Egypt is taking a risk hosting COP27

Significance

Cairo wishes to use the summit to boost its prestige and promote tourism and investment. However, its opponents view COP27 as a unique opportunity to focus global attention on human rights abuses, taking advantages of UN stipulations concerning tolerance for peaceful protest.

Impacts

• Egyptian and international activists will draw attention to cases of torture and disappearances perpetuated by security forces.
• Companies sponsoring the summit or taking another high-profile role risk reputation damage from association with Egypt.
• If fewer heads of state and government attend than previous summits, it would dent Egypt’s hoped-for boost to its reputation.