WSDS 2022 is organised virtually by the Indian Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) from 16 to 18 February, under the theme of “Towards a Resilient Planet: Ensuring a Sustainable and Equitable Future.”

The summit witnessed the participation of representatives from governments as well as civil society, international organisations and businesses to address topics including climate change and energy.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US Climate Envoy John Kerry, and Egyptian Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad, spoke during the summit.

Delivering a speech at the summit, Shoukry highlighted the need to take serious steps toward curbing the harms of climate change and listening to the parties most affected by the impacts of coronavirus.

Shoukry urged countries to provide their nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat with the aim of reducing national emissions.

Egypt is preparing to host the UN Climate Change Conference 2022 (COP27) in November this year in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh with the participation of academia, NGOs and the private sector.

On Saturday, Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi affirmed that the country is keen to ensure the presence of largest possible number of participants at COP27, including representatives of civil society organisations that operate in the field of the environment, vowing to grant them the freedom to express their opinions.

While witnessing the launch of Egypt’s National Strategy for Human Rights, El-Sisi declared 2022 the Year of Civil Society in the country.

Shoukry, also the COP27 president-designate, said during WSDS that the Egyptian presidency of COP27 will continue its efforts to build confidence and ensure the comprehensive participation of all parties concerned with global climate action.

In preparation for COP27, El-Sisi ordered the government to start upgrading Sharm El-Sheikh’s roads and services as well as the conversion of public transportation to natural gas from diesel.

Egypt has vowed to build on the outcomes of the COP26 in Glasgow to push international action to mitigate the impact of climate change and mobilise the necessary momentum for the success of the COP27.

Egypt also vowed to speak for Africa's aspirations on addressing climate change at the COP27, saying the continent suffers most from the negative consequences although it is not responsible for the climate crisis.

During the inauguration of the fifth edition of the Egyptian Petroleum Show (EGYPS 2022) on Monday, El-Sisi also urged developed countries to provide financial support to African states to confront climate change and extend the transitional period for fulfilling renewable energy commitments.