Ashraf AboArafe reports
The Cairo Climate Talks (CCT) marked a major milestone with its 100th event, celebrating over 14 years of climate dialogue and collaboration between Egypt and Germany. The two-day celebration took place on May 24–25, held in the scenic Aquarium Grotto Garden in Zamalek and at the official residence of the German Ambassador.
Open-Air Festival in the Heart of Cairo
The first day, May 24, welcomed the public to a summer climate festival, featuring interactive exhibitions, bilingual workshops, and seven mini-panel discussions.
Topics included urban sustainability, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, and youth-led climate initiatives.
Over 20 Egyptian and German NGOs participated, showcasing a vibrant climate community, while more than 500 visitors, including many children, enjoyed the learning experience.
The festival underlined the critical role of civil society and youth innovation in tackling climate challenges.
Diplomatic Day: A High-Level Climate Dialogue
On May 25, German Ambassador Frank Hartmann hosted a high-level event emphasizing the strategic role of the forum.
He stated:
“The Cairo Climate Talks is not just a platform—it’s a meeting of nations. A shared mission for a more resilient, sustainable future.“
A Model of Sustainable Partnership
Egyptian Minister of Environment, Dr. Yasmine Fouad, praised the CCT as a true partnership between the Egyptian government, the German Embassy, GIZ, DAAD, and civil society. She noted that:
“The forum goes beyond climate—addressing sustainability, economy, and society, with broad participation from experts on both sides.“
Water & Climate: A Shared Challenge
Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Dr. Hani Sewilam, emphasized the intersection between water and climate, calling it a challenge and an opportunity, highlighting the need for low-cost, innovative adaptation solutions.
Main Panel: Dialogue as a Driver of Impact
The central panel titled “Expanding Impact Through Dialogue: International Cooperation for Climate Action” featured insights from Dr. Ali Abou Sena, CEO of Egypt’s Environmental Affairs Agency:
“Our work with the CCT is not just cooperation—it’s a long-term relationship.“
Private Sector Innovation in Action
Peter Pappert from Siemens Mobility presented the high-speed electric rail project as a landmark in sustainable mobility, predicting a 70% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to road transport.
He emphasized:
“Sustainability should be embedded in the value chain—not just a vision.“
Financing Under Pressure: The Global Gap
Randa Hamza, Senior Climate Advisor at GIZ, warned of shrinking climate finance, noting:
“Development aid dropped by 7% in 2024—before the U.S. exited the Paris Agreement.“
She reminded the audience that the U.S. contributes 12% of global climate finance, and discussed the urgent funding gap highlighted at COP29 in Baku, where:
“Developing countries need $1.3 trillion annually—far beyond the $300 billion now being negotiated.“
Science & Youth: Voices for the Future
Dr. Wiebke Bachmann from DAAD stressed that:
“Science and research are central to policy and solution-making.“
She emphasized the role of academic knowledge in shaping real-world climate policies.
Abdelrahman Fahmy, founder of Youthink Green Egypt, highlighted the crucial role of youth and the forum’s support in evolving from a student initiative at Cairo University into a full social enterprise.
A Legacy of Collaboration
The evening concluded with a commemorative film celebrating the journey of the Cairo Climate Talks, and honoring key partners and founders, including local initiatives like Banlastic and Greenish.
🌐 Cairo Climate Talks: A Bridge Between Nations and Sectors
Launched in November 2011, the Cairo Climate Talks is a monthly dialogue platform that brings together policy-makers, scientists, civil society, and the private sector, co-organized by the German Embassy, Egypt’s Ministry of Environment, GIZ, DAAD, and the Egyptian-German High-Level Joint Committee on Energy and Environment.
