Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, met with Neo Gim Huay, Managing Director for the WEF’s Centre for Nature and Climate, during the WEF’s Sustainable Development Impact Meetings in New York, which coincided with the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.
They talked over ways to work together to advance development efforts and gain from WEF initiatives, with a focus on maximizing the role of Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA), stepping up philanthropic organizations’ efforts to finance climate action, working with the private and public sectors, and promoting the shift to a green economy.
The Minister spoke about the integration and synergy between the GAEA initiative and the country platform of the “NWFE” program as well as the significance of carrying out the initiative through the program that aims to mobilize climate investments to accelerate the transition to a green economy and implement the national strategy for combating climate change through collaboration between the government, private sectors, multilateral and bilateral development partners, and philanthropic organizations.
Al-Mashat and Huay wrote an article for the WEF in the same vein, discussing the synergies and overlaps between the NWFE program and the GAEA initiative as well as the significance of philanthropic organizations’ involvement in efforts to finance climate action, accelerate the pace of progress towards achieving climate ambitions, and support efforts to transition to a green economy.
A model for national platforms aiming to advance climate action and broaden the scope of climate investments in developing nations and emerging economies, the article highlighted Egypt’s presidency of COP27 and the activities that took place over the past few months within the framework of the “NWFE” program, the nexus of water, food, and energy projects.
The Minister emphasized that the water, food, and energy sectors have grown to be among the most essential sectors; those most affected by climate change. She also emphasized that developing resilience and preparing for the future has become an absolute necessity to protect future generations.
Additionally, she noted that the program includes many projects within a clear methodological framework, such as replacing thermal power plants with conventional power plants, enhancing small farmers’ ability to adapt to the risks of climate change, establishing early warning systems, and building resilience.
She also noted that the program experienced significant international momentum during COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh. In connection with the UAE hosting the next iteration of the conference, further efforts will be made in the upcoming term to achieve the required goals.
In her article, Al Mashat further emphasized that the cooperation between “NWFE” and GAEA aims to establish a type of comprehensive partnership that unleashes green investments and serves as a model for other nations that can be applied and expanded to enhance climate financing for adaptation and resilience projects, to encourage methodologies for transitioning from pledges to implementation while gaining knowledge and consolidating successful practices.
