Egypt's FM launches COP27 as 'executive' event, addresses polarization, funding of adaptation efforts

CAIRO – 6 November 2022: Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry was handed over the presidency of COP from Alok Sharma, the president of Glasgow’s COP26, on Sunday and thanked all participants for their trust in Egypt, reflected in choosing it to host "the most important and largest international event."

Shoukry began his speech by saying he is certain Egypt will receive all the support from the participants to achieve together our targets. For its part, Egypt will endeavor to facilitate the best conditions for all participants from governmental and non-governmental entities to contribute to the hoped outcome of COP27.

In COP27, parties need to be candid about two facts, according to Shoukry:

1 – Climate action over the past decades has been marred by polarization, slowing down progress in negotiations. Shoukry emphasized that the negotiations are not detached from reality and that all lose if one party thinks it can make gains at the expense of another.

2 – There are several concerns over the state of funding and mobilization. The vow to allocate $100 billion a year for climate actions has not been fulfilled. The funding is mainly provided via loans, and it favors the reduction of emissions to adaptation efforts.

In reference to the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, Shoukry acknowledged that international political turmoil has indeed impacted all countries. “But if some think this would hamper our concerted climate action, this must be proven wrong from right here in Sharm el-Sheikh. I call on you to prove to the world that we understand the magnitude of the challenge and have the political will needed to face it.”

“It is time to move on from negotiations and vows to a stage where execution is a priority. The bar of ambition for every country should also be raised on a par with their capabilities. I applaud every country that updated their nationally determined contributions, including Egypt. I hereby, surely representing all of you, urge all states to follow suit, especially that a recent evaluation of contributions indicated that they are not commensurate with the goals of [the Paris Agreement],” Shoukry added.

The minister also called for more non-governmental participation, such as the private sector, international banks and institutions, the civil society, youth communities, and indigenous people. He highlighted that Egypt consulted with these parties in all preparations of COP27, whether in presidential initiatives, thematic days, and in COP27 sessions at the level of presidents and prime ministers.

On a positive note, Shoukry said climate action has borne fruit despite its slow pattern. Renewable energy is booming, which led to a reduction in its prices. Adaptation technology in the field of water regulation and agriculture has advanced noticeably. Public awareness has also increased, and the contributions of civil society and researchers, local governments, and women have also increased.

Shoukry also deeply thanked the U.K. and Alok Sharma, the president of COP26, for close coordination with Egypt for a year to ensure a smooth transition of the presidency in a way that builds upon the political momentum that was created in Glasgow last year.