Climate forum ahead of COP27 kicks off in Egypt

Climate forum ahead of COP27 kicks off in Egypt

CAIRO: The “Environment and Development 2022: The Road to Sharm El-Sheikh COP27” forum began on Sunday. The forum is being organized by the Arab Water Council under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment. Senior officials and experts from 30 countries will take part in the forum in Cairo, from Sept. 11-13, to discuss the impacts of climate change and ways to combat it. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit stressed that the upcoming 2022 UN Climate Change Conference is a unique opportunity to address issues facing the Arab region, which, though contributing a small percentage to climate change, is the most affected by it. Gheit said that the world is still suffering from a deteriorating economic situation that has affected development because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and several ensuing crises. He added that when the Russian invasion of Ukraine began, it significantly affected the market for food and energy, as the Arab region relies significantly on Russian and Ukrainian exports for its needs. Gheit explained that food supplies can only be secured by improving water sources and by bypassing traditional policies. He also mentioned that facing the current challenges requires Arab