On the 92nd session of the Cairo Climate Talks, themed “Towards a Greener Future: Facilitating the Economic Transition,” took place at the DAAD Regional Office in Cairo. The event saw an engaging fireside chat addressing the imperative shift to a green economy, featuring esteemed speakers Mr. Sherif Eldiwany, Co-founder and Managing Director of MGM Climate Business Developers, and Mr. Amr Shalaan, CEO of TileGreen Company. Moderated by Ms. Lorena Mohr, Head of Science and Protocol at the German Embassy in Cairo, the dialogue delved into the nuanced dynamics of economic sustainability and environmental stewardship.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Eldiwany emphasized the misconception surrounding “green jobs,” asserting that the focus should instead be on cultivating skills indispensable across all sectors for fostering lower emissions and sustainable practices. He underscored the necessity of a compelling business case to drive green initiatives, highlighting the evolving landscape of energy prices and the imperative for businesses to embrace environmentally-conscious practices. Noting the burgeoning interest in green investments globally, Eldiwany spotlighted the pivotal role of policies in incentivizing green transitions and mitigating risks, citing initiatives by the Central Bank of Egypt to monitor and regulate greenhouse emissions.

Echoing Eldiwany’s sentiments, Mr. Shalaan emphasized the importance of forging a robust support system for businesses committed to environmental stewardship. He elucidated on the symbiotic relationship between business growth and environmental footprints, advocating for proactive measures such as reforestation to offset carbon emissions. Shalaan accentuated the significance of international collaboration in driving green investments, echoing the imperative highlighted by Eldiwany in de-risking world bank investments and facilitating sustainable development.

The fireside chat garnered active participation from attendees, who posed insightful questions touching on issues of transparency, the just transition, and the impact on indigenous communities. Their contributions added depth to the dialogue, underscoring the multifaceted challenges and opportunities inherent in the transition to a green economy. As the global community strives towards a more sustainable future, forums such as these play a pivotal role in fostering dialogue, collaboration, and actionable solutions to address the pressing challenges of climate change.