Dr. Yasmin Fouad, Environment Minister of Egypt, stated that Egypt was chosen to host the first African Centre of Excellence for Climate Change Adaptation during COP28, which reflects its key and leading role on the continent.

She also praised the UAE for hosting COP28, following the previous edition, held in the Egyptian city of Sharm El Sheikh.

In her statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of her participation in COP28, she lauded the role of the UAE and Egypt in supporting climate action efforts, highlighting their significance in climate-proofing the future of all countries, as well as in producing key recommendations and realistic solutions to meet the needs and requirements of developing countries.

Fouad said that the launch of the Loss and Damage Fund during COP28 is a historic achievement.

She then outlined her country’s efforts to address climate change and underscored Egypt’s pioneering initiatives in dedicating a day to biodiversity to promote environmental conservation,
and launching the Nature-based Solutions Initiative, which aims to develop innovative solutions to safeguard islands and coastal nations from climate change.

Moreover, she highlighted the commitment of developed nations to provide financing packages that will drive the adaptation of less developed and island nations, as well as support nature-based solutions, underscoring the global objective to transition from commitments to effective implementation.

Fouad commended the diligent efforts of the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for outlining the broad framework of the Nature-Based Solutions Initiative and allocating financial packages within the Convention on Biological Diversity.

She presented Egypt’s efforts during its COP27 presidency, noting that the country signed the first financial package, in collaboration with development partners, totalling some US$15 billion for projects linking the energy, food, and water sectors.

Egypt also established the National Green Hyd
rogen Council, headed by Mostafa Madbouly, Egyptian Prime Minister, and updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) Plan to increase reliance on renewable energy to 42 percent by 2030.

Moreover, Fouad announced a rich Egyptian programme of sessions, discussions, and side events during COP28, which will also showcase Egyptian success stories in addressing climate change.

Source: Emirates News Agency