As part of the partnership between the Local Sustainable Development Forum in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate and the Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED), Al-Nahda Association for Agricultural Development and Water Management, the forum’s local coordinator, organized a consultative meeting on crisis and disaster management. This meeting is part of a series of discussions held by local sustainable development forums across governorates, initiated by the Arab Office for Youth and Environment to support civil society’s role in enhancing communities’ resilience in the face of crises and disasters.

The meeting witnessed the participation of representatives from environmental stakeholders, executive leaders in Kafr El-Sheikh, civil society organizations, as well as youth and women’s organizations. Discussions focused on the critical connection between climate change and emerging societal challenges caused by environmental neglect, such as climate migration resulting from drought, desertification, floods, and torrential rains. These challenges, in turn, exacerbate conflicts, with warnings that future wars and crises may revolve around food scarcity.

The event featured dialogue among participants about crises and disasters and mechanisms to enhance local communities’ resilience by achieving sustainable development to combat biodiversity degradation and avoid potential issues and consequences. Participants presented several community-based solutions during the meeting, which included contributions from local leaders, university professors, experts, women representatives, specialists, members of civil society organizations, members of the Local Sustainable Development Forum, and participating youth.

The meeting concluded by emphasizing the significant role played by the Local Sustainable Development Forum in Kafr El-Sheikh in building the capacities of civil society organizations to withstand various challenges, including environmental crises and disasters. Participants called for strengthening this role by encouraging collaboration among all stakeholders to unify visions for enhancing local communities’ resilience. Additionally, the participants recommended expanding networking and coordination frameworks between the governmental, civil, and private sectors to mitigate the adverse impacts of various environmental risks and disasters.