Egypt must accelerate its efforts to secure concessional financing and grants from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to support its national environmental objectives, the Minister of Local Development and Environment, Manal Awad, has urged.
Speaking during a follow-up meeting on the outcomes of the GCF committee’s second session, Awad highlighted the ministry’s pivotal role as the fund’s national coordinator in Egypt. She emphasised the need to strengthen coordination among national stakeholders, expand the country’s pipeline of bankable climate projects, and deepen cooperation with international financing institutions and development partners to advance Egypt’s climate adaptation and mitigation targets.
The committee reviewed recent GCF developments in the country, including the findings of a recent fund mission to Cairo. Members also assessed ongoing efforts to accredit additional Egyptian institutions, support green small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and bolster partnerships with the local banking sector.
Further discussions focused on climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable energy projects, alongside strategic mechanisms designed to mobilize climate finance and stimulate private-sector investment via innovative financing tools.
Participants at the meeting stressed that all proposed funding programs must strictly align with Egypt’s national priorities and broader sustainable development plans to guarantee the country derives maximum value from available international climate finance opportunities.
