COP27 Gets Chaotic With Mysterious Draft Text, Elusive President

Across the conference, frustration with the Egyptian presidency built up following a slow first week marred with fears of state surveillance and difficulties to get food, water and accommodation. While informal negotiations on the key issue of loss and damage began before the summit, other talks did not formally kick off until earlier this week, with the presidency appointing pairs of ministers to negotiate key items much later than usual.COP27 President and Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Sameh Shoukry has been notably absent from the process both publicly in press briefings and behind closed doors in meetings with ministers and delegations. Several delegates questioned Shoukry’s hands-off approach, as well as the Egyptian presidency’s lack of direction and preparation ahead of the gathering.