
Egypt's Environment Minister participates in UN Ocean Conference in France
Taking place from June 9 to 13, the conference gathers government leaders, international financial institutions, scientists, NGOs, civil society, and private sector stakeholders to address the world's most pressing ocean-related challenges.
Fouad stated that this year's conference will center on three core objectives: protecting marine biodiversity, preserving global fish stocks, and advancing the '30×30' target under the Global Biodiversity Framework—which aims to conserve 30% of the world's oceans and coastal areas by 2030.
The event will also assess global progress on Sustainable Development Goal 14, which promotes the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
Plastic pollution is expected to dominate discussions, especially in the context of negotiations toward a binding global treaty. Fouad highlighted the importance of aligning national positions ahead of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5), scheduled for August 2025 in Geneva.
As part of her agenda, Fouad will chair the high-level opening session of an event marking two major regional milestones: the 50th anniversary of the Mediterranean Action Plan and the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Convention. The gathering will bring together environment and biodiversity ministers, as well as UN officials, to announce national pledges and coordinated strategies to confront the region's triple threat of climate change, biodiversity loss, and plastic pollution.
She is also slated to participate in multiple side events, including a ministerial consultation on the proposed global plastic pollution treaty. Key discussion areas include sustainable production and consumption, chemical safety, product design, and financing mechanisms.
Another key session on her schedule is titled 'Scaling Up Solutions for a Plastic-Free Mediterranean,' which will explore innovative approaches to tracking plastic waste and building stronger regional and international partnerships.
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Al-Ahram Weekly
5 days ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt at the helm of the UNCCD - Egypt - Al-Ahram Weekly
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Egypt Independent
6 days ago
- Egypt Independent
Yasmine Fouad resigns as Environment Minister as she takes on UNCCD Secretary-General role
Egyptian Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad submitted her resignation from the government of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, who accepted it on Sunday, as she focuses on her role as Executive Secretary of the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The longest-serving minister in the cabinet Fouad is one of the longest-serving ministers in the Egyptian government, having served for seven years as Environment Minister. She concluded her term on Sunday in a celebration held by ministry employees to honor her career and her role in Egyptian environmental work, as well as her regional and Arab role. Fouad led an exceptional career in serving the environment and sustainable development from the halls of the Egyptian government to the platforms of the United Nations. Onto a new role On Sunday, Fouad officially submitted her resignation from her position as Environment Minister to assume a prestigious international position as the first Egyptian and Arab woman to hold the position of Executive Secretary of the UNCCD, by decision of UN Secretary-General António Guterres. This new international position reflects her deep experience and proven track record in environmental diplomacy, as she will lead global efforts to combat desertification starting in August. Academic Qualifications PhD in Euro-Mediterranean Studies from Cairo University, where she developed a deep understanding of global environmental politics. MA in Environmental Science from Ain Shams University, which provided a solid scientific foundation for her work in environmental governance. Visiting Scholar at the Earth Institute at Columbia University, where she contributed to the design of the Center of Excellence for Climate Change Adaptation in Egypt. Career During her tenure as Environment Minister, she led institutional reforms and pioneering initiatives, such as the presidential initiative 'Get Ready for Green' (2020-2023) to promote environmental awareness and youth engagement. While she was Assistant Minister of Environment (2014-2018), she established a strong foundation for sustainable environmental policies in Egypt. Fouad also boasts International experience with the United Nations and NGOs. She has worked with global and regional organizations such as the Nile Basin Organization, where she prepared studies on the impact of climate change on water resources. She was a lead author on the 2017 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, focusing on desertification and sustainable land management. Global Achievements Presidency of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP14): Led the conference in November 2018 and contributed to the formulation of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. The Egyptian Initiative for the Integration of the Rio Conventions: Launched a pioneering initiative to link climate change, biodiversity, and desertification control agreements to ensure effective financing for environmental challenges. Leading climate finance negotiations (COP24): She played a pivotal role at the Katowice 2018 conference, leading to the completion of the financial component of the Paris Agreement. Establishing the Loss and Damage Fund at COP27: She actively contributed to launching this fund to support countries affected by climate change. Supporting African initiatives: She led the African Adaptation and Renewable Energy Initiatives within the framework of the Conference of African Ministers of the Environment. Leaving behind a sustainable Legacy A ceremony was held at the ministry to honor her pioneering role in promoting Egyptian and regional environmental policies. Following her resignation from the government, the Prime Minister congratulated Fouad on her appointment as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Fouad is one of the 10 most influential government leaders in the Middle East, having been selected for Forbes Middle East's 2024 list for her distinguished role in achieving sustainability. Through her distinguished environmental initiatives, such as 'Get Ready for Green' and her role in the Rio Conventions, Fouad left behind a clear legacy in promoting environmental awareness and climate change adaptation. Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm


Al-Ahram Weekly
20-07-2025
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt PM accepts Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad's resignation ahead of UNCCD post - Society
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly accepted the resignation of Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad on Sunday following her appointment as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), a top international post she is set to assume later this year. Madbouly assigned Local Development Minister Manal Awad to temporarily oversee the Environment Ministry's duties until a new minister is appointed. Fouad, who has served as Environment Minister since June 2018, was named by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in May as the next UNCCD Executive Secretary, becoming the first Egyptian to hold the role. She will succeed Mauritania's Ibrahim Thiaw, whose term will end in early August. The exact start date for Fouad's three-year term has yet to be announced. Madbouly congratulated Fouad on her new post, calling the appointment a testament to her expertise and leadership in environmental diplomacy. He praised her service and wished her success in supporting international efforts to combat desertification and promote sustainable development. Fouad brings over 25 years of experience in environmental governance, international climate negotiations, and sustainable development policy. She previously served as Assistant Minister of Environment and was Egypt's Ministerial Coordinator and Envoy for COP27, held in Sharm El-Sheikh in 2022. She holds a Master's degree in Environmental Sciences and a PhD in Political Science with a focus on Euro-Mediterranean relations. In a statement welcoming his successor, outgoing Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw said: 'Yasmine Fouad brings with her a wealth of experience and deep commitment to the environment and sustainable development. I warmly congratulate her on her appointment and have full confidence that she will bring new energy and vision to the role.' Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link: