Cairo: Egyptian Minister of Environment Yasmin Fouad emphasized Egypt’s dedication to a just green transition during the National Environment Day celebrations. The theme of this year’s celebration, ‘A Just Green Transition,’ underscores Egypt’s ongoing commitment to integrating environmental considerations into its development plans in alignment with presidential directives and national security priorities.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Fouad’s remarks were made at a workshop organized by the World Bank, part of the 2025 National Environment Day celebrations. The event was attended by notable figures, including Stefan Guimbert, Regional Director of the World Bank for Egypt, Yemen, and Djibouti, and Elkhan Polukhov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Egypt, along with various environmental experts and international organization officials.
Fouad detailed key initiatives undertaken in 2024, such as waste management reforms and a ban on waste imports, which have led to the production of alternative fuels for cement factories. She announced the signing of six contracts for waste recycling plants dedicated to producing these alternative fuels. Additionally, efforts are ongoing to formalize the informal labor sector in waste management, with over 300 companies now licensed for waste-related activities.
The minister also highlighted the collaboration with the private sector to drive investment in agricultural and medical waste management. A significant project noted was the joint initiative with the World Bank to combat air pollution and climate change in Greater Cairo, successfully recycling 98% of collected rice straw and agricultural waste, preventing 334,000 tons of pollutants from entering the Delta.
Furthermore, Fouad celebrated the Ministry of Environment’s receipt of the ‘Esri SAG Award 2024’ for excellence in geographic information systems, credited to their innovative approaches in monitoring natural resources and sustaining biodiversity. She also announced a substantial $200 billion green financing package secured for smart agriculture projects in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation and the Green Climate Fund.
The minister introduced Egypt’s first transparency report, covering emissions and sectoral progress from 2020 to 2022. The report highlighted successes in reducing emissions in the electricity and petroleum sectors, with the transport sector surpassing its target by 16%.
Fouad commended Azerbaijan’s efforts in preparing for COP29, focusing on ambitious climate financing. She noted Egypt’s pivotal role in negotiating a collective climate financing goal of $300 billion annually by 2035, emphasizing adaptation and increased funding to the Green Climate Fund.
World Bank Regional Director Stefan Guimbert praised Egypt’s achievements in air quality and climate resilience, highlighting the country’s success in attracting foreign investment in solar and clean energy. He stressed the need to reduce coal usage to decrease carbon emissions.
Ali Abu Senna, head of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, updated attendees on waste management and air pollution projects, including the development of an integrated waste management system and the completion of a waste management complex in 10th of Ramadan City. He reiterated the importance of addressing climate change impacts and improving air quality, noting significant progress in environmental infrastructure projects.