By Abdullahi Lukman
Egypt has highlighted its experience in managing water scarcity and adapting to climate change at the high-level segment of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP17) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, joined ministers, heads of delegations and representatives of international organisations at the opening session, which focused on combating desertification, land degradation and drought.
Sewilam said water, land, climate and food security were closely linked and required coordinated policies that promote sustainable management of natural resources.
He called for a shift from crisis response to stronger preparedness and resilience as climate-related pressures intensify.
Sewilam said Egypt was sharing its experience in addressing water scarcity, including improving water-use efficiency, expanding the reuse of agricultural drainage water and implementing climate adaptation projects.
He added that Egypt was increasingly deploying technology and innovation to improve water management and respond to growing pressure on its limited water resources.
During the conference, Sewilam is expected to participate in ministerial dialogues and other high-level sessions focusing on drought and the interconnection between water, land and climate.
Egypt will also advocate greater mobilisation of financing and investment to help countries vulnerable to drought, land degradation and water scarcity strengthen resilience and implement climate adaptation measures.