Egypt is stepping up preparations to host the 24th Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention (COP24) for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea against Pollution, scheduled to take place December 2–5, 2025.
The conference, organized under the United Nations Environment Programme’s Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP), will bring together ministers, environmental experts, and international organizations to adopt new decisions aimed at safeguarding the Mediterranean’s fragile ecosystem.
High-Level Coordination Meeting
Dr. Manal Awad, Egypt’s Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, held a high-level coordination meeting with Tatiana Hema, Coordinator of the Mediterranean Action Plan at UNEP, to review logistical and technical arrangements for the upcoming summit.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Ali Abu Sena, Chief Executive Officer of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA); Yasmine Salem, Assistant Minister for Government Coordination; Dr. Heba Shaarawy, Head of the Central Department for Coasts, Lakes, and Ports; and Soha Taher, Head of the Central Department for International Cooperation.
On-Site Inspection and Preparations
During the visit, UNEP’s Tatiana Hema conducted a site inspection at the designated conference venue to review logistical readiness and compliance with the Host Country Agreement. Discussions also covered technical needs, side-event arrangements, and coordination with participating delegations and partners.
Joint Egyptian–UN Coordination
Minister Awad and the UNEP official discussed preparations for signing the Host Country Agreement, finalizing the conference agenda, and reviewing the draft ministerial declaration. They also examined proposals for scientific and cultural side events submitted by partner institutions.
Dr. Manal Awad: “Decisive Conference for the Mediterranean’s Future”
Minister Awad emphasized that the COP24 conference must deliver effective and outcome-oriented decisions to strengthen protection of the Mediterranean Sea from pollution and ensure sustainability of its unique ecosystem.
She confirmed agreement on the main theme of the ministerial declaration:
“A Sustainable Blue Economy for a Resilient and Healthy Mediterranean Region.”
Awad noted that a logistics task force has been formed under the Ministry of Environment in cooperation with relevant ministries to manage the event’s organization. Egypt also plans to highlight its national environmental priorities, including efforts to reduce single-use plastics and promote green economic transformation.
UNEP Praises Egypt’s Leadership
UNEP’s Tatiana Hema commended Egypt’s strong commitment and organizational capacity, expressing confidence that the upcoming COP24 would “reflect the aspirations of Mediterranean countries and strengthen regional cooperation for environmental protection.”
Toward a Successful COP24
Egypt’s Ministry of Environment continues to coordinate across national and international stakeholders to ensure a successful and impactful COP24, reinforcing the country’s leadership in environmental diplomacy and sustainable development.
