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Al-Ahram Weekly
7 days ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt at the helm of the UNCCD - Egypt - Al-Ahram Weekly
Yasmine Fouad has resigned as minister of environment to become executive secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli accepted the resignation of Yasmine Fouad from her post as minister of environment this week, assigning Manal Awad, minister of local development, to temporarily assume the duties, in addition to her current role, until a new minister is appointed. Fouad's resignation comes after UN Secretary-General António Guterres selected her in May as the new executive secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The selection was made in consultation with the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention. Fouad succeeds Ibrahim Thiaw of Mauritania. Of Fouad's appointment to the UN office, Madbouli had earlier said it reflects international confidence in Egyptian expertise and its capacity to contribute to efforts in tackling environmental challenges. Fouad has served as Egypt's minister of environment since 2018, and during her tenure a framework was established to encourage private-sector engagement and integrate environmental sustainability into national investment strategies. She has over 27 years of experience in environmental governance, global environmental issues, and international climate diplomacy. She has overseen plans for sustainable development, linking them to national priorities and global environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and transboundary water governance. Internationally, Fouad chaired the 14th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP14) from 2018 to 2021. From 2021 to 2022, she served as ministerial coordinator and envoy for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP27), held in Sharm El-Sheikh in 2022, contributing to building consensus on the Global Biodiversity Framework through 2030. During the COP27, she promoted global initiatives on adaptation, food security, agriculture, and nature-based solutions. She also led the Presidential Global Initiative launched at the earlier COP14, which seeks to link the three Rio Conventions (UNFCCC, CBD, and UNCCD). She has participated in climate finance negotiations at five climate conferences, representing the interests of the developing countries and seeking the collaboration of the developed countries. At the regional level, Fouad participated in the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change in 2015 and in the African Ministers Conference on the Environment from 2015 to 2017. She helped in the technical preparation of the African Adaptation Initiative and the African Renewable Energy Initiative. She also co-chaired the Steering Committee of the Regional Flagship Programmes under the New Partnership for Africa's Development, which addresses sustainable land management, desertification, biodiversity, and ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation. Fouad was a visiting scholar at Columbia University's Earth Institute in the US, where she contributed to the design of Egypt's Centre of Excellence for Climate Change Adaptation and participated in the development of policy papers on climate change in the Middle East and North Africa region. She holds a PhD in political science with a specialisation in Euro-Mediterranean Studies and a Master's degree in environmental science. Previous executive secretaries of the UNCCD include Hama Arba Diallo, a former foreign minister of Burkina Faso, Luc Gnacadja, a former minister of environment of Benin, and French-national Monique Barbut, former CEO of the Global Environment Facility. The UNCCD was established in 1994, with its permanent secretariat commencing operations in 1999. * A version of this article appears in print in the 24 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Egypt Independent
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Yasmine Fouad resigns as Environment Minister as she takes on UNCCD Secretary-General role
Egyptian Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad submitted her resignation from the government of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, who accepted it on Sunday, as she focuses on her role as Executive Secretary of the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). 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
Al-Ahram Weekly
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt PM accepts Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad's resignation ahead of UNCCD post - Society
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly accepted the resignation of Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad on Sunday following her appointment as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), a top international post she is set to assume later this year. Madbouly assigned Local Development Minister Manal Awad to temporarily oversee the Environment Ministry's duties until a new minister is appointed. Fouad, who has served as Environment Minister since June 2018, was named by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in May as the next UNCCD Executive Secretary, becoming the first Egyptian to hold the role. She will succeed Mauritania's Ibrahim Thiaw, whose term will end in early August. The exact start date for Fouad's three-year term has yet to be announced. Madbouly congratulated Fouad on her new post, calling the appointment a testament to her expertise and leadership in environmental diplomacy. He praised her service and wished her success in supporting international efforts to combat desertification and promote sustainable development. Fouad brings over 25 years of experience in environmental governance, international climate negotiations, and sustainable development policy. She previously served as Assistant Minister of Environment and was Egypt's Ministerial Coordinator and Envoy for COP27, held in Sharm El-Sheikh in 2022. She holds a Master's degree in Environmental Sciences and a PhD in Political Science with a focus on Euro-Mediterranean relations. In a statement welcoming his successor, outgoing Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw said: 'Yasmine Fouad brings with her a wealth of experience and deep commitment to the environment and sustainable development. I warmly congratulate her on her appointment and have full confidence that she will bring new energy and vision to the role.' Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Daily News Egypt
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt advances environmental cooperation in Africa at AMCEN summit
Egypt reaffirmed its leadership in shaping Africa's environmental agenda during the 20th African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), held in Nairobi from 14–18 July 2025. Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad headed Egypt's delegation, using the forum to strengthen bilateral partnerships and advocate for climate resilience and sustainable development across the continent. On the sidelines of the summit, Fouad met with Somalia's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, General Bashir Jama, to explore cooperation in climate change adaptation, combating desertification, and building institutional capacity. Fouad reiterated Egypt's commitment to supporting Somalia and other African countries in addressing shared environmental challenges. Jama praised Egypt's leadership during COP27 and welcomed the proposal to sign a new memorandum of understanding aimed at launching joint projects and introducing sustainable technologies. In a separate high-level meeting, Fouad met with Ambassador Luis Vayas, Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution. She highlighted the urgent need to develop a binding international treaty to tackle plastic waste and pollution. Fouad pointed to Egypt's national progress, including the adoption of extended producer responsibility (EPR) for plastic bags, and stressed the importance of establishing an intergovernmental process backed by independent financing mechanisms to secure treaty effectiveness. Fouad also held discussions with EU Commissioner for the Environment Jessica Roswall on topics including water and food security, as well as plastic pollution. She emphasised AMCEN's critical role in uniting African nations through collective dialogue and joint action to address environmental challenges. Reflecting on the history of AMCEN, founded in Cairo in 1985 by Mostafa Kamal Tolba, Fouad described it as one of Africa's most influential platforms for shaping environmental policy. In her official address to AMCEN, Fouad looked back on four decades of African resilience and progress in environmental protection. She underscored Egypt's own contributions, including updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), projects to protect natural resources, and promotion of the circular economy. Fouad called for fair and accessible international climate finance—particularly for adaptation—and urged greater alignment among the three Rio Conventions on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification. She also voiced hope that the ongoing Geneva negotiations on a global plastic treaty would produce consensus that recognises different national contexts and socioeconomic realities. Egypt, she said, will send a multi-stakeholder delegation to the next negotiation round—including government representatives and private sector stakeholders—to reflect an inclusive, nationally driven approach to the treaty process. Looking ahead to her forthcoming role as Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, Fouad underlined that deeper cooperation, innovation, and inclusive governance will be central to tackling desertification and securing a sustainable future for Africa. She concluded by thanking AMCEN's leadership and South Africa for hosting the summit, and reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to advancing shared environmental priorities across the continent. The Egyptian delegation also included officials from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Embassy in Nairobi, all working together to position Egypt as a key driver of environmental cooperation and climate action in Africa.
Middle East
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Middle East
OPEN// TV BRICS highlights Egypt's climate change, desertification domains
MOSCOW, July 17 (MENA) - TV BRICS shed light on Egypt's efforts to preserve the environment and fight climate change and desertification. It highlighted a meeting between Egypt's Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad with Mexico's Ambassador to Egypt Leonora Rueda Gutierrez to explore new opportunities for bilateral and multilateral cooperation on key environmental issues such as desertification, climate change, and waste management. Fouad, who was recently appointed as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), highlighted the history of collaboration between Egypt and Mexico in environmental matters, particularly since 2018 when Egypt assumed the presidency of the Convention on Biological Diversity, previously held by Mexico. She also emphasized the joint efforts to advance a green transition and promote circular economy models. She warned that desertification is one of the most urgent threats in light of worsening climate change and food insecurity, and stressed that 2026 will be a key year, as the conferences of the three Rio Conventions will be held, offering a unique opportunity to strengthen political will, foster international cooperation, and attract financial resources. Ambassador Rueda expressed Mexico's interest in benefiting from Egypt's experiment in turning environmental challenges into economic opportunities. She also underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation in areas such as sustainable agriculture and environmental education, which are priorities for both countries. (MENA) S R E/D A E
