Egyptian president delivers key speech on women integration in climate action

CAIRO – 15 November 2022: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi got his speech delivered - at the opening of Gender Thematic Day within COP 27- by Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad on Monday in Sharm El Sheikh.

The following is the whole speech:

Ladies and gentlemen:

I begin by welcoming the guests of Egypt on the Gender Day organized by the Arab Republic of Egypt, the presidency of the Conference, one of the thematic days of the twenty-seventh Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 27).

Organizing this day is considered a reaffirmation of the pivotal role played by women in facing the major contemporary challenges and crises, including, the severe repercussions of climate change, that adds to the role of women in the advancement of human societies. Which has made Egypt keen to work sincerely in order to ensure the access of women and girls to all their rights, and to operationalize policies that will achieve further gender equality and the empowerment of women in various areas of political, economic, and social work.

Ladies and Gentelmen.

As you are well aware, the wide-ranging and multifaceted threats facing the planet due to the climate change crisis, with its serious repercussions are exacerbated day by day. Which makes it the most serious existential challenge to the future of all humanity.

Women are considered among the most affected groups by these repercussions. In light of the general persistent inequalities in women's access to resources and services . And the insufficiency of adequate programs and policies that reflect their needs in times of environmental crises and in the face of climate change, including in poor and rural areas. Taking into account the serious challenges faced by women in developing nations, especially in the African continent.

Nevertheless, women remain key drivers and significant accelerators in addressing the effects of climate change. They are among the most aware of the crisis, faster in taking action, and able to innovate "smart green solutions" to address its repercussions and effects, whether at the family, the local, or the national communities’ level. We have also witnessed at the international level the active and influential participation of women in the work of this conference.

During the world summit held at the onset of this conference, world leaders unanimously agreed that the ultimate desired and urgent goal is to achieve a sustainable future for all. I affirm to you today that achieving this goal can’t happen without achieving a just environmental transition for women. This is through the real and concrete work on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. By promoting better access to them in the fields of education and health. Providing them with decent work opportunities and social protection, and ensuring their full participation in the green economy and the achievement of sustainable development. Their integration in the decision-making process without any discrimination and ensuring their equitable representation in the various fields of scientific research, including the field of climate and technology. These are all elements that I consider pivotal to encourage efforts to protect the environment, achieve green growth, and deal with the repercussions of climate change.

It is worth to mention that the Egyptian Government, within its constant efforts to promote the rights of women and their empowerment in various fields, including in the area of dealing with the repercussions of climate change, was keen on having women play a leading role in a number of pivotal and important aspects and agendas for this conference, as part of the preparatory process for its convening. Taking into account the strong representation of women in the Egyptian COP27 Presidency’s team.

Ladies and gentlemen:

In preparation for Egypt's hosting of the COP27 conference, we had launched our vision on Women, Environment and Climate Change, last March on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the Committee on the Status of Women at the United Nations in New York.

The Arab Republic of Egypt is honored to launch during the conference the " African Women’s Climate Adaptive Priorities " initiative, through which we seek to give real and practical impetus in confronting the repercussions of climate change on women in the African continent, as a confirmation of Egypt's commitment to our mother continent and to every African woman and girl to work to improve their living conditions and their engagement with development , given the important role of African women as a key players in achieving sustainable development, facing the repercussions of climate change, and ensuring the desired transformation in the African continent.

In recent weeks, a number of important consultative meetings have been held with the various relevant regional and international stakeholders, including the civil society, in an effort to benefit from every opinion and vision that can enrich or add to this initiative, which I call upon all of you to support and join in the light of the importance we place on it to achieve our aspirations in the interest of African women.

In conclusion,

I would honestly say, achieving any significant progress in addressing the repercussions of climate change will not be possible without achieving climate justice for all, which undoubtedly constitutes the full integration and involvement of women in various aspects of addressing this phenomenon. This should be reflected in securing their needs within the frameworks of strategies, programs, and financing plans concerning climate change.

In turn this will contribute to encouraging women’s effective participation and taking the lead in facing these repercussions, and also in finding smart and creative solutions in this regard.

My message to women all over the world...

"You have demonstrated unique strength and wisdom in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis that has ravaged the world for the last three years. We now count on you to continue your noble role, with certainty that you will be the icon of positive change in the face of the repercussions of climate change. "

Thank you. I hope that today will be crowned with successful and serious discussions resulting in implementable solutions and recommendations that enhance the work and participation of women in the climate change agenda, which drives our efforts to achieve a better future for our sons, daughters, and the next generations.