Egypt’s Foreign Minister calls for improved climate commitments at COP27 – African Business

Egypt, which is hosting the 2022 UN Climate Conference this November, is calling on the international community to act on climate pledges made to developing countries, the country’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, declared on Saturday.

Sameh Hassan Shoukry selim stated that the world is in a historical moment of increased polarization. He called for serious action and a commitment towards multilateralism.

He stated that the problem is not in the UN system itself, but in the failure to respect the Organization by its Member States. He urged States to reform and revitalize the UN system, and urged them to complete the process so the UN can better address the challenges and achieve the goals of the people.

Concerning the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Mr. Selim stated that this has only exacerbated the already dire situation. COVID-19 pandemic, which led to an increased burden for developing countries, especial in terms of growing public deficits.

Respect sovereignty

There is a need, he said, for developed countries to convert the debt they hold into joint investment projects, which would “create more job opportunities and contribute to positive economic growth.”

Mr. Selim said that an international consensus must be reached without threats to any country or undermining of sovereignty. The current challenges, he said, threaten the very concept of nation-states. This causes a lack of respect and weakening of State entities. It allows non-State terrorists control over the destiny of nations.

Support for global food safety

Mr. Selim claimed that Africa’s current food crisis is the result many years of failing to reach the targets. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to hunger and food security.

According to Mr. Selim, one in five Africans is at risk of hunger and the Continent a net food importer, this crisis must be addressed using an international strategy that addresses its root causes.

He suggested that solutions include sustainable farming and food systems that provide for the needs of people living in food-importing African countries.

Mr. Selim offered Egypt’s support in the creation of an international hub in the country, for the storing, supplying, and trading of grain, to guarantee global food security.

Developing countries ‘most deserving of our support’

Concerning the climate crisis, Mr. Selim pointed out that Egypt will assume the presidency of the COP27 UN Climate Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh in November.

He appealed for all members of international community to fulfill their pledges and promises of support for developing nations, in order to deal with the devastating effects of the emergency. “They are the most deserving of our support,” he said. 

He hoped for the Conference to produce outcomes that would contribute to a decrease in emissions, enhanced mitigation, adaptation and loss and damages commitments. He reminded the crowd that adaptation finance needs to be doubled, and that the $100 billion annually promised for climate finance must be delivered. There must also be a fair transition towards renewable energy. 

Mr. Selim said that implementation of 2015 Paris climate accord would be a clear indication that climate action remains a top priority on the global stage, despite the many challenges facing the world.

Nile ‘always part of Egypt’s history’

Mr. Selim described water security as a major challenge, particularly for African and Middle East countries. He explained that many of those countries are dry and deserted, but that the serious human suffering caused water shortages by droughts is often due in part to a lack or respect for international laws, with some countries monopolizing water resources to the detriment to nations downstream.

With regards to the Nile, Mr. Selima declared that, whilst Egypt recognizes the right of the Ethiopian people to development, this will never mean that the country lets go of the right of Egyptians to the river’s water, which has, he said, always been part of Egypt’s history. 

The Minister stated that a legally binding agreement must be reached regarding the operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. This is in line with the 2015 agreement between Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Sudan, and a 2021 agreement. Security Council resolution. He asked all three States not to speak but to do the deeds.

Distributed by APO Group, United Nations Office at Geneva.