A delegation of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has started on Sunday a five-day visit to Egypt for exploratory talks on how the bank can collaborate to make COP27 a truly breakthrough event for people and planet. The delegation, led by AfDB Vice President Kevin Kariuki, is meeting Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Electricity Mohamed Shaker, Minister of International Cooperation Rania al-Mashat, and Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad. The delegation will discuss means of promoting cooperation to ensure the success of COP27, which will be held in the Egyptian Red Sea city of Sharm El-Sheikh in November. Kariuki also plans to meet representatives of the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and various UN agencies. These meetings with the partners aim to explore a common approach for building upon the Glasgow Climate Pact, as well as issues and priorities specific to COP27 in support of the Egyptian government. The visit is taking place from 13 to 17 March 2022, the bank added in a statement. From right to left: Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation Rania al-Mashat and Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth at AfDB Ahead of the mission, Kariuki said it was essential to start early engagements with Egypt, key stakeholders, and partners. "The African Development Bank will work with Egypt to build on the outcomes of COP26 and to ensure that our African COP27 is an overwhelming success." Kariuki said. AfDB said the engagement with the Egyptian authorities would advance the Glasgow to Sharm-El-Sheikh work programme on Global Goal on Adaptation with a view to securing a safe and resilient future for the planet. "Also on the table will be the establishment of a platform for dialogue with African countries on developing a common position on climate change and further amplifying Africa's voice at COP27." AfDB statement added. The Pact comprises of a package of decisions arrived at COP26, including strengthened efforts to build resilience to climate change, to control greenhouse gas emissions through implementing Just Energy Transition plans and to provide the necessary finance for both. The AfDB delegation will additionally discuss ways to showcase Egypt's pioneering initiatives for advancing green transformation, including the recently launched 2050 National Climate Change Strategy, and how these can be replicated in the developing countries, including in Africa. "Egypt has undertaken tremendous efforts to address climate change vulnerability and impacts on the key sectors (energy, transport, waste, water, industry and agriculture) and has invested significantly to put forward measures to enhance their resilience. It is important to showcase these achievements", Kariuki noted. The AfDB has been a strategic partner for Egypt's mitigation and adaptation efforts, providing $1 billion in loans and investment between 2007-2021.
