In a press conference following the inauguration of areas of pavilions and exhibitions in the zone, Madbouly said that the Green Zone in COP27 is the largest yet to be seen at COP summits.

He added that the Green Zone has been expanded to meet the demand for the area by local and regional organisations.

The Green Zone's design as a lotus flower reflects the Egyptian ancient civilisation, Madbouly said.

“We look forward in the upcoming period to listening to the innovative solutions for climate challenges that will be presented unofficially at the zone by youth, women, and all organisations,” the premier said.

The Green Zone’s activities are scheduled to kick off on Wednesday and run until 16 November. There will be days dedicated to discussing finance, youth, adaptation and agriculture, Africa, energy solutions, science, decarbonisation, gender, civil society and biodiversity.

COP27 kicked off today in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh. Over 41,000 people have attended the inauguration , including heads of state and government, and media professionals.

In a post on his official Facebook page, Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said that the conference is being held at a very sensitive and crucial time when the world is "facing existential and unprecedented crises that impact our planet's survival and [humanity’s] ability to live in it."

The conference will discuss for the first time funding arrangements to deal with climate change-related losses and damages, according to the agenda announced by the COP27 president.

The COP27 presidency will present 14 initiatives addressing equitable energy transition, agriculture, food security, water security, climate adaptation, and sustainable cities, Egyptian Minister of Environment Yasmine Fouad told Al-Ahram Weekly. Read the full interview here.