Climate change talks need not be ‘zero-sum game’ between developed, developing states: Egypt’s FM

CAIRO – 19 July 2022: Egypt’s Foreign Minister and President-designate of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) Sameh Shoukry warned that climate change talks need not be a “zero-sum game” between developed and developing countries.

In a joint press conference with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock on Tuesday on the sidelines of the Petersberg Climate Dialogue, Shoukry affirmed the need to start the implementation of climate action instantly.

“We must start implementing now; we must make substantive progress across the work and ensure that no one is left behind,” Shoukry said, affirms the need for all parties to “rise to the occasion and show understanding and willingness to compromise”.

Shoukry said the need to act instantly on climate change comes amid numerous global challenges that the world is facing, including volatile geopolitical landscape, food and energy crisis, as well as pandemic.

“The main issues are clear and well-defined,” Shoukry said, affirming the need to keep the temperature low and make progress in adaptation hopefully through a transformative adaptation agenda.

He also affirmed the need for finding a reasonable resolution to the issues of loss and damage to provide timely support for climate vulnerable communities and addressing the climate finance gap effectively.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi participated in the Petersburg Climate Dialogue on Monday, where he affirmed that Egypt will spare no effort to make the COP27 a success.

Sisi said that recent climate change reports indicate that exerted efforts are still insufficient, “and that we must save the earth for future generations.” Sisi also noted that the world needs a fair transition to green and renewable energy

“We must think about the losses incurred by developing countries, especially small countries in African countries. It is important that we think about doing more in terms of financing, as richer countries should play a bigger role regarding Climate change” Sisi said.

President Sisi, meanwhile, hailed the crucial role played by Germany to address climate change.