Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi addressed the UN climate conference in Paris, saying Africa contributes the least to global emissions, but is the first to be affected by its harmful consequences.
“We seek to develop a clear agenda to achieve the required balance between development and coping with climate change,” Al-Sisi said.
He also said reaching an international agreement is crucial to saving the environment.
The Egyptian president added that the agreement must be fully transparent in funding aspects. “Africa is pushing for an international agreement that ensures a global goal to limit harmful emissions, based on the divergence of burden sharing between the developed and developing states, within the framework of shared responsibility to cope with climate changes,” he continued.
He said it is unacceptable to focus only on the element of reducing harmful emissions without directing similar attention to the rest of the elements, especially with regards to strengthening the capacities of developing countries to adapt to climate change by providing funding and technical support and modern technology.
Al-Sisi also said it is essential that the agreement reflects a commitment to provide $100m for the benefit of developing countries affected by climate fluctuations.
Egypt has launched a sustainable development plan until 2030, according to the Egyptian president. “I urge the international community to support the efforts of Egypt at the national level in this area, since Egypt, as well as the African nations, is fulfilling all of its commitments to offer its ambitious plans to face climate change.”
Al- Sisi also asserted Egypt’s support to France in fighting terrorism.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry said the international community is interested in climate issues and the world summit will shape the strategy of the next decade in dealing with climate change.
Shoukry also told journalists there is collective responsibility, but that developed countries and developing countries share different responsibilities regarding adjustment, effective contribution and the advancement of developing countries to confront the issues of climate change.
