Nairobi: Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad emphasized the critical role of innovation and partnerships in advancing sustainable development and climate adaptation in Africa. This statement was delivered during her speech at the 20th session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) held in Nairobi, Kenya. The conference, themed "Four Decades of Environmental Action in Africa: Reflecting on the Past and Imagining the Future," marked AMCEN's 40th anniversary.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the event was attended by ministers from several African countries and environmental experts. Minister Fouad highlighted Africa's 40-year journey of resilience and dedication to addressing environmental challenges since AMCEN's inaugural meeting in Cairo in 1985. She stressed the importance of innovation, partnerships, inclusive policies, and multilateral commitment to strengthen Africa's leadership in sustainable development and climate adaptation.

Minister Fouad addressed climate change as a critical issue uniting African nations to tackle its varied impacts on the continent's resources. She underscored the urgent need for equitable, just, and accessible international financing, particularly in light of global circumstances requiring increased adaptation financing for sustainable development in Africa.

In her speech, Fouad also referenced the positive outcomes of the Montreal Global Biodiversity Summit, acknowledging Egypt's role and initiatives in addressing climate change. Egypt's commitment to promoting the circular economy and sustainable resource management across Africa was reaffirmed, but Fouad noted the ongoing necessity for means of implementation, including finance, technology transfer, and capacity building.

Minister Fouad expressed hope for enhanced cooperation to combat desertification and develop solutions meeting the aspirations of African peoples. She commended South Africa's leadership during the 20th session and praised the efforts of the session's President and Secretary-General in crafting the session's action protocol, wishing for continued success in achieving the shared goals of African nations.