position reflects Egypt's pivotal role—under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi—in promoting global environmental governance and sustainable development,' the Ministry said in an official statement. The statement emphasized Egypt's prominent role during its presidency of the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27), which served as a model of responsible leadership that prioritizes balancing economic growth with environmental protection to ensure a sustainable future. It also underscored the strengthening of Africa's voice on the global stage, particularly in areas such as climate change adaptation, water security, and energy—issues that were central to Egypt's environmental agenda. Dr. Fouad's appointment is seen as a strong reflection of both her qualifications and Egypt's steadfast commitment to the objectives of the UNCCD. Her extensive experience in addressing environmental challenges and advancing international sustainability efforts positions her well to lead the Convention at a time when global environmental crises are intensifying. The Ministry extended its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Fouad, expressing confidence in her ability to succeed in her new responsibilities and to further the global fight against desertification and land degradation.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Egypt, UK, and Brazil launch global dialogue linking health, climate ahead of COP30
Egypt's Ministry of Health and Population will host a high-level roundtable on Monday in Geneva, titled 'Strengthening Health and Climate Discussions,' in collaboration with the United Kingdom and Brazil. The event is part of the official agenda of the 78th World Health Assembly, held under the theme 'One World for Health.' According to a statement from the ministry, the session aims to advance global dialogue on integrating health considerations into climate policy, in response to escalating environmental challenges and their growing impact on human health and community resilience. Ministry spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar said the initiative builds on the partnership between Egypt and the UK established during COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh in 2022. He emphasized that the dialogue seeks to sustain political momentum in aligning climate action with public health and food security goals—critical areas as the world prepares for COP30, set to take place in Brazil this November. The roundtable will convene senior officials, including representatives of the Paco Continuity Alliance and Brazil's Ministry of Health, who will present a draft action plan focused on boosting climate resilience at the community level, both domestically and globally. Abdel Ghaffar described the meeting as a strategic step toward embedding health and nutrition priorities into climate action frameworks. He stressed the urgency of shifting from planning to implementation, particularly as climate-related health risks and food insecurity continue to rise. The discussion will also emphasize the importance of coordinated international efforts to place health at the core of climate adaptation strategies. It will highlight the need for equitable responses to climate threats, especially in vulnerable regions, and the expansion of investment in resilient health systems capable of withstanding environmental shocks and climate-driven disease outbreaks.
