Reinforcing Egypt’s leadership in environmental diplomacy, Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, presided over the 22nd meeting of the Board of Directors of the Environmental Protection Fund. Dr. Manal Awad highlighted its role in supporting preparations for the 24th COP of the Barcelona Convention in Cairo.
Held at the Ministry of Environment headquarters in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, the session focused on strategic planning and financial support for key national and international environmental initiatives — most notably Egypt’s upcoming hosting of the 24th Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention.
The Barcelona Convention, officially known as the Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against Pollution, will convene in Cairo from December 2–5, 2025. This international conference will see participation from 22 Mediterranean countries, with Egypt assuming the rotating presidency of the Convention for the next two years.
Dr. Awad praised the Environmental Protection Fund’s growing role in advancing Egypt’s environmental agenda. She particularly commended the Fund’s contribution to preparations for hosting the COP24 of the Barcelona Convention, calling the effort “a pivotal moment for Egypt to showcase its regional leadership in marine and coastal protection.”
Key Discussions and Decisions
During the meeting, the board approved the agenda, ratified the minutes of the previous session, and reviewed progress on prior decisions — including the Fund’s financial contributions to Egypt’s Industrial Pollution Control Program and the National Solid Waste Management Program.
A major focal point of the meeting was the extensive logistical and operational planning required to host COP24. Dr. Awad emphasized the importance of developing a robust media and communications strategy to ensure wide public and international awareness of the event. She called for the immediate formation of a dedicated logistics and finance committee within the ministry to coordinate inter-agency efforts.
A Symbol of Egypt’s Regional Commitment
Dr. Awad reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to organizing a “high-impact and well-structured” conference, stating: “This event offers an opportunity to reflect Egypt’s global standing and its proactive role in managing coastal and marine resources sustainably.”
She directed that a special committee be established to revise the Fund’s bylaws, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency in funding disbursement for environmental protection projects. Additionally, she recommended quarterly board meetings to maintain accountability and ensure timely oversight of the Fund’s budget and activities.
Attendees and Stakeholders
The session was attended by high-level officials, including representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Interior, International Cooperation, and Planning also took part, alongside the Fund’s core team.
As Egypt prepares to welcome international delegations for COP24, the Environmental Protection Fund remains a cornerstone of national environmental policy. This meeting signals a renewed institutional commitment to protecting Egypt’s environment — from industrial reform and waste management to marine conservation and climate diplomacy.
