The minister affirmed in her speech, which was followed by ‘Sputnik,’ that the holding of the conference in Cairo reflects the Mediterranean community’s confidence in Egypt’s role in protecting the marine and coastal environment and enhancing regional cooperation. She pointed out the importance of Egypt’s coasts, which extend over more than 3,000 kilometers, as a source of food, energy, tourism, and trade, and their role in sustainable development.
She explained that Egypt adopts a sustainable blue economy approach within its national strategies and is collaborating with the World Bank to prepare the first comprehensive national blue economy strategy to maximize the sustainable use of marine resources. This includes eco-tourism, fisheries, marine energy, low-carbon transport, and stimulating innovation and investment.
She noted that the conference will witness the adoption of the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development 2026–2035, the regional framework for climate change adaptation, the environmental monitoring and evaluation plan, and the issuance of the Cairo Ministerial Declaration to enhance the transition towards a sustainable blue economy.
Meanwhile, the President of ‘COP23’ and Slovenia’s representative, Mitja Bricelj, praised Egypt for hosting the new session, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among the parties of the Barcelona Convention to preserve the Mediterranean ecosystems. The UN Environment Program Coordinator, Tatiana Hema, also stressed the urgent need to make decisions to combat pollution, protect biodiversity, and ensure a sustainable future for the region.
