Egypt’s PM accepts environment minister’s resignation; Local development minister assigned interim duties

CAIRO – 20 July 2025: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has accepted the resignation of Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad, who has been recently appointed as the next executive secretary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

In addition to her current role, Minister of Local Development Manal Awad will assume Fouad’s responsibilities until a new environment minister is appointed, according to decrees for the prime minister announced by the Cabinet on Sunday.

Fouad had served as Egypt's Environment Minister since 2018 and, before that, as assistant environment minister. She boasts over two decades of experience in environmental issues and sustainable development on local, regional, and global stages.

Fouad is set to succeed Ibrahim Thiaw of Mauritania as the next Executive Secretary of the UNCCD.

During and before her tenure in two successive governments, Fouad held notable global positions, including serving as the President of the 14th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD-COP14) from 2018 to 2021.

She also served as the Ministerial Coordinator and Envoy for the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), which Egypt hosted in 2022 and resulted in the agreement to establish a fund for "loss and damage" to assist developing countries vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change.

The UNCCD recognizes Fouad’s contributions in co-leading the consensus-building efforts for the Global Biodiversity Framework 2030, as well as her pivotal role in advancing international initiatives in adaptation, food security, and other areas.

Fouad has also contributed to the Earth Institute at Columbia University, designing a Centre of Excellence for Climate Change Adaptation in Egypt.

Her academic background includes a Ph.D. in Euro-Mediterranean Studies from Cairo University and an M.Sc. in Environmental Science from Ain Shams University.

Madbouly previously commended Fouad’s appointment to this high-profile position, stating that it reflects international confidence in the ability of Egyptian expertise to support global environmental efforts.

The prime minister highlighted the environment minister's competence and distinguished national career, wishing her success in her new role.