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The Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union, in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Delegation of the European Union in Egypt are hosting today a joint webinar on Water Sustainability and Clean Oceans.

The webinar’s keynote speaker is Dr Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation of Egypt. Mrs. Manuela Franco, Ambassador of Portugal in Egypt, will moderate a panel that includes Mr Christian Berger, EU Ambassador to Egypt, Dr Sayed Ismail, deputy minister for Utilities and Infrastructure, Mr Alfredo Abad, head of the EIB Regional Office in Cairo along with sector experts. Dr Ricardo Serrão Santos, Minister of Maritime Affairs of Portugal will conclude the webinar.

The webinar will discuss the effects of climate change on water resources and the green transition. It will examine cooperation and the need for coordinated global response. The speakers will demonstrate the ongoing efforts to mobilise cooperation between the different relevant players, at all levels. Furthermore, the event opens discussions on Egypt’s perspectives of public and private led sustainable development and green investments.

“Water replenishes our people, transports our trade, and is key to any industry. It is the foundation for all development growth and economic stability. Through our international partnerships for sustainable development, Egypt is dedicated to supporting green growth and responsible consumption of all natural resources, with the Ministry of International Cooperation allocating more than 19.4% of its development financing to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation” H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, Arab Republic of Egypt.

“Climate change is upon us. It is a huge challenge. If we are to build sustainable economies and prosperous societies, in Europe or in Africa, we must heed  the urgency of the Green Transition.

We need a clear understanding that we face the same problems, even though the approaches have been shaped differently by the history and the culture of each nation. Different approaches, yet always aimed at the same objective: to provide water for all uses, in a sustainable manner, equitable and socially just, at a suitable price. This is why Portugal , currently in the presidency of the EU Council of Ministers, and the EIB, decided together to highlight  the theme of  Green Investment  within the EU-Africa dialogue.  The Cairo Green Talk will focus on Water sustainability and Clean Oceans,  issues that are absolutely central to development and environmental sustainability, Said H.E. Manuela Franco, Ambassador of Portugal in Egypt.

Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Egypt H.E. Mr Christian Berger underlined that all countries in the Mediterranean region are concerned with the conservation and fair distribution of water. “We need to work together to face the shared challenges of water resource management and ensure these are effectively addressed.  We are working together with our Egyptian partners to this end. Today’s event is a cornerstone to remind ourselves that sustainable management of water resources, at both local and regional levels, requires global action. The benefits of strong international cooperation will extend well beyond the water sector. Everyone will have to play a part to enhance safe, secure, resilient, ecologically sustainable and inclusive access to water and sanitation, as this is a shared responsibility while offering an opportunity for our economies and societies.

“The European Investment Bank is the climate bank of the European Union. The bank supports high-impact investment across Africa and around the world. The objective of Cairo Green Talk is to foster a mutually beneficial exchange of views and lessons from a successful sustainable investment experiences with partners. Water sector is an important area of EIB investment where the Bank has  been investing heavily, said Alfredo Abad, Head of EIB’s regional office in Cairo.

The webinar is part of the EU-Africa 30 days of dialogue on green transition and green investment between African and European partners. It is a series of events and virtual meetings organised across Africa and Europe beginning on 24 March and culminating on 23 April, with the High-level EU-Africa Green Investment Forum, being held in Lisbon. The Forum and the Green Talks are unlocking a month of dialogue and debate between the two continents, paving the way to the preparation of the next summit between the European Union and the African Union.

Background information

Overview of Portuguese Presidency

Further information on Dakar Green Talk and registration available here

Green Talks overview EU-Africa Green Talks (eib.org)

Lisbon Green Investment Forum High-Level EU-Africa Green Investment Forum (eib.org)