Port Said Sustainable Development Forum Highlights Civil Society’s Role in Disaster Management

As part of the partnership between the Egyptian Sustainable Development Forum (ESDF), the Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED) and the Friends of the Environment Association in Port Said, the local coordinator of the Sustainable Development Forum in the governorate, a consultative session was held to discuss crisis and disaster management and the role of civil society in enhancing community resilience. This event is part of the Local Sustainable Development Forums initiative launched by the Arab Office for Youth and Environment (AOYE) under the auspices of the Ministries of Environment and Social Solidarity.

The consultative session, held in collaboration with the Port Said Media Complex, is one of a series of meetings organized by local sustainable development forums across various governorates. These sessions aim to raise awareness and build capacities in local communities, focusing on integrating and localizing sustainability dimensions within local development strategies and programs.

The meeting brought together representatives from environmental entities, executive leaders in the governorate, civil society organizations, youth and women’s groups and other stakeholders. Discussions covered several key themes, including the critical role of environmental awareness in mitigating climate change impacts, the identification of risks and disasters, early warning and prediction technologies, and preparedness strategies, particularly in the context of climate-related risks.

The session also spotlighted pressing environmental issues such as the importance of expanding green cover to combat air pollution. It addressed challenges like single-use plastic waste and the use of mercury-containing dental amalgams, exploring their impacts on public health and the environment. Additionally, the discussions examined the diverse roles of civil society and proposed mechanisms to incentivize and enhance its contributions.

The session concluded with a reaffirmation of the critical role played by the local Sustainable Development Forum and emphasized the need to strengthen its impact through collaborative efforts among all stakeholders. Participants recommended expanding networking and coordination frameworks between governmental, civil, and private sectors to reduce the adverse effects of environmental risks and disasters.