The Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED) warmly welcomes the announcement by H.E. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, regarding the appointment of H.E. Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment of the Arab Republic of Egypt, as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), succeeding Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw. This appointment reflects the growing recognition and trust in Arab talent—particularly women—on the international stage.

RAED values this high-level decision and views the selection of Dr. Fouad as a culmination of a distinguished professional and humanitarian journey spanning over 25 years in the fields of environment, environmental governance, climate change mitigation, biodiversity and sustainable development. Dr. Fouad has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and expertise at national, regional and global levels, playing a pivotal role in advancing sustainability and environmental justice agendas and strengthening coordination among the three Rio Conventions, including efforts to combat desertification.

RAED affirms that this appointment is not only a tribute to the achievements of a remarkable minister but also a testament to the qualitative progress Egypt has made in the environmental field under visionary national leadership. Egypt has succeeded in mainstreaming environmental considerations into public policy and development planning, achieving a delicate balance between environmental protection and economic growth.

The Network extends its heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Dr. Yasmine Fouad in her new role and expresses full confidence in her ability to drive international efforts toward tangible progress in addressing desertification and land degradation, particularly in developing countries and environmentally vulnerable regions. Her strategic vision and extensive experience in partnership-building and fostering international cooperation will be invaluable assets.

RAED also looks forward to strengthening its collaboration with the UNCCD Secretariat in the coming period to advance joint Arab action, facilitate knowledge exchange and support regional initiatives aimed at conserving natural resources, promoting sustainable development and addressing the impacts of climate change and desertification on local communities, especially in rural and Bedouin areas.

The Arab Network for Environment and Development reaffirms its longstanding commitment to supporting global efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It views Dr. Fouad’s appointment as a valuable opportunity to elevate Arab environmental priorities within international platforms and to develop innovative, integrated mechanisms for environmental protection and combating desertification in partnership with all key stakeholders.

Issued by:
Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED)
Cairo, 22 May 2025