In a significant stride towards sustainable development, Egypt’s Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, engaged in pivotal discussions with a delegation from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) this Saturday in Cairo. The dialogue centered on a recent OECD report and the evaluation of Egypt’s green growth strategies.
The meeting saw the convergence of key figures, including Tariq Al-Arabi, the CEO of the Waste Management Regulatory Authority; Raouf Saad, Advisor to the Minister for Multilateral Agreements; and prominent OECD representatives such as Mathilde Mesnard, Deputy Director of the Environment Department; Nathalie Girouard, Head of the Environmental Performance, and Information Division; Julia Wanjiru Nyekema, a policy analyst; and Insa Handschoch, an economist.
A focal point of the discussions was Egypt’s keen interest in fortifying its connections with nations across Africa and the regional landscape, building on the momentum of the African Ministers of Environment Conference hosted in Egypt and the impactful Paris negotiations. Through initiatives like the African Adaptation Initiative and the African Renewable Energy Initiative, Egypt aims to propel the continent’s development agenda forward, echoing its commitment to sustainable growth and regional integration.
Minister Fouad emphasized Egypt’s concerted efforts to elevate environmental concerns within its developmental blueprint, reshaping the narrative surrounding environmental stewardship. She outlined Egypt’s proactive measures in tackling climate change, highlighting significant national projects aimed at canal lining, seawater desalination, and the cultivation of climate-resilient crops. These endeavors underscore Egypt’s commitment to mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change, particularly on water and food security, through collaborations with development partners and financial institutions.
The OECD delegation commended Egypt for its environmental strides and green transition endeavors, expressing optimism for a fruitful exchange of ideas. They anticipate the forthcoming discussions on the strategy and draft report will yield constructive suggestions and recommendations, further enhancing the collaborative effort between Egypt and the OECD in environmental governance and green growth policies.
This meeting marks a promising step towards bolstering Egypt’s environmental initiatives and its strategic partnership with the OECD, highlighting a shared vision for a sustainable and greener future.
