A delegation from Desert Research Center, representing the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, participated with the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17), held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from August 17 to 28, 2026.
Through its participation, Egypt affirms its support for the efforts of the international community aimed at promoting sustainable land management and addressing drought-related challenges, thereby contributing to increased resilience and sustainable development.
During its address, delivered by Dr. Ahmed Abd El- Aty, Executive Coordinator and Egypt’s representative on the Committee on Science and Technology, Egypt emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships between governments, international financial institutions, and the private sector, and facilitating developing countries access to the financial and technological resources necessary to implement their national programs.
Egypt also affirmed its support for the legitimate rights of states to exploit their natural resources and stressed the importance of not using water and food as tools of collective punishment in the context of conflicts, in accordance with relevant rules of international law.
Egypt also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation and integration among the Rio Conventions, supporting an integrated approach to address the challenges of land degradation, climate change, and biodiversity loss, and enhancing food and water security and resilience.
Egypt’s participation in COP17 comes within the framework of its preparations to host the 18th Conference of the Parties (COP18) in Egypt in 2028, reinforcing Egypt’s continued role in joint international action to address the challenges of land degradation and drought, and support efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable and resilient future.
It is worth noting that Dr. Hossam Shawky, president of Desert Research Center, is scheduled to head the Egyptian delegation at the high-level meetings to be held during the second week of the conference, which will witness discussions on a number of key issues and themes.
