In a gesture reflective of both professional recognition and national esteem, Egypt’s Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly has formally congratulated Dr. Yasmine Fouad on her appointment as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). His commendation, issued following her resignation from the Egyptian cabinet, underscores the nation’s pride in her elevation to one of the UN’s most critical environmental roles—a testament to her exceptional leadership and enduring commitment to global environmental governance.
Dr. Madbouly praised Dr. Fouad’s appointment as a natural culmination of her distinguished service, noting it as a validation of her capacity to assume global responsibility at a time when international focus on climate and environmental challenges is both urgent and unrelenting. He further acknowledged her pivotal contributions as Egypt’s Minister of Environment since 2018, during which she led with vision and resilience in integrating environmental priorities into the national development strategy.
Dr. Fouad’s departure marks the end of a transformational chapter in Egypt’s environmental history—seven years characterized by dynamic policy reform, robust international engagement, and institutional strengthening across the country’s environmental landscape. Her stewardship elevated Egypt’s standing in international climate diplomacy, particularly during high-profile engagements such as COP27 and her strategic leadership in shaping regional responses to climate resilience.
In her statement, Dr. Fouad extended heartfelt gratitude to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, whose unwavering trust and guidance, she stated, were instrumental in enabling Egypt’s environmental advancement. His support, she said, served as a cornerstone in building a comprehensive framework for environmental sustainability and in achieving measurable progress on air quality, biodiversity protection, and waste management infrastructure.
She also conveyed deep appreciation to Prime Minister Madbouly, emphasizing his instrumental role in ensuring that environmental priorities were embedded within Egypt’s economic and developmental frameworks. This cross-sectoral integration, she noted, was vital in tackling climate change at both structural and policy levels.
Looking ahead, Dr. Fouad extended her sincere wishes to Dr. Manal Awad, who will now oversee the Environment Ministry in conjunction with her role as Minister of Local Development. Her confidence in Dr. Awad’s leadership reflects a continued commitment to the Ministry’s ambitious agenda and the advancement of sustainability as a national priority.
In her farewell, Dr. Fouad also paid tribute to the dedicated professionals of the Ministry of Environment, the Environmental Affairs Agency, the Waste Management Regulatory Authority, as well as Egypt’s civil society, private sector, and development partners. She stressed the importance of continued collaboration to safeguard natural resources and ensure the well-being of both present and future generations.
As she prepares to take up her new post at the United Nations, Dr. Yasmine Fouad brings with her over 25 years of experience in environmental governance and climate diplomacy. Her global appointment is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of Egypt’s growing influence in shaping international environmental policy.
