Team Europe Initiative at Cairo Water Week 2024

Cairo Water Week 2024

Team Europe Initiative

13 October 2024

Remarks by

Ambassador Christian Berger,

Head of the EU Delegation to Egypt

Your Excellency Prof. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Dr.Rania Al Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation

Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, Ambassadors, and colleagues,

This pivotal moment of the Cairo Water Week 2024, as we embark on a journey of deeper collaboration between Egypt and the European Union in addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time-water and food securityinthe face of climate change.

The European Union has been a determined co-founder and dedicated partner of the Cairo Water Week since its inception in 2018. This collaboration underscores our commitment to sustainable water solutions. As a leading ally in development, the EU is at the vanguard of supporting Egypt's vision of becoming a regional centre for sharing knowledge and expertise in Integrated Water Resources Management

The theme of this year's event, "Water and Climate: Building Resilient Communities," underscores the urgency with which we must act. Egypt, like many nations, stands at a critical juncture as it navigates the challenges of water scarcity, climate resilience, and sustainable development. This is where the Team Europe Initiative for Integrated Water and Food Security comes into play.

Today, we officially announce the launch of the Team Europe Initiative. This collaborative effort, designed to mobilise the combined expertise, resources, and vision of the European Union and its Member States, and European Financial Institutions aims to address the interconnected challenges of water management, agricultural sustainability, and climate adaptationin Egypt.

This initiative aligns closely with Egypt's Vision 2030, which seeks to promote sustainable development and economic resilience, particularly in the water and food sectors. Through the Team Europe Initiative, we will support integrated water management solutions, drive efficient irrigation practices, and contribute to the decarbonisationof Egypt's agricultural sector. Our shared goal is to create long-term resilience and sustainability, not just for today, but for future generations.

The Team Europe Initiative represents the collective strength of Europe's commitment to Egypt, and its launch today is complemented by another significant step forward-the signing of the EU Green Facility. This €7 million programme is a key pillar to support the Egyptian Nexus Water Food Energy (NWFE) platform, which focuses on water management, renewable energy, and climate resilience.

The EU Green Facility will strengthen policy dialoguebetween Egypt and the EU, offering technical assistance and sector strategies to enhance governance in water and energy. It will foster public-private partnerships, ensuring that investments in these critical sectors are sustainable, inclusive, and effective. This facility is not just about infrastructure or technology-it is about laying the foundation for sustainable growth, empowering Egypt to meet its climate commitments, while also creating opportunities for green investments and job creation.

Let me highlight how these efforts are rooted in a broader framework of cooperation-the Joint Declaration on Water Partnership between the EU and Egypt, signed during COP 28in Dubai late 2023. This declaration marks a turning point in our environmental cooperation, committing both Egypt and the EU to sustainable water resource management, policy exchange, and capacity building.

The Joint Declarationacknowledges the importance of addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change, water scarcity, and transboundary water governance. It creates a structured platform for continued dialogue, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing. Through this partnership, we have set ambitious goals: enhancing Egypt's water security, promoting integrated water resources management, and supporting Egypt in becoming a regional leader in sustainable water practices.

By linking the Team Europe Initiative and the EU Green Facility to this larger vision, we are ensuring that our actions today resonate well beyond the immediate. We are building a comprehensive approach to tackling the challenges of water and food security in Egypt, while also addressing global issues like climate resilience and environmental sustainability.

The Cairo Water Week has been pivotal in reinforcing Egypt's status as a global hub for Integrated Water Management. Today's landmark event features high-level policy discussions, highlighting the synergistic efforts of the Egyptian government and Team Europe.

As we move forward together, I am confident that this collaboration will drive transformative change. With the support of our Egyptian partners and the dedication of the international community, we will create solutions that secure a better future for all, ensuring that water, food, and energy security become the cornerstones of sustainable development.

Together, we are not just reacting to the challenges at hand-we are proactively shaping a resilient future for Egypt, for Europe, and for the world.

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