Egypt & France: UN Ocean Conference – Plastic Pollution Fight
Egypt and France are teaming up to combat plastic pollution in the Mediterranean, a key takeaway from their recent talks. Discussions between Egyptian and French ministers focused on collaborative strategies ahead of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice. Egypt supports a global plastic pollution treaty emphasizing financial support for developing nations while also highlighting its own reforms, including a Nile cleanup program. this news,brought to you by News Directory 3,underscores the urgency of international cooperation. Discover what’s next for this pivotal partnership.
Egypt, France Discuss Ocean Protection, Plastic Pollution Ahead of UN Conference
Updated may 25, 2025
Egypt and France are strengthening cooperation on ocean protection and addressing plastic pollution in the mediterranean sea. Yasmine Fouad, Egypt’s habitat minister, and Agnès Pannier-Runacher, France’s minister for ecological transition, convened virtually Saturday to discuss these issues before the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, this June.
The ministers explored collaborative actions, particularly concerning plastic pollution. Fouad praised France’s leadership in ocean protection and biodiversity conservation. She advocated for a unified Mediterranean strategy focusing on the blue economy, biodiversity, and plastic pollution. Fouad suggested “blue Economy and Mediterranean Sustainability” as a central theme for the upcoming conference, especially as Egypt prepares to host the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea later in the year.
ongoing international negotiations for a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution were also addressed. Fouad affirmed Egypt’s support for a balanced and transparent agreement that respects differentiated responsibilities and ensures financial support for developing nations to meet environmental targets.
“Plastic is essential in many areas, but we must reduce its harmful impact through investment in recycling technologies and by phasing out unnecessary uses,” Yasmine Fouad, Egyptian Minister of Environment said.
Fouad highlighted Egypt’s reforms, including extended producer responsibility and fees on single-use plastic bags, which followed consultations with industry stakeholders. She also noted the Nile cleanup program, which involves local fishermen in plastic waste recovery and recycling, creating green jobs and supporting community development.
Pannier-Runacher welcomed Egypt’s proactive stance, emphasizing the urgency of a global agreement to reduce plastic consumption and redesign production models. She stressed that plastic alternatives and enhanced recycling are vital for reducing ocean pollution and preserving marine biodiversity.
Fouad has been invited to lead a high-level roundtable at the Ocean Conference, showcasing Egypt’s achievements in nature conservation and plastic reduction. This event will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Mediterranean Action Plan.
What’s next
Minister Fouad will attend the Ocean Conference in Nice to further discuss and implement collaborative strategies for ocean protection and plastic reduction in the Mediterranean.