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In her address at the 12th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF12), Egyptian Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, emphasized Egypt’s proactive approach to tackling the twin challenges of urbanization and climate change. Amidst a global dialogue on cities and the climate crisis, Fouad highlighted the urgent need for cities, particularly in vulnerable regions like Egypt’s Nile Delta, to take center stage in climate strategies, integrating resilience, adaptation, and decarbonization efforts into urban planning.
As host country of the World Urban Forum, Egypt is not just participating in the conversation — it is shaping the future of climate-conscious urbanization. Minister Fouad’s remarks underscored the critical importance of “climate resilience and inclusive development” in urban planning, with a particular focus on the world’s most vulnerable populations: women, children, and low-income communities.
“The most vulnerable members of our societies, women and children, and low-income communities, are often the first to face the consequences of climate change, grappling with the harsh realities of floods, hurricanes, heat waves, and loss of homes” Minister Fouad said, emphasizing how urgent it is for nations to address both the impacts of climate change and the social inequities exacerbated by these disasters.
The Minister’s speech, delivered to an international audience of urban planners, government officials, and development partners, aligned with a broader call for cities to take a more active role in shaping national climate plans. She referenced the upcoming revision of the “Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)” under the Paris Agreement, which she stressed should place cities at the forefront of decarbonization efforts. “We stand on the brink of an incredible opportunity to not only address climate risks but also to position cities as leaders in sustainability,” Fouad remarked.
Cities, Fouad emphasized, account for approximately 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions, particularly from sectors such as transportation and building construction. Yet, at the same time, urban areas, especially those in low-lying coastal regions, are disproportionately impacted by climate events, with the Nile Delta being one of the most vulnerable regions in Egypt.
“We cannot ignore that Egypt is not a major emitter of greenhouse gases on a global scale, yet we face some of the harshest consequences of climate change. The Nile Delta is at risk of rising sea levels, threatening millions of lives. Our cities must adopt a more holistic approach that integrates social, economic, and environmental considerations,” the Minister noted.
A Comprehensive Approach: Integrating Nature-Based Solutions
Minister Fouad’s vision for Egypt’s climate action extends beyond mitigation to adaptation, emphasizing nature-based solutions (NBS) as essential tools for building resilience in vulnerable communities. “In the Nile Delta, where seven governorates face the threat of sea level rise, nature-based solutions are crucial. These solutions not only address climate risks but also support local economies and communities,” she explained.
The Egyptian government has already made significant strides by incorporating NBS in urban planning, with projects funded through international collaborations, including the “Green Climate Fund”. These solutions are designed to reduce flood risks, preserve biodiversity, and enhance the livelihoods of local communities, especially in coastal areas.
By engaging local communities directly in the design and implementation of these solutions, Egypt has created a model of inclusive urban climate action, where the people most affected by climate change are also the key drivers of its solutions. Minister Fouad pointed out that local knowledge and participation are essential in crafting effective climate strategies that not only preserve the environment but also protect the most vulnerable populations.
Challenges and Opportunities: A Holistic Review of Urban Climate Planning
One of the highlights of Minister Fouad’s speech was Egypt’s recent collaboration with the OECD to review the country’s urban climate strategies. The review, which focused on improving the governance structure of Egypt’s cities in relation to climate change, highlighted key challenges in financing adaptation projects and the need for better integration between national and local adaptation plans.
“We cannot rely solely on the central government for climate solutions. It is the governors, mayors, and local communities who will ultimately decide how to implement climate strategies. That’s why we’ve worked to establish local committees focused on integrated coastal zone management in vulnerable areas,” Fouad explained, highlighting the importance of local-level governance in climate adaptation.
The review also revealed critical gaps in the governance of Egypt’s urban areas and how cities could be better equipped to tackle climate change by improving access to climate finance and developing national adaptation plans.
A Vision for the Future: Sustainable, Resilient Cities
Looking ahead, Minister Fouad emphasized the importance of land use planning as an integral part of Egypt’s climate strategy. The country is already exploring innovative solutions such as water desalination and sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security and environmental sustainability in the face of climate challenges.
“We must ensure that our cities are not just resilient to climate change but also lead the way in creating a sustainable and just future for all. A city that is climate-smart and people-centered must provide food, shelter, and employment opportunities to its residents — ensuring that the benefits of sustainability are equitably shared across society,” said the Minister.
As Egypt prepares for COP29, which will take place in just a few days, Minister Fouad’s remarks serve as a reminder that cities are not merely passive victims of climate change, but active players in shaping the global climate agenda. The upcoming COP29 conference will be an opportunity for Egypt, alongside other nations, to bring urban voices to the forefront of the global discussion on climate action.
A Call for Bold Action
Egypt’s leadership in hosting WUF12 underscores the country’s commitment to confronting the climate crisis through inclusive, integrated solutions that prioritize both environmental and social resilience. As Minister Fouad aptly stated, “Every fraction of a degree counts.”
In a world where climate risks are escalating, cities hold the key to both survival and progress. Egypt’s experience, especially in regions like the Nile Delta, shows how integrated, people-centric urban planning can provide a blueprint for other nations facing similar climate vulnerabilities. With the right investments in nature-based solutions, governance, and climate adaptation, Egypt is positioning itself as a model for sustainable urbanization in the era of climate change.
As the world watches, the lessons learned in Egypt could shape the global response to the climate crisis, reinforcing that the path forward requires urgent, collective action — both locally and globally.
