Egypt’s Minister of Local Development, Dr. Manal Awad, underscored the urgency of international cooperation to confront climate change and manage disaster risks during her address to the Ministerial Forum of Belt and Road Countries for International Cooperation on Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Management 2025, held in China.
Dr. Awad highlighted that the growing frequency of climate-related disasters demands collective international action and innovative approaches that transcend borders. She reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to building a global network of partners capable of addressing environmental and humanitarian challenges with efficiency, science, and solidarity.
Egypt–China Partnership: A Model for Sustainable Cooperation
In her remarks, Dr. Awad emphasized that the strategic partnership between Egypt and China serves as a powerful model for peaceful cooperation and sustainable development. The collaboration, she said, reflects a shared vision to strengthen resilience and mitigate risks associated with natural disasters and climate shocks within the Belt and Road framework.
Dr. Awad also announced that Egypt will host a regional training program in February 2025 to build the capacities of African professionals in disaster risk management and emergency response. This program, organized in collaboration with international partners, will provide hands-on training and facilitate the exchange of best practices across the continent.
A Regional Hub for Emergency Management in Africa
As part of Egypt’s broader vision for regional resilience, the Minister revealed that plans are under consideration to establish a Regional Emergency Management Center in Cairo. The center would serve as a hub for coordination, capacity building, early warning systems, and crisis management training across Africa.
Dr. Awad explained that the proposed center aligns with Egypt’s commitment to advancing African-led solutions to global challenges, reinforcing the nation’s role as a leader in climate adaptation, disaster response, and sustainable governance.
Egypt’s Commitment to the Belt and Road Disaster Forum
Dr. Awad reiterated Egypt’s continued support for the Belt and Road Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Management (BRIDREM) Forum, describing it as a vital platform for policy dialogue and knowledge exchange. She affirmed that Egypt will remain an active contributor to the Forum’s initiatives, particularly those focused on capacity building, early warning systems, and community preparedness.
“We believe that international cooperation and shared determination are the strongest means to confront climate change, manage disasters, and strengthen human security and sustainable development,”
— Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development of Egypt
Egypt’s Leadership in Climate and Disaster Resilience
The Minister concluded by reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to multilateral action as a pathway to protecting lives and livelihoods in an era of escalating environmental challenges. She emphasized that the country’s initiatives — from hosting regional training programs to promoting global cooperation — reflect Egypt’s enduring belief that resilience and development go hand in hand.
Egypt’s participation in BRIDREM 2025 reflects its growing influence in international climate diplomacy and its leadership in advancing sustainable development strategies that balance human progress with environmental protection.
