Desert Research Center hosted the preparatory meeting for the African Group of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), as part of preparations for the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17).
During the session, Dr. Ghada Hegazy, Vice President of Desert Research Center for Research and Studies, delivered a speech on behalf of Dr. Hossam Shawky, President of DRC and National Coordinator for the UNCCD, emphasizing Egypt’s commitment to supporting joint African action and strengthening coordination among the continent’s countries to address the challenges of desertification and drought.
In her speech, Dr. Hegazy pointed out that land, water, and food security issues have become among the most prominent challenges facing the African continent in light of accelerating climate change. She stressed that combating desertification is not only an environmental issue but also a developmental and economic priority directly linked to achieving stability and improving the livelihoods of local communities.
She also stressed the need to strengthen integration and coordination among the three Rio Conventions to ensure maximum benefit from international resources and funding allocated to address environmental and development challenges.
Dr. Ghada Hegazi explained that the meeting comes at a crucial time, coinciding with preparations for COP17 and discussions on the future strategy for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification beyond 2030. She noted that this requires formulating a unified African position that reflects the continent’s priorities and development needs.
