Egypt Tapped to Host Crucial UN Desertification Summit in 2028

Egypt has been selected to host the 18th United Nations Conference of the Parties to Combat Desertification (COP18) in 2028, the Ministry of Agriculture announced on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. This significant decision follows a meeting in Cairo between Agriculture Minister Alaa Farouk and Yasmine Fouad, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). During their discussion, they finalized logistical arrangements and established a joint executive committee to spearhead the preparations for the upcoming summit. The choice of Egypt as host comes at a critical time, as North Africa grapples with intensifying climate risks, widespread land degradation, and severe water scarcity. Egypt intends to leverage this global platform to highlight its ongoing initiatives in land reclamation and efforts to bolster food security. The Desert Research Center will serve as the national focal point for these efforts. Former UN climate chief Fouad commended Egypt's extensive expertise in managing arid lands, and both parties committed to aligning their technical and operational strategies in the lead-up to the conference.