Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad said Tuesday that Egypt is ready to host the climate change summit, adding that the prime minister is leading efforts to organize the event.
Fouad, in a meeting with Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Program Inger Andersen, said that a high committee has been formed under Moustafa Madbouli to follow up preparations every two weeks.
Biodiversity is a top priority of Egypt because it affects climate change, Fouad told Andersen on the sidelines of her participation in the fifth UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) in Nairobi, Kenya.
She also underscored the importance of funding, especially where global climate change and adaptation are concerned.
Egypt has its own strategy for climate change, the minister said, noting that it addresses the issues of adaptation and alleviation.
The whole world should probe ways to apply adaptation on the ground, Fouad urged.
She told Andersen that the UN’s support for the Egyptian strategy would sure be an asset.
The UN official expressed willingness to offer all kind of support during Egypt’s presidency of the climate summit, particularly the topics of adaptation and funding.
Adaptation is such an important issue that should be highlighted, Andersen said.
She also stressed the importance of shedding light on renewable energy in Egypt, given the country’s strenuous efforts in this field.
