Cairo: SiltaNews – News Desk
The Youth Love Egypt Foundation (YLE) participated this week in the 24th Barcelona Convention Summit in Cairo, marking the fifth consecutive summit attendance for the Foundation. YLE has held observer status in the Convention since 2017.
Held under the auspices of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) from December 2–5, the conference saw Egypt formally take the presidency of COP24 from Slovenia. Delegates are set to review the 2024–2025 Mediterranean Action Plan and determine the work program and budget for 2026–2027.
Focusing on Blue Economy and Plastics
The YLE delegation engaged in crucial side events centered on marine protection, the sustainable blue economy, and climate-resilient development. They attended sessions on decarbonization and circular economy solutions presented by Sidi Kerir Petrochemicals Company (SIDPEC).
The Foundation also joined efforts to strengthen regional cooperation on plastics, seeking to scale local measures into Mediterranean-wide frameworks. The week’s events also included a celebration of the 50th anniversary of UNEP/MAP and the 30th anniversary of the post-Rio phase of the Barcelona Convention, honoring decades of regional cooperation.
A Voice for African Youth Leadership
Programs Director Dunya Ibrahim underscored the Foundation’s leadership in African environmental work, noting their recent participation at the COP 30 Climate Summit in Brazil and their President’s current attendance at the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi. “Through our presence at international conferences and our support and empowerment of young men and women in this sector, the Foundation is reinforcing a role it has played since its inception,” Ibrahim stated.
She emphasized that YLP aims to amplify the voice of youth in regional discussions on marine conservation, sustainable development, and climate adaptation. Reflecting this mission, the five-member YLE delegation was predominantly composed of women, highlighting the critical role of women in civil society.