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Egypt’s hosting of the COP27 Climate Change Conference of the Parties in 2022 was more than just a milestone event in global climate diplomacy—it marked the beginning of a new chapter for Egypt in its commitment to confronting climate challenges. Rania El-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, emphasized this transformative shift during her participation in a recent discussion on “Climate Risk” at the annual conference, *The Path to Net Zero Emissions*, organized by the Chapter Zero Egypt Foundation.
I”Egypt’s hosting of COP27 was a pivotal moment, not just for the nation but for the entire world. As Minister El-Mashat emphasized, ‘COP27 was a call for collective action, and Egypt remains committed to being a central partner in tackling climate challenges.’ This commitment is evident in Egypt’s ambitious National Climate Change Strategy 2050, which outlines a clear roadmap for reducing emissions, building resilience, and mobilizing resources.
The Minister addressed how companies and corporate leaders can navigate the opportunities and challenges posed by climate risks, stressing the importance of integrating climate governance principles into business strategies. This, she explained, was key to ensuring that the private sector contributes effectively to the global climate agenda. She also discussed the financing opportunities available to companies, chairpersons, and CEOs, urging them to recognize the long-term value of sustainability in their investment decisions.
El-Mashat pointed to the growing recognition that climate change cannot be tackled in isolation. “The importance of partnerships across sectors and borders has been a recurring theme in the climate discussions of successive conferences,” she said. “Egypt’s hosting of COP27 reinforced the need to bring together diverse stakeholders to address the key pillars of adaptation, mitigation, and financing—three principles that must guide all climate strategies.”
Aligned with this vision, Egypt launched its National Climate Change Strategy 2050 just ahead of COP27. This ambitious strategy serves as a national roadmap aimed at fulfilling Egypt’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. The strategy focuses on reducing carbon emissions, enhancing resilience to climate impacts, and mobilizing resources for climate action, all while driving inclusive economic growth.
A central focus of the Minister’s discussion was the role of her ministry in fostering cooperation among key stakeholders to integrate climate considerations into Egypt’s national planning frameworks. “We recognize that the path to a sustainable future is not just about setting goals but about building the institutional capacity to achieve them,” El-Mashat said.
As part of its efforts to drive a green economy, Egypt has introduced the *Sustainability and Finance for Economic Development Framework*, a policy initiative designed to create a comprehensive approach to economic growth. The framework seeks to deliver sustainable economic outcomes by leveraging data-driven insights to inform decision-making. “This framework is about making growth sustainable, inclusive, and measurable,” El-Mashat noted. “It helps identify the gaps in development, including those that may hinder progress in the climate domain, and addresses them in a targeted, evidence-based way.”
T Al-Mashat emphasized that this effort is not just about meeting international obligations, but about securing a better, more resilient future for all Egyptians.
In conclusion, Egypt’s experience hosting COP27 and its ongoing commitment to integrating climate action into national policies and strategies showcase the country’s determination to be a driving force in global sustainability efforts. As Minister El-Mashat outlined, Egypt’s climate action agenda is an all-encompassing effort, involving governments, businesses, and civil society alike—a clear demonstration of the collaborative spirit needed to address the climate crisis.
