Cairo: Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment Dr. Manal Awad held a coordination meeting on Thursday, 23 October 2025, with Tatjana Hema, Coordinator of the Mediterranean Action Plan at the UN Environment Programme, to discuss Egypt's preparations for hosting the 24th Conference of the Parties (COP24) to the Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution, known as the Barcelona Convention. This significant event is scheduled to take place in Egypt from 2 to 5 December.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the meeting was attended by Ali Abou Senna, CEO of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, along with senior officials from the ministries of environment and local development. The discussions focused on the logistical and technical arrangements necessary for the conference, including the agenda, side events, and coordination with the convention's secretariat.

Hema conducted an inspection of the conference venue to evaluate the readiness of facilities and logistics, ensuring they align with the host country's requirements. The meeting also covered the draft ministerial declaration, which will emphasize 'A Sustainable Blue Economy for a Resilient and Healthy Mediterranean' and address Egypt's environmental priorities, such as reducing single-use plastics.

Awad reiterated Egypt's dedication to ensuring the conference's success, which aims to adopt crucial decisions for protecting the Mediterranean environment and promoting sustainability throughout the region. Hema expressed confidence in Egypt's capacity to host a meaningful conference that will enhance regional cooperation and further common environmental objectives.