Egyptian Minister of Local Development and Environment, Dr. Manal Awad, recently convened a coordination meeting with the country's climate change negotiation team. The team comprises representatives from various ministries, including Foreign Affairs, Local Development and Environment, Electricity, Investment, Agriculture, Industry, and Higher Education and Scientific Research. The meeting aimed to review the latest developments in Egypt's participation in the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20, 2026.
During the meeting, Dr. Awad emphasized the importance of youth participation in the Egyptian delegation, which will enable young cadres to contribute to future climate negotiations. She also highlighted the need to review the roles and responsibilities of each entity involved in the preparations for COP31. The meeting covered key topics on the conference agenda, including adaptation to climate change, reduction of carbon emissions, just transition, and climate finance. The Egyptian team's negotiation position on technical issues expected to be raised during the conference was also discussed.
Ambassador Wail Abu El-Magd, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Climate, Environment, and Sustainable Development, reviewed the main negotiation files to be addressed during COP31. These include just transition, adaptation to climate change, the Adaptation Fund, and the Loss and Damage Fund. He also touched on recent developments in climate finance. Furthermore, Ambassador Abu El-Magd highlighted the importance of implementing the Paris Agreement, including nationally determined contributions that countries submit every five years.
Dr. Saber Osman, Assistant Minister for Sustainability and Social Responsibility, announced that a financial allocation has been made within the investment plan to develop the capacities of young cadres. This will be achieved through a training program in collaboration with the Diplomatic Institute, which is set to begin soon. The program aims to prepare a second line of qualified negotiators to support the Egyptian team and enhance their capacity to handle various climate-related files.
Dr. Osman also mentioned that the third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) report is now ready to be presented to the Higher Committee of the National Council for Climate Change for approval. He stressed the importance of continuing to build the capacity of cadres and increasing the number of specialists, which will contribute to enhancing the efficiency of work and completing the required climate files in the coming periods.
The meeting included a review of the main climate-related files by representatives from relevant ministries and entities. These files are crucial for Egypt's participation in COP31 and for advancing the country's climate agenda. The Egyptian government's efforts to enhance the country's climate negotiation team and promote youth participation demonstrate its commitment to addressing climate change.
Egypt's preparations for COP31 reflect its dedication to playing an active role in international climate efforts. By focusing on youth participation and capacity building, the country aims to contribute effectively to the conference's objectives and to address the challenges posed by climate change. The Egyptian team's engagement in the negotiations will be crucial in shaping the outcomes of COP31 and advancing global climate action.
Key points
- Egypt emphasizes youth participation in its delegation to COP31.
- The country is working to build the capacity of its climate negotiation team.
- Egypt's participation in COP31 aims to advance its climate agenda and contribute to global climate efforts.
