Latest news with #Fouad
Daily News Egypt
5 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.
Daily News Egypt
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Environment Minister urges stronger private sector role in green investment
Egypt's Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad has called on the country's business community to take a more proactive role in advancing environmental and climate goals, stressing the importance of aligning private investment with national sustainability priorities. Speaking at a high-level meeting with the Egyptian Businessmen's Association (EBA) in the New Administrative Capital on Sunday, Fouad underscored the ministry's evolution into a development partner. 'This ministry is no longer a roadblock to investment,' she said. 'Since 2019, we've repositioned ourselves as a strategic enabler of green growth and economic progress.' The meeting brought together senior officials and leaders from key economic sectors to explore green investment opportunities and discuss how businesses can contribute to Egypt's environmental transition. Fouad outlined a series of reforms designed to attract private investment in sectors such as waste management, eco-tourism, and industrial pollution control. She pointed to Egypt's successful model of converting rice straw into commercial products as an example of transforming environmental challenges into economic value. To further accelerate green investment, Fouad announced the establishment of a new Environmental and Climate Investment Unit within the ministry. The unit will focus on identifying bankable green projects, preparing feasibility studies, and expediting the permitting process. She noted that environmental permits are now issued within seven working days, thanks to improved coordination with the Industrial Development Authority. Other initiatives include the digitalization of the permitting process, targeted grants for pollution abatement, and sector-specific compliance guides to support businesses in reducing emissions and meeting sustainability targets. EBA board members welcomed the ministry's new direction and praised the improved regulatory environment. They emphasized the importance of green standards for enhancing Egypt's export competitiveness and expressed strong support for expanding carbon credit trading to incentivize private-sector emission reductions. The Association also offered its extensive nationwide network and 18 sector-specific committees to support joint awareness campaigns, training programs, and policy development in partnership with the ministry. Fouad concluded the meeting by proposing the launch of a **National Environmental Dialogue for Business** during Egypt's World Environment Day celebrations on June 5. The initiative would bring together policymakers and the private sector to address climate-related issues, including the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), green financing tools, and public-private partnership models. 'We welcome all ideas that protect the environment while driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth,' she said.
Egypt Today
6 days ago
- Business
- Egypt Today
Egypt's Minister of Environment: Food Security a Golden Opportunity to Link Adaptation, Biodiversity, and Desertification
Egyptian Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad meets with Ambassador Seyni Nafo, Coordinator of the African Adaptation Initiative (AAI) in Cairo- press photo CAIRO – 25 May 2025: Egyptian Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, emphasized that food security presents a golden opportunity to connect climate adaptation, biodiversity, and desertification efforts. This comes in light of the release of the 2030 Global Biodiversity Framework, which places climate at its core, alongside the political momentum generated during the recent COP16 Desertification Conference and the mobilization of financial resources to address these challenges, she added. Fouad underscored the urgent need to secure food systems amidst a growing global food crisis, intensified by climate change and compounded by ongoing geopolitical instability. She made these remarks during a meeting with Ambassador Seyni Nafo, Coordinator of the African Adaptation Initiative (AAI). She also highlighted the potential to replicate successful models from the renewable energy sector to de-risk investments in food security—particularly for the private sector and smallholder farmers. Egypt's renewable energy success, especially the Benban Solar Park—funded with approximately $475 million—was made possible through strategic policies adopted since 2015 and development partner support, the minister said. The meeting was attended by representatives including the Spokesperson for the African Negotiating Group, a member of the Board of Directors of the Green Climate Fund, and their accompanying delegation. Egypt to Host 10th Anniversary of AAI Launch Discussions focused on accelerating the AAI's role in addressing Africa's climate needs and preparing for the celebration of the initiative's 10th anniversary, which was launched by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in 2015. Also present were Dr. Ali Abu Senna, Head of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, and Ms. Soha Taher, Head of the Central Department for Climate Change and International Cooperation. Fouad expressed her pride in the African Adaptation Initiative, describing it as a historic turning point for Africa. She emphasized that it was not merely a mechanism for mobilizing climate finance, but a model of continental unity—Africa coming together to define and act on its own needs. Despite receiving less international attention compared to the African Renewable Energy Initiative, the AAI remains critical, particularly as adaptation becomes a continental priority. She noted that COP26 in Glasgow marked a significant shift in elevating the profile of adaptation. Dr. Fouad also called for adaptation goals to be translated into investment opportunities. This involves transforming national adaptation plans into project packages with technical support from international institutions, offering replicable implementation models for the continent. She further highlighted Egypt's work on an interactive climate risk map as part of its National Adaptation Plan, aimed at identifying climate risks to agriculture. Additionally, the Climate Finance System project—developed with the French Development Agency (AFD) and the Green Climate Fund—prepares Egyptian banks to engage with climate financing, which differs from traditional sustainability financing. The Central Bank of Egypt has also mandated that banks assess climate risk for all funded projects. Egypt hosts the African Center of Excellence for Resilience and Adaptation under NEPAD, focusing on climate change impacts in agriculture and food security. The center plays a key role in fostering a supportive climate for investment and finance. She proposed launching joint activities with a national bank and development partners to reduce food security investment risks. She also called for coordination at the Arab level and integrating the African Adaptation Initiative into the agenda of the Council of Arab Environment Ministers meeting in October. Ambassador Nafo: Food Security and Adaptation Must Be Transformed into Action Ambassador Seyni Nafo emphasized the importance of converting adaptation goals and national plans into actionable projects and investments—an ongoing challenge for the African continent. He noted that the upcoming 10th anniversary celebration of the AAI would mark a renewed push for concrete implementation, and Egypt was chosen as host in recognition of its leadership in advancing Africa's adaptation agenda. Nafo pointed out that food security, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, will be the top priority going forward. He stressed the need for stronger engagement with financial institutions to recognize agriculture's role as a key economic driver. Some African countries have already initiated programs to help banks assess and manage investment risks, with Egypt well-positioned to adopt and lead such efforts. He also discussed the rollout of a training program for climate specialists in Africa, aimed at facilitating access to adaptation finance and strengthening public-private collaboration. The program supports the accreditation of African entities by the Green Climate Fund and promotes private sector involvement in climate solutions, financing, and technology transfer.
Daily News Egypt
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt, France coordinate ahead of UN Ocean Conference to combat plastic pollution
Egypt's Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, held a virtual meeting on Saturday with French Minister for Ecological Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, to strengthen cooperation ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference scheduled for June in Nice, France. The ministers discussed Egypt's active participation in the conference and explored collaborative measures to address plastic pollution, with a special focus on the Mediterranean region. The meeting included senior Egyptian officials, such as the heads of the Environmental Affairs Agency and the Waste Management Regulatory Authority. Fouad commended France's leadership in ocean protection and biodiversity conservation and called for a unified Mediterranean strategy addressing key challenges including the blue economy, biodiversity frameworks, and plastic pollution. She proposed that the conference adopt 'Blue Economy and Mediterranean Sustainability' as a central theme, especially as Egypt prepares to host the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea later this year. The dialogue also covered ongoing international negotiations for a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution under the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC). Fouad reaffirmed Egypt's support for a balanced and transparent agreement that respects the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, while ensuring financial support for developing countries to meet their environmental targets. 'Plastic is essential in many areas, but we must reduce its harmful impact through investment in recycling technologies and by phasing out unnecessary uses,' Fouad stated. She highlighted Egypt's recent reforms, including a Cabinet decision introducing extended producer responsibility and fees on single-use plastic bags, following two years of consultations with industry stakeholders. The minister also highlighted grassroots efforts such as the Nile cleanup program, which engages local fishermen and women in plastic waste recovery and recycling, creating green jobs and supporting sustainable community development. France's Pannier-Runacher welcomed Egypt's proactive approach and emphasized the urgency of reaching a global agreement to reduce plastic consumption and redesign production models. She noted that plastic alternatives and enhanced recycling are critical to reducing ocean pollution and preserving marine biodiversity. Minister Fouad has been officially invited to attend the Ocean Conference, where she will lead a high-level roundtable showcasing Egypt's achievements in nature conservation and plastic reduction. This event will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Mediterranean Action Plan, underscoring the region's ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.
Egypt Today
24-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
Egypt, France discuss cooperation on UN ocean conference, plastic pollution in Mediterranean
Fouad conveyed the Egyptian government's appreciation for France's leadership in prioritizing ocean conservation and biodiversity within the multilateral environmental agenda. She underscored the need to align discussions on the blue economy, marine biodiversity, protected areas, and the global plastics treaty into a cohesive and action-oriented framework during the conference. She highlighted Egypt's strong interest in the conference, particularly as the country prepares to host the Barcelona Convention at the end of the year. Egypt aims to spotlight critical themes such as 'Blue Economy and Mediterranean Sustainability', leveraging the platform to foster regional and international collaboration, according to her. Minister Fouad reiterated Egypt's support for a fair, balanced and transparent global agreement to address plastic pollution, one that reflects common but differentiated responsibilities and considers the unique challenges faced by developing nations. She emphasized the necessity for robust financial mechanisms and access to technology to enable countries to meet ambitious environmental targets. She noted that Egypt has taken concrete steps on the national level, including a recent cabinet decision to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and to introduce fees on single-use plastic bags. Additionally, Egypt has enforced a comprehensive waste management law since 2020, which adopts the principles of a circular economy. Further initiatives include expanding plastic recycling efforts, eliminating unnecessary plastic consumption, and empowering local communities through projects like the Nile Cleanup Initiative. This program involves fishermen and women in collecting plastic waste from the Nile River, recycling it into useful products, and creating green jobs that support community development and women's economic empowerment. Fouad also called for a thorough assessment of the socioeconomic impacts of transitioning away from plastic, emphasizing the need for affordable technologies and strong legal frameworks to guide sustainable change. For her part, the French minister welcomed Egypt's active participation in the upcoming conference and praised its leadership in promoting sustainability. She stressed the urgency of advancing solutions to plastic pollution through the adoption of alternative materials, enhanced recycling infrastructure, and a shift toward durable, multi-use plastics. These measures, she said, are essential to preserving marine ecosystems and biodiversity, and to ensuring a healthy and resilient ocean future.
