Environment minister represents Egypt at Armenia biodiversity summit ahead of COP17

Local Development and Environment Minister Manal Awad travelled to Yerevan on behalf of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to take part in the “Leaders for Nature” biodiversity summit on October 16-17, ahead of the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, or COP17.

The summit brings together heads of state and government, international organisations, scientists and representatives of Indigenous peoples and local communities, with discussions focused on implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, strengthening international cooperation and increasing nature-positive finance.

Awad is due to deliver Egypt’s statement at the summit, outlining the country’s efforts to protect biodiversity and ecosystems and stressing the need for adequate financing to implement global commitments on nature conservation.

She will also take part in high-level discussions on nature protection as a pillar of peace, security and development, as well as ways to expand environmental finance and align financial flows with nature-positive development.

Awad is expected to hold a number of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit to discuss cooperation on conservation, protected-area management, biodiversity and financing for environmental projects.

The summit is set to conclude with the adoption of a political declaration titled the “Yerevan Call for Action”, calling for faster implementation of biodiversity commitments, stronger financing and partnerships, and wider government and societal participation.

COP17 is scheduled to take place in Armenia from October 19 to 30, 2026. Egypt’s participation aims to expand international cooperation and partnerships linking biodiversity protection with economic and social development priorities.