‘Women on frontline of climate change issue’

Women are always on the frontline of the climate change issue since they clearly understand its serious challenges.
This statement by Egypt’s Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad came during a session entitled ‘Women’s Leadership Role Towards Sustainability’ on the sidelines of the World Government Summit (WGS).
“There are many examples of women leaders who have contributed to assisting their communities better manage their natural resources and confront climate change,” Fouad said.
The ministries of planning and environment have led the way towards sustainable development, the minister said.
Criteria for environmental sustainability have been set as part of the state’s development plan as public investment in green projects increased 30 per cent in fiscal year 2021-2022, the minister added.
Fouad said her ministry’s main objective is to preserve natural resources and national heritage.
“In light of this, the ministry has made much progress towards sustainability through greater co-operation with government and private bodies, as well as NGOs in the fields of sustainable tourism and renewable energy,” the minister said.
The government has formed sustainable development units in all ministries so that they can integrate sustainability into their work, Fouad said.
She went on to say the climate change conference COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh last November has introduced an initiative to assist women to adapt to the negative impacts of climate change and offer opportunities to obtain finance to engage in sustainable practices.
Communities should support women’s leadership role in climate action by empowering a new generation of female leaders and allowing them to take part in mitigating and adapting to the impact of climate change, Fouad said.
“Women can therefore be trained leadership in the decision-making process,” she said.