Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived in Egypt on Monday at the head of the Israeli delegation to the 2022 U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP27).
“The Middle East faces mighty challenges. In my speech, I will present the Israeli vision that I call the ‘Renewable Middle East,’ in which Israel and regional states will cooperate to provide major solutions for the climate crisis,” Herzog said ahead of his departure.
“The climate is at the top of the State of Israel’s priorities. It is connected to the future of our children and future generations. We must do everything to do our part to save humankind,” he added, according to a statement from his office.
Herzog was received upon arrival in Sharm El-Sheikh by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, after which met with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The Israeli president was scheduled to address the COP27 central plenary and inaugurate the Israeli pavilion, the first at a COP summit, together with members of the Israeli delegation, including Environmental Protection Minister Tamar Zandberg, Education Minister Yifat Shasha-Biton and Regional Cooperation Minister Issawi Frej.
Herzog will also hold meetings with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and King Abdullah II of Jordan, among other world leaders.
Before returning to Israel, Herzog will attend a reception hosted by Sisi and Guterres for conference attendees.
Outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid canceled his participation in the event after last Tuesday’s election win by opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-religious bloc.
Some 90 world leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, are expected to travel to the Egyptian desert resort town between now and Nov. 18.