Egypt's Irrigation Minister addresses COP17 in Mongolia

Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hany Sewilam, participated in the ministerial segment of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

During the summit, Sewilam highlighted the interconnectedness of water, land, climate, and food security. He emphasized Egypt's transition toward an integrated management approach to combat desertification and drought, noting that these issues directly impact economic stability and social livelihoods. He called for a shift from reactive crisis management to proactive prevention through early warning systems and a legally binding protocol regarding drought.

Sewilam also presented Egypt's 'Water System 2.0' initiative, which focuses on maximizing water efficiency through technological innovations. Key components include the reuse of agricultural drainage water, the use of satellite imagery and drones for monitoring, and the implementation of digital twin technology, such as the project on the Ismailia Canal. Additionally, he underscored Egypt's commitment to regional cooperation with Nile Basin and African nations to share expertise in sustainable water and land management.