The protocol was signed by Al-Azhar Undersecretary Mohamed El-Dheweni and Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad, the ministerial coordinator and envoy of the 27th session of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27) in the presence of Al-Azhar Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayyeb.

The protocol aims to enhance cooperation between the two entities to increase environmental awareness among the various segments of society and improve behavior towards the environment, according to a statement by the ministry.

“The ministry is seeking to involve Al-Azhar in COP27 activities as the protocol plans to establish an electronic platform to discuss environmental and climate change issues as well as other societal affairs,” Fouad said.

Egypt is preparing to host COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh in November on behalf of the African continent.

The protocol also aims to encourage post-graduate students to prepare studies related to environmental issues and produce various scientific articles on the importance of environmental awareness.

The minister asserted that Al-Azhar, the Sunni-Muslim world's top religious institution, has a very influential role in Egyptian society and could greatly contribute to increasing environmental awareness, especially among students.