Making better future in light of climate change is unattainable without green transition inclusive of women: Egyptian President

CAIRO – 14 November 2022: Minister of Environment Yasmin Fouad delivered Monday a speech on behalf of President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi at the opening of Gender Thematic Day taking place within the activities of COP 27 held in Sharm El Sheikh.

The president's speech noted that making a better future in light of climate change is unattainable without green transition inclusive of women.

"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," President Sisi underlined.

"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," the president elaborated.

The chief of state added that is especially true in poor and rural areas, and in developing nations, particularly on 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," President Sisi said.

The president highlighted that "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."

"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," President Sisi stressed.

Concluding his speech, the Egyptian president addressed women saying, "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. "