Egypt has begun preparations to host the 18th Conference of the Parties (COP18) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in 2028, with plans to strengthen international co-operation on land degradation, drought and food security.
Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk discussed preparations for the summit during a meeting with UNCCD Executive Secretary Yasmine Fouad on Tuesday.
Farouk said Egypt would provide full technical and logistical support to ensure the conference’s success. He stressed that hosting the event reflects Egypt’s leading regional and international role in addressing environmental challenges under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
The minister said Egypt has been keen to organise a conference that would live up to the expectations of communities affected by desertification, land degradation and drought.
Fouad praised Egypt’s efforts to tackle climate change and land degradation, highlighting its extensive experience in managing arid regions.
She expressed UNCCD’s readiness to strengthen co-operation with the Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant bodies to ensure the summit’s success.
The meeting reviewed the preliminary action plan and preparations for the conference. Discussions also focused on the role of the Desert Research Centre, Egypt’s national focal point for the convention.
The centre will co-ordinate with relevant authorities to prepare technical documents and initiatives. It will also present Egypt’s experience in land reclamation and food security.
Both sides agreed to establish a joint executive committee to oversee technical and logistical preparations and co-ordinate efforts ahead of the 2028 conference.
