Staff Reporter
THE Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, has expressed concern about the disproportionate burdens and risks many African countries face due to climate change-related events and patterns. These include unpredictable weather, prolonged droughts, devastating floods, out-of-season storms, and wildfires, which cause massive humanitarian crises and have detrimental impacts on economies, health, education, peace, and security.
Schlettwein, currently in Egypt to participate in the Cairo Water Week, addressed a high-level event on Monday under the theme, “Towards Harnessing Successful Transition of the Water Agenda from COP27 to COP28.”
He highlighted that extreme weather events and changes in water cycle patterns are making it more challenging to access safe drinking water. This has resulted in approximately 400 million people in Africa lacking access to clean drinking water, and 700 million people not having proper sanitation facilities.
Schlettwein reaffirmed the principles set out in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement, emphasizing equity, common but differentiated responsibilities, and respective capabilities.
He commended the Arab Republic of Egypt for the successful COP27 and its historic outcomes, calling for the full implementation of all COP27 decisions. Schlettwein also promoted the production of green hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives such as green fertilizer and synthetic fuels.
Furthermore, he expressed support for the implementation of the Africa Water Investment Programme, which aims to close the African water investment gap by mobilizing US$30 billion by 2030.
Schlettwein arrived in Cairo early on Saturday morning to attend and participate in the sixth edition of the Cairo Water Week. The official opening ceremony was on Sunday, and the main event commenced on Monday.
The event not only focuses on advancements in water sustainability but also addresses pressing humanitarian concerns, providing a platform for critical discussions and innovative solutions in the global water sector.
The Namibian water minister had a bilateral meeting with his Egyptian counterpart, Hani Sewilam, to discuss matters of mutual concern for the two countries. The two ministers are scheduled to sign a cooperation agreement later this week.
Schlettwein is further scheduled to attend several other equally important events during his week-long stay in the North African country.
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