Egypt’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, met with H.E. Dag Jolin Danfelt, Ambassador of Sweden to Egypt, to explore enhanced bilateral cooperation in addressing climate change and supporting Egypt’s green transition. The meeting focused on expanding partnerships to tackle pressing national and global environmental challenges.
During the discussion, Dr. Fouad highlighted the long-standing collaboration between Egypt and Sweden in environmental protection and climate action. “Egypt is firmly committed to the green transition, as outlined in our government’s strategic agenda, which integrates environmental concerns within the framework of national security. This approach reflects our commitment to sustainable growth while addressing critical global issues, including climate change, biodiversity, and desertification,” Dr. Fouad stated.
She also underscored Egypt’s pivotal role in international environmental negotiations, particularly its leadership in hosting COP27 in 2022 and COP14 on biodiversity in 2018. These events have allowed Egypt to shape global environmental agendas, particularly for developing nations. “Despite local and regional challenges, Egypt remains dedicated to its role in multilateral environmental initiatives, with strong support from our international partners, including Sweden,” she added.
Advancing Green Transition Through Technology and Private Sector Engagement
The Minister emphasized the vital role of technology in driving solutions to environmental challenges, particularly for developing countries. “Affordable, accessible technology is essential for tackling funding gaps and empowering nations to build their environmental capacities. The private sector and investments are key drivers in accelerating solutions to national and global environmental challenges,” Dr. Fouad explained.
Discussions also explored potential areas for deeper collaboration with Swedish companies, especially in waste management across multiple sectors, including municipal, agricultural, medical, and electronic waste. Egypt has made significant strides in developing a robust infrastructure and legal framework for sustainable waste management. Additionally, opportunities for investment in carbon emissions reduction technologies, including carbon capture in the oil industry and the reuse of industrial by-products, were identified.
Sweden’s Green Transition Expertise and Commitment to Climate Action
Amb. Jolin Danfelt praised Egypt’s leadership in advancing its green transition and tackling environmental challenges on both the national and international stages. He noted Sweden’s decades-long commitment to sustainability, including its innovative circular economy model, where 99% of waste is recycled, and its ongoing expansion of electric vehicle production.
“Sweden is dedicated to reducing emissions and supporting developing countries in enhancing their climate action efforts, including through the Green Climate Fund. Our technological innovations, such as using 5G technology to monitor the health of mangrove forests, demonstrate the potential of technology to address environmental challenges,” Amb. Danfelt stated.
The Swedish Ambassador also highlighted Egypt’s success in updating its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the country’s active collaboration with the EU to reduce emissions in sectors such as waste and industry. He noted that Egypt is a promising partner for Sweden.
COP30 For Multilateral Climate Action
The meeting also addressed the upcoming COP30 climate conference in Brazil, where Dr. Fouad emphasized the importance of strengthening climate finance mechanisms. “As we approach COP30, it is critical to push forward with climate financing, ensuring that developing countries have access to the necessary funding to combat climate challenges. The activation of the Loss and Damage Fund is also crucial for proving the credibility of multilateral environmental efforts,” she explained.
Both parties agreed to organize further discussions with the Swedish private sector to explore investment opportunities in Egypt’s green transition. These efforts will bolster Egypt’s environmental initiatives and enhance the collaboration between both countries in addressing climate change.
\
