Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek El Molla participated in the meeting organized by the Egyptian NGO association Chapter Zero Egypt which was attended by Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment, and the Ambassador of the European Union in Cairo Christian Berger.

The meeting was held on the occasion of the start of the association’s work as the first entity that brings together the government and private sectors. Addressing the top management in many companies, it aims to raise awareness about the opportunities and challenges of climate change in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Climate Governance Initiative (CGI).

In his speech, El Molla confirmed that the focus should be on reducing emissions from energy production and use in light of the commitment of the oil and gas industry to carbon neutrality. This should happen, especially since the world will continue to consume various energy sources, including oil and gas.

El Molla added that the implementation of the energy transition is a priority, but it must be according to a realistic, fair and balanced approach. He emphasized that there is no one solution that is suitable for all countries, but there are different methods according to the circumstances of each country or geographical area.

He pointed out that the fluctuations the global energy sector is experiencing require the concerted and integrated efforts and resources of the government and private sectors.

For his part, Ahmed El Sewedy, the first president of the Egyptian NGO association Chapter Zero Egypt, explained that the association is the first of its kind in Africa and the Middle East. He pointed out that it reflects Egypt’s responsibility in the green economy.

Julie Baddeley, Chair of the Governing Board, Climate Governance Initiative and Chair of Chapter Zero in the UK, praised Egypt’s joining the association, which is concerned with working to confront emissions around the world. She thanked the Egyptian government for that step, expressing her aspiration to work with Egypt.