Egypt, UNFCCC, climate change experts discuss challenges to COP27 success

CAIRO – 22 October 2022: To ensure the success of the COP 27 Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Egyptian presidency of COP 27 staff and representatives of the UNFCCC held a series of meetings to discuss the current geopolitical challenges to the conference leadership.

The meetings, facilitated by the Centre for Multilateral Negotiations (CEMUNE), discussed the “current situation in Ukraine, high energy prices, and predicted economic recession,” said the COP 27 Communication center in a statement on Friday.

“The role of the COP Presidency is to align and converge multiple views, and facilitate transparent, inclusive, and fruitful discussion, while consistently advocating for more progress, ambition and solidarity,” Egyptian Foreign Minister and COP 27 President Designate Sameh Shoukry was quoted by the statement.

The meetings were also attended by COP20 President Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, COP26 Lead Negotiator Archie Young, Tomasz Chruszczow (former High Level Climate Champion for COP24), Dr Hakima El Haite (former High Level Climate Champion for COP22), and Kaveh Guilanpour (Former Co-lead Negotiator on Climate Change for the EU).

“Sound substantive and organizational preparation is essential to ensure that COP27 results in the most positive outcome possible. This workshop gathered several experts and resource persons with extensive experience in climate action and climate conferences, and allowed for useful sharing of best practices and lessons learned,” said Wael Aboulmagd, COP27 Special Representative

This year's international gathering aims to establish legally binding commitments for developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Egypt focuses on urgent and priority issues in the African continent, in particular, and in developing countries in general, such as adaptation and climate finance.

“Egypt looks forward to building on the outputs of Glasgow to set a global goal for adaptation according to the 'from Glasgow - Sharm El Sheikh' work program, especially after the completion of the Paris Rulebook,” said the Ministry of Environment in a statement.