Egypt’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, held a meeting with Mr. Alessandro Fracassetti, the UNDP Resident Representative, to discuss ongoing and future cooperation between the Ministry and the UNDP. The focus was on progress made in joint projects and the status of strategic initiatives. the meeting received Dr. Ali Abu Sena, Head of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, Mr. Geimar Dibe, Deputy Resident Representative of the UNDP, Dr. Mohamed Bayoumi, Ms. Amani Nakhlah, and Mr. Tamer Abu Gharara, Ministerial Advisor for International Cooperation, among others.
Dr. Yasmine Fouad highlighted the vital role that the UNDP plays as a strategic partner for Egypt, particularly in implementing various national plans, strategies, and projects. This includes updating the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), with Egypt preparing to submit the third update of its NDC this year. Dr. Fouad discussed with Mr. Fracassetti the collaborative efforts for this update, alongside the implementation of Egypt’s NDC for 2030.
The Minister further explained that the updated NDC would integrate climate change and biodiversity, focusing on nature-based solutions and biodiversity conservation. This approach will strengthen the plan and align with Egypt’s call to link the three Rio Conventions—climate change, biodiversity, and desertification—into a cohesive framework.
Dr. Fouad also commended the UNDP’s efforts in supporting the development of Egypt’s first Biennial Transparency Report (1BTR), funded by the Global Environment Facility. This cooperation will significantly contribute to the third update of Egypt’s NDC.
The meeting also covered various collaborative projects, including preparations for launching the Red Sea Coral Reef Protection Project to mitigate the effects of climate change. Discussions also included coordinating with the Green Climate Fund for the second phase of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project for the Nile Delta and North Coast, the Climate Finance Systems Transformation Project in Egypt, and the development of the National Adaptation Plan. Dr. Fouad expressed her anticipation for national consultations on the plan in the near future.
Dr. Fouad listened to a progress update on several ongoing projects between the Ministry and the UNDP, including assessments of their implementation, management mechanisms, available resources, strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. Notably, work is underway on a project to support the private sector in establishing solar power plants.
Mr. Fracassetti, the UNDP Resident Representative, praised the fruitful and continuous collaboration with Egypt’s Ministry of Environment. He commended the work on updating the NDC and preparing strategic reports like the Biennial Transparency Report, which highlight promising future opportunities for Egypt’s sustainable development goals.
