Cairo: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has pledged Egypt's full support for Dr. Yasmine Fouad in her role as United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). President El-Sisi expressed confidence in Dr. Fouad's capability to address global environmental issues and promote the Sustainable Development Goals during a meeting held on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The meeting was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates Badr Abdelatty, and Presidential Spokesman Mohamed el-Shenawy.

According to State Information Service Egypt, President El-Sisi assured that Egypt will offer all necessary assistance to Dr. Fouad to ensure the successful implementation of the UNCCD. The convention aims to provide a legally binding framework to combat desertification and drought through multilateral cooperation. Dr. Fouad expressed her gratitude to President El-Sisi and highlighted Egypt's significant efforts in combating desertification, including major agricultural reclamation projects despite challenges like water scarcity.

Presidential Spokesman Mohamed el-Shenawy noted that the discussion also focused on enhancing relations between Egypt and the UNCCD secretariat. The aim is to expand joint cooperation and strengthen support mechanisms for member states, particularly in Africa and the Arab region. This would enhance the convention's effectiveness and support nations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals amid escalating environmental challenges.