“Cairo Climate Talks” is a series of events meant to provide a platform to exchange experience, raise awareness and foster cooperation between policymakers, the business community, the scientific community as well as civil society. It is held in cooperation between the German Embassy in Cairo, in cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs, the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA), the German Academic Exchange service (DAAD), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Egyptian German High Level Joint Committee for Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Environmental Protection (JCEE).
First H.E. Mr. Michael Bock, the ambassador made the opening speech. He pointed out the tremendous potential for Egypt to expand in the field of new and renewable energy. This would not only result in clean energy friendly to the environment, but also create new jobs and contribute to sustainable development. Then the opening speech by H.E. Maged George, Minister of State for Environmental Affairs, was held by Mr. Hossam ElDin Ali Hegazi, Chief Executive Officer of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA). He confirmed the excellent bilateral relations between Germany and Egypt, especially in the field of technology and science. “Cairo Climate Talks” are a symbol of this intensive cooperation to face the climate change and its risks.
Both panellists Mr. Stefan Auer, Deputy Director General for Energy and Environment at the German Federal Foreign Office, and H.E. Ambassador Ehab Gamal ElDin, Minister Plenipotentiary for Environmental Affairs and Sustainable Development at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, concurred that both Egypt and Germany want to find a constructive agreement in the Conference of Parties (COP 17) in Durban. The benefits from the Kyoyo Protocol should not stop, because the future of humanity depends on how it faces climate change. Cairo Climate Talks is definitely one positive step towards intensifying the cooperation. Mr. Auer confirmed that climate change is not a secondary issue, but all will suffer from its consequences. Africa belongs to the regions that will suffer severe impacts.
Dr. Ezzat Lewis, Head of Climate Change Central Department, Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, highlighted how Egypt can enhance its investments in clean and renewable energy with the support of the German expertise. Successful projects in wind and solar energy exist already. Ms. Silvia Kreibiehl, Vice President at Deutsche Bank Group, stated how German investors are interested in the Egyptian market. She mentioned how the guarantees of certainty are necessary for German investors to enter the Egyptian market that is promising. The launching event of Cairo Climate Talks ended after a discussion session. A second event is planned in <strong>mid December 2011.</strong>
In the heart of Cairo the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany initiated the “Cairo Climate Talks” on the 3rd November 2011. Due to the upcoming UN Conference of Parties in Durban the talks were launched by a panel discussion “International Climate Change Negotiations in Durban (COP17) – expectations and perspectives”. The launching event took place in a talk show atmosphere, moderated by Cornelia Wegerhoff, the WDR correspondent.
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