Egypt, Norway hold informal talks ahead of global plastic treaty negotiations
The meeting brought together senior officials from Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Environment, including Tamer Mostafa, Director of the Department of Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development; Soha Taher, Head of the Central Department for International Cooperation; and Yousra Abdelaziz, Head of the Plastic Unit at the Ministry of Environment.
Minister Fouad underscored the value of informal dialogue in fostering mutual understanding and trust within multilateral environmental frameworks. She noted that Egypt has played an active role in various international environmental initiatives and brings a balanced perspective shaped by its status as a developing country and a member of the African continent.
'As a developing nation, Egypt recognises the developmental challenges facing many countries,' Fouad said. She emphasised that Egypt has taken a holistic approach to the treaty negotiations, assembling a broad-based delegation comprising representatives from the ministries of environment, foreign affairs, petroleum, and industry, in addition to private sector stakeholders. This, she said, ensures the country advocates for a just and inclusive transition.
Fouad highlighted Egypt's proactive steps to reduce plastic pollution, including the implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) and measures to limit the use of single-use plastic bags. She stressed that the upcoming treaty must prioritise the goal of ending plastic pollution while providing adequate transitional periods and implementation support tailored to national contexts.
Minister Eriksen welcomed Egypt's constructive participation in the treaty process and echoed the importance of informal talks in advance of formal negotiations, which are scheduled to take place in Geneva next month.
'These consultations are essential for clarifying national priorities and achieving consensus on treaty language, especially given the diverse global perspectives on plastic pollution,' Eriksen said.
He emphasised the need for flexibility in the negotiating process to ensure meaningful progress and agreement. 'It's not just about setting up a financial mechanism – it's about defining what we are funding,' he added, pointing to the importance of capacity-building, innovative financing solutions, and active engagement from the private sector to enable successful implementation of treaty obligations.
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He also explained that the Egyptian Pool for Travel Insurance, under its founding statute, manages this policy, which has now expanded for the first time to include all Egyptians working abroad and their families, not just those holding work permits under Law No. 173 of 1958, a step that underscores Egypt's commitment to its citizens wherever they may be. Deputy Foreign Minister for Migration Nabil Habashi noted that improving the scope and benefits of this policy came in response to requests raised by Egyptians abroad during the Fifth Conference for Egyptians Abroad last year, as well as through continuous engagement with Egyptian communities in recent months. Habashi extended his gratitude to the FRA and other agencies for embracing the proposal and working hard to turn it into a reality that will benefit millions of Egyptians living abroad. 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Egypt, Norway hold informal talks ahead of global plastic treaty negotiations
Egypt's Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, held a virtual meeting with Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, as part of ongoing informal consultations in preparation for the next round of negotiations on a legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution. The meeting brought together senior officials from Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Environment, including Tamer Mostafa, Director of the Department of Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development; Soha Taher, Head of the Central Department for International Cooperation; and Yousra Abdelaziz, Head of the Plastic Unit at the Ministry of Environment. Minister Fouad underscored the value of informal dialogue in fostering mutual understanding and trust within multilateral environmental frameworks. She noted that Egypt has played an active role in various international environmental initiatives and brings a balanced perspective shaped by its status as a developing country and a member of the African continent. 'As a developing nation, Egypt recognises the developmental challenges facing many countries,' Fouad said. She emphasised that Egypt has taken a holistic approach to the treaty negotiations, assembling a broad-based delegation comprising representatives from the ministries of environment, foreign affairs, petroleum, and industry, in addition to private sector stakeholders. This, she said, ensures the country advocates for a just and inclusive transition. Fouad highlighted Egypt's proactive steps to reduce plastic pollution, including the implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) and measures to limit the use of single-use plastic bags. She stressed that the upcoming treaty must prioritise the goal of ending plastic pollution while providing adequate transitional periods and implementation support tailored to national contexts. Minister Eriksen welcomed Egypt's constructive participation in the treaty process and echoed the importance of informal talks in advance of formal negotiations, which are scheduled to take place in Geneva next month. 'These consultations are essential for clarifying national priorities and achieving consensus on treaty language, especially given the diverse global perspectives on plastic pollution,' Eriksen said. He emphasised the need for flexibility in the negotiating process to ensure meaningful progress and agreement. 'It's not just about setting up a financial mechanism – it's about defining what we are funding,' he added, pointing to the importance of capacity-building, innovative financing solutions, and active engagement from the private sector to enable successful implementation of treaty obligations.
