Egypt prepares for Cop27 summit calling climate & development co-dependent

Just 60 days before the Cop27, UN climate conference for year 2022, the host country Egypt is convening meeting of African ministers of economy, finance and environment in Cairo. The meeting is an effort to push Cop27 as African Cop by Egypt that looks forward to host the platform for addressing climate focused needs and aspirations of the African nations, while also ensuring a global vision for the same.

Many initiatives that are Cop27 focused are currently underway in Egypt. These include many projects related to sustainable transport, waste management and recycling, women’s health, the transition to clean and green energy, sustainable cities, adaptation measures in the water and agriculture sector, and the links between peace and climate. “The Egyptian Government recognizes the huge responsibility of organizing a successful conference”, says Dr. Samir Tantawy, a climate change expert at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). “The summit needs to demonstrate the damage caused by the climate crisis, particularly in developing countries. For example, the Aswan Governorate, in southern Egypt, has experienced storms, snow and heavy rain for the first time. Developing countries need to be properly compensated”.

On eve of International Co-operation Forum that Egypt is hosting this week in Cairo, Egypt’s Minister of International Co-operation Rania Al Mashat said “climate action has to be nationally motivated”, and “for Egypt, climate and development come hand in hand”. One example of this belief of Egypt is recently launched NWFE programme – a part of Egypt’s 2050 climate strategy announced last July. NWFE stands for ‘nexus for water, food and energy’ and overlooks projects that garner all these three sectors. “For each of the pillars, energy, water and food, we have a lead financial institution and we have other financial institutions that are providing support during the ICF,” she said.

Egypt’s hosting of Cop27 in Sharm El-Sheikh is a “great opportunity to promote international climate action, and to unify the demands of African and developing countries, particularly when it comes to issues of financing, and adaptation to the effects of climate change,” notes UN News.