Egypt, FAO discuss joint cooperation on climate action, adaptation, mitigation

CAIRO – 7 August 2026: In line with the directives of Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Environment, to strengthen cooperation with United Nations organizations, Engineer Sherif Abdel Rahim, CEO of the Environmental Affairs Agency, met with Dr. Abdel Hakim El Waer, Assistant Director-General and FAO Representative for the Near East and North Africa Region, to discuss ways to enhance joint cooperation on climate action, adaptation, mitigation, and resilience-building in Egypt.

Engineer Sherif Abdel Rahim emphasized that the Agency looks forward to fruitful cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in support of Egypt’s climate agenda, particularly in the areas of the circular economy and nature-based solutions. The meeting addressed a number of key areas, including climate change adaptation strategies, mitigation measures, and expanding access to climate finance through innovative mechanisms to attract investment.

Discussions also focused on cooperation within integrated multilateral frameworks supported by international climate and environmental funds, including the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), while strengthening the role of civil society and the private sector in the implementation of relevant programs and projects.

Engineer Sherif Abdel Rahim highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two sides in supporting Egypt’s implementation of its National Climate Change Strategy 2050 and expanding projects based on nature-based solutions (NbS). These include protecting coastal ecosystems and northern lakes, as well as enhancing food security through climate-smart agriculture.

The meeting also underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation in waste management, the circular economy, and renewable energy. Such efforts would contribute to the implementation of Egypt’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), while reinforcing Egypt’s position as a leading regional country in addressing climate challenges and protecting biodiversity.

The meeting reflected the Environmental Affairs Agency’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation and exchanging expertise in support of Egypt’s efforts to address climate change, advance sustainable development, and protect ecosystems. It also contributes to reinforcing Egypt’s leading role in the region in advancing environmental and climate initiatives and its position as a key partner in developing and promoting global solutions to environmental challenges.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Saber Osman, Assistant Minister for Sustainability and Social Responsibility and Head of the Central Department for Climate Change; Ms. Hoda El Shawadfy, Assistant Minister for Ecotourism and Director of the Global Environment Facility Unit; and Ms. Soha Taher, Head of the Central Department for Cooperation and International Relations.