Egypt is mobilizing efforts to support water and food security in Africa, calling on the international community to finance "climate adaptation" in the continent.
The Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Swailem, met in Kenya with the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Inger Andersen, to discuss international efforts to adapt to climate changes in the water sector.
Swailem referred to Cairo's interest in water and climate issues as among the top priorities of the Egyptian state, stressing his keenness to cooperate with UNEP due to the full interdependence between water, environment, and climate.
There was a need to take measures to improve the water management process, adapt to climate changes and mitigate their causes in light of its significant and clear impact on the water and agricultural sectors, he said.
The Minister explained that the rise in temperature leads to an increase in water use and negatively affects the productivity of some crops, which is a significant challenge to governments to meet water and food needs.
Egypt always seeks to convey the voice of Africa to the world as the continent least responsible for carbon dioxide emissions and the most affected by climate change, which requires the search for sustainable solutions to deal with the growing challenges, according to the Minister.
He stressed the importance of the international community’s support for the "Conceptual Program of Action on Water Adaptation" launched by Egypt during the 2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 27), which deals with water and climate challenges at the global level.
The Minister pointed to the necessity of directing funds to the areas of adaptation and mitigating the effects of climate change on water resources in Africa, contributing to dealing with the challenges facing the water sector, achieving food security, and facilitating livelihoods.
Last September, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stressed the importance of international efforts to provide grants to African countries affected by climate change.
Sisi pointed out at the time that the annual cost of mitigating the effects of climate change by 2025 will amount to about $800 billion.
He added that 20 states are responsible for 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, and these countries should further contribute to climate adaptation efforts.
