Egypt’s Minister of Environment, Yasmine Fouad, inaugurated the opening session of a World Bank technical mission visit to review the progress of the Greater Cairo Air Pollution Management and Climate Change Project. This joint initiative between the Ministry of Environment and the World Bank aims to address critical environmental challenges in the capital city and its surrounding areas.
The session was attended by representatives from key ministries, including Planning and International Cooperation, Transportation, Local Development, Health, and Higher Education, as well as officials from the governorates of Cairo, Giza, and Qalyubia. Ali Abu Sena, CEO of Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, and Yasser Abdullah, Chairperson of Egypt’s Waste Management Regulatory Authority, were also present. Dahlia Lotayef, the World Bank’s technical team leader, and Karen Shepherdson, the new technical team leader, also participated in the session.
Minister Fouad highlighted the unique nature of the project, which tackles two pressing environmental issues: air pollution and climate change. She acknowledged the project’s inherent complexity, requiring coordinated efforts from various stakeholders, including relevant ministries and governorates.
“The project is a unique model for stakeholder integration in tackling the challenge of air pollution and climate change,” said Fouad. “It offers a platform for collaboration, and collaboration is essential to ensure success.”
The minister stressed the project’s technical integration of air pollution and climate change, identifying necessary policy reforms to achieve this linkage. She also underscored the importance of involving stakeholders, from citizens to government and the private sector, in defining and fulfilling their roles and responsibilities.
Fouad emphasized the project’s role in raising awareness and changing behaviors, recognizing that air pollution often stems from individual actions in resource management and daily activities. “It’s critical to adopt environmentally friendly practices,” she added.
She extended her gratitude to the World Bank team and the implementing units in the relevant ministries for their contributions.
Fouad presented a token of appreciation to Dalia Latife, the World Bank’s technical team leader, acknowledging her efforts in developing and implementing the project. Minister Fouad praised Latife as a role model for Egyptian women, highlighting her dedication to public service in her previous role at the Environmental Affairs Agency and her representation of Egypt during her time at the World Bank.
Source: Daily News Egypt
