Mohieldin: COP-27 Promotes Cooperation bet. Africa Businesses, Governments

Mahmoud Mohieldin, Egypt’s UN Climate Change High-Level Champion, recognized the long-standing commitment of the UN Global Compact (UNGC) to climate action.

In his speech to the Founding Meeting of UNGC African Business Leaders Coalition on Tuesday, Mohieldin commended the setting up of this new Coalition, which is destined to do great things.

He stated that over more than two decades, the UN Global Compact has engaged over 16,000 companies in over 160 countries around the world to step up and take climate action. 1000 of those are in 45 countries across Africa already.

“With COP-27 shining a light on climate change and Africa, it was fantastic to see the launching of the new UNGC Africa Regional Hub in Abuja earlier this month in support of the UNGC Africa Strategy.”

Mohieldin stressed the importance of the expansion of the participation of businesses in addressing climate change challenges.

“African businesses have a unique position,” Mohieldin added, explaining that Africa is a continent that has historically low greenhouse gas emissions but is already suffering from the impacts of climate change.

The UN Climate Change champion insisted that the climate action is linked to growth and asked “How can you grow in a way that is low carbon and resilient, as well as being equitable?”

He said, adding that key industries such as agriculture, infrastructure, and telecommunications are in a strong growth phase, but the investor landscape is now putting pressure on companies for low-carbon and resilient growth strategies.