Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, emphasized the importance of global participation in the COP30 climate summit, which coincides with the ten-year anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement. She pointed out that this event represents a crucial milestone for reviewing the progress made and the measures taken, given the persistent gap between pledges and implementation, coupled with climate finance falling short of required levels.
These remarks came during Egypt’s speech, delivered by Dr. Manal on behalf of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, at the high-level segment of the Leaders Summit held in Belém, Brazil, on November 6 and 7. This preceded the official commencement of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change on November 10. The summit was attended by a large number of leaders, heads of state, government representatives, and ministers of environment, energy, and climate, in addition to representatives from international organizations and civil society.
The Minister clarified that the international multilateral system is facing unprecedented challenges that threaten the trust and spirit of cooperation, which are the foundation of the UN Climate Change Convention. She affirmed that the Belém conference must carry a message of hope and rebuild trust in the international community’s ability to achieve consensus and work jointly for a more just and sustainable future. She called on everyone to revive the spirit of the Paris Agreement, based on the principles of justice, trust, and shared responsibility.
The Minister stressed that climate finance is the cornerstone of effective climate action, explaining that Egypt calls for developing a new collective quantified goal based on the needs of developing countries while achieving a balance between mitigation and adaptation efforts. She affirmed that adaptation to climate change is an existential priority for the African continent, which faces challenges such as drought, water scarcity, and sea-level rise, threatening the lives of millions. She demanded a commitment to the pledge of doubling adaptation finance and activating the global goal in this area to support the most affected communities.
Dr. Manal also praised the steps taken to establish the Loss and Damage fund, thanks to the Sharm El-Sheikh consensus, calling for accelerating the injection of new resources into it in the form of grants rather than loans that exacerbate debt burdens. She affirmed that climate justice must be the cornerstone of any fair climate system and stressed the importance of transitioning from the phase of pledges to implementation. This implementation should focus on providing support to countries rather than imposing additional obligations beyond those stipulated in the Paris Agreement, while preserving the right of each country to determine its national contributions according to its capabilities and developmental circumstances.
Dr. Manal concluded her speech by emphasizing that the success of the Belém conference will be measured by the extent to which trust in international joint action is restored, the amount of finance provided, and the practical results achieved on the ground. She stressed Egypt’s commitment to constructive cooperation with all parties to contribute to the success of the conference and lay the foundations for a more just and sustainable future for all humanity.
To follow the latest official statements and browse thousands of residential properties in various cities, visit the Official Egyptian Real Estate Platform — your secure destination for finding a suitable unit for you and your family. Learn more about the features of the Central project in New Cairo.