Cairo, Washington Agree to Launch Initiative to Adapt to Clime Changes

 US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate during a meeting with Egypt’s Minister of Environment on the sidelines of the 18th session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment in Senegal. (Egypt’s Ministry of Environment)
US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate during a meeting with Egypt’s Minister of Environment on the sidelines of the 18th session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment in Senegal. (Egypt’s Ministry of Environment)
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Cairo, Washington Agree to Launch Initiative to Adapt to Clime Changes

 US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate during a meeting with Egypt’s Minister of Environment on the sidelines of the 18th session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment in Senegal. (Egypt’s Ministry of Environment)
US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate during a meeting with Egypt’s Minister of Environment on the sidelines of the 18th session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment in Senegal. (Egypt’s Ministry of Environment)

Egypt and the United States agreed on the importance of adapting to climate changes, especially in developing countries and the African continent.

This came during a meeting between US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and Egypt’s Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad on the sidelines of the 18th session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) in Dakar, Senegal, on Saturday.

Kerry underlined the efforts exerted by the two sides to launch an initiative to adapt to climate changes on the sidelines of the upcoming COP27 climate summit.

He called for advancing climate action at COP27 as a conference for implementation, despite the current global challenges.

The envoy said he has coordinated with various countries and international organizations, such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to implement Cairo’s ambitious program to increase 10 gigawatts of new and renewable energy.

Fouad, for her part, underscored the need for the US continuous support for Egypt’s “Nowfi” program.

The program is the link between food, water projects and energy, and aims to mobilize concessional development finance, technical support, and investments by the private sector for a package of priority green development projects within the framework of Egypt’s 2050 Comprehensive National Climate Strategy.

Fouad said the meeting tackled the expected outcomes of the COP27 United Nations Climate Change Conference 2022, which Egypt will host at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh in November.

The Minister stressed the need for developed countries to fulfill their commitments and work on doubling financing for adaptation, especially the Green Climate Fund and the Adaptation Fund, before the summit.

She also emphasized the need to come up with a special mitigation program to maintain the Earth's temperature in the range of 1.5 degrees Celsius, in accordance with the recommendations and outcomes of the Glasgow Conference (COP26).



Watermelon Takes Center Stage as Saudi Arabia Enters Peak Summer Fruit Season

Known for its high quality and variety, watermelon continues to gain strong consumer demand across Saudi Arabia.  - SPA File Photo
Known for its high quality and variety, watermelon continues to gain strong consumer demand across Saudi Arabia. - SPA File Photo
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Watermelon Takes Center Stage as Saudi Arabia Enters Peak Summer Fruit Season

Known for its high quality and variety, watermelon continues to gain strong consumer demand across Saudi Arabia.  - SPA File Photo
Known for its high quality and variety, watermelon continues to gain strong consumer demand across Saudi Arabia. - SPA File Photo

Agricultural areas across Saudi Arabia are experiencing a vibrant summer harvest this July, with watermelon leading the seasonal fruits in local markets as production exceeds 610,000 tons, driven by the fruit’s natural flavor, rich nutritional value, and vital role in food processing industries, SPA reported.
Known for its high quality and variety, watermelon continues to gain strong consumer demand across Saudi Arabia. It also supports several food industries such as juices, desserts, and frozen treats, helping to reinforce food security, boost seasonal crop self-sufficiency, and advance the national economy, all in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to promote agricultural sustainability and improve domestic production efficiency.
According to SPA, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture remains committed to empowering farmers by offering technical guidance, financial support, and expansion of modern agricultural technologies to enhance output quality.
The ministry also supports supply chains and market access through seasonal programs and local exhibitions, ensuring smooth product delivery to consumers and maximizing economic impact.