Addis Ababa, September 21, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie called for a fundamental shift in the global renewable-energy agenda—from simply expanding power generation to building the grids, storage, financing and productive systems needed to turn clean electricity into economic transformation. Addressing the “Delivering Electrify Now” High-Level Leaders Dialogue of the Global Renewables Summit in New York, President Taye said countries endowed with abundant renewable resources need stronger international support to convert their energy potential into reliable electricity access, industrial growth and inclusive prosperity. “Generation without grids, storage and robust utility capacity cannot drive economic transformation,” the President said, stressing that international financing must support the entire electricity value chain—from generation and transmission to distribution, storage and last-mile connections. The Global Renewables Summit, held during Climate Week NYC alongside the UN General Assembly, is bringing together political leaders, businesses, investors and international institutions to accelerate renewable-powered electrification and address the infrastructure and investment barriers slowing the energy transition.   President Taye said Ethiopia brings substantial renewable-energy potential to the global discussion, with more than 95 percent of its installed generation capacity coming from renewable sources. He highlighted the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and other renewable-energy investments as key foundations for expanding electricity access and powering the country’s industrialization. He outlined three interconnected priorities for Ethiopia: expanding and diversifying renewable generation, with installed capacity targeted to reach up to 14,000 MW by 2030 and non-hydro renewables accounting for at least 15 percent; using clean and affordable electricity to strengthen industrial competitiveness, including through industrial parks; and pursuing macroeconomic and energy-sector reforms to attract greater private investment, including increased private-sector participation in transmission and distribution. But the President emphasized that finance remains the critical link between renewable-energy potential and actual development. He called for more bankable projects supported by public resources and international partners, including the World Bank, African Development Bank and the European Union through Global Gateway. Particular attention, he said, should go to transmission infrastructure, substations, grid reinforcement, reconductoring and last-mile connections.   President Taye cited Ethiopia’s experience financing the GERD through domestic resources and broad public mobilization as an example of the importance of national ownership and commitment. At the same time, he stressed that international financial cooperation remains essential for developing countries seeking to build modern, reliable and interconnected electricity systems. He expressed appreciation for international support to Ethiopia’s power sector, including the European Union’s RISED programme, as well as assistance from the World Bank and African Development Bank in modernizing, rehabilitating and digitalizing electricity infrastructure. The President also warned that the global energy transition cannot deliver its full promise if renewable investment remains concentrated in a limited number of wealthy regions. For developing countries, he said, the ambition must go beyond generating renewable power: from energy potential to electricity access, from access to productive use, and from productive use to industrialization and job creation.   As Ethiopia prepares to host COP32 in Addis Ababa in 2027, President Taye said the country will work to help ensure that global climate and renewable-energy commitments translate into concrete implementation across Africa. His message comes as the international renewable-energy agenda increasingly focuses not only on expanding generation but also on scaling grids, storage and electrification to make clean power usable across economies.

Addis Ababa, September 21, 2026 (ENA) — Ethiopia’s pursuit of equitable access to the sea is an imperative agenda for the country’s economic growth, national security, regional stability and integration, House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR) member Ambassador Dina Mufti said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Ambassador Dina said Ethiopia’s growing population and economy, coupled with evolving regional security dynamics, have made access to the sea an increasingly important national interest. He emphasized that Ethiopia is pursuing its quest for sea access through diplomatic means and seeks arrangements based on mutual benefit and respect for the interests and sovereignty of neighboring countries. According to Dina, Ethiopia’s interest in securing sea access is underpinned by historical, geographic, economic and security considerations. He noted that Ethiopia historically had access to the sea and used maritime routes for trade for many years, adding that the country’s loss of direct access to the sea has had significant economic and strategic implications. The ambassador also pointed to Ethiopia’s geographic proximity to the Red Sea as another factor underpinning its interest in securing access. He noted that some parts of Ethiopia are located relatively close to the Red Sea coastline and argued that the country has historical and legal grounds to pursue equitable access. Dina further explained that Ethiopia’s rapidly growing population and expanding economy are increasing the volume of international trade, thereby strengthening the need for diversified and reliable access to maritime routes. He said Ethiopia currently depends heavily on the Port of Djibouti for its maritime trade, noting that reliance on a single port can increase transportation costs, create logistical delays and expose the country’s trade to congestion and other disruptions. As Ethiopia’s imports and exports continue to expand, the diversification of port access has consequently become increasingly important, he added. Beyond economic considerations, Dina linked Ethiopia’s sea access agenda to regional peace and security, particularly in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. He noted that the region continues to face security challenges, while piracy, human trafficking, arms and drug trafficking and other illicit activities pose risks to maritime security and international trade. According to the lawmaker, Ethiopia could make a meaningful contribution to addressing such challenges by strengthening its engagement in maritime affairs and maintaining the capacity to monitor developments that could affect its national interests and regional security. Ethiopia needs to be present in maritime areas in order to monitor developments at sea and better address issues that could affect the country, he added. Dina stressed that Ethiopia’s pursuit of sea access is being advanced through diplomacy and is not intended to undermine the sovereignty or territorial integrity of neighboring countries. “Ethiopia is not interested in hurting or invading anyone,” Dina said, stressing that the country seeks sea access through a “win-win” approach. He further said Ethiopia’s economic prosperity and development could generate benefits for neighboring countries as well, given the close economic, social and security interdependence among countries of the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia’s prosperity, growth and advancement would also be in the interest of neighboring countries, Dina said, underscoring the importance of cooperation and mutually beneficial regional integration.

Addis Ababa, September 21, 2026 (ENA) —Sudan’s warring parties should acknowledge that neither can secure an outright military victory and give negotiations a chance to end the conflict, Getachew Reda, adviser to the Ethiopian Prime Minister on East African affairs, said. Speaking to Pulse of Africa, Getachew said “Sudan deserves to be at peace,” warning that continued fighting is worsening displacement and humanitarian suffering. The war, which erupted in April 2023 between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has devastated the country, driving millions from their homes, disrupting basic services and deepening a humanitarian crisis. The advisor said the best path forward would be for army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, to recognize that neither side was likely to achieve a decisive victory on the battlefield. As a result, Getachew said, millions of people have been forced to flee their homes and leave Sudan, as the conflict continues to deepen the country’s fragmentation. “Sudan has faced disintegration,” he said, pointing to the emergence of competing authorities and the division of control between the RSF and the Sudanese national army. “The best scenario is going to be for the two sides to realize that they cannot win an outright victory and to give negotiation a chance,” he said. Getachew said the conflict had also undermined what he described as a longstanding tradition of political accommodation in Sudan, where rival political figures had historically been able to coexist after changes of government. “You remove him from power. He removes you from power. But still, killing has hardly been the characteristic of the political class in Sudan,” he said. That tradition of political accommodation had been severely damaged by the current conflict, he said, describing the situation as “absolutely chaotic” and accusing both sides of contributing to the destruction of civilian areas and infrastructure. The war has also produced one of the world’s largest displacement crises. A UN report shows that since the conflict began, around 8.6 million people have been internally displaced, while about 19.5 million people are facing crisis levels of food insecurity. For Ethiopia, which shares a long border with Sudan, the conflict has wider implications, Getachew said, citing the influx of Sudanese refugees and the potential for instability in Sudan to affect Ethiopia. He warned that prolonged lawlessness could create opportunities for armed groups and other actors seeking to destabilize Ethiopia. “The elements that are given assignments to destabilize Ethiopia consider the lawlessness in Sudan a very classic environment for them to operate,” he said. Getachew also said Ethiopia should remain alert to the presence of what he described as anti-Ethiopian extremist elements within the broader Sudanese conflict. Despite those security concerns, he said Ethiopia’s interest was in seeing Sudan move toward a negotiated political settlement rather than a military victory by either side. He said any transition should ultimately be driven by civilians and smaller political forces, which he argued should come together to chart a future for Sudan. “Unfortunately, reason seems to be missing in action when it comes to the bigger players in the Sudanese conflict,” Getachew said. Since the war began in April 2023, IGAD, the African Union, the United Nations and other partners have pursued mediation efforts to end the conflict, but without a lasting breakthrough The mediators continue to stress that a sustainable solution must be Sudanese-led and owned by the Sudanese people. Despite these efforts, the war has continued and the humanitarian crisis has worsened. Last week, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a “mea culpa” (admission of fault) over the international community’s inadequate response, calling for greater attention to the suffering caused by the war.

Addis Ababa, September 21, 2026 (ENA) —The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres have co-chaired a high-level AU–UN meeting on the margins of the 81st United Nations General Assembly to deepen strategic cooperation, strengthen peace and security frameworks, and advance global financial reforms in support of Africa. According to a social media post by the AU, the meeting reaffirmed the two institutions’ shared commitment to supporting Africa’s efforts to address structural challenges and promote a fairer international order. Key issues discussed included reform of the international financial architecture, debt sustainability, and ensuring that African countries derive greater value from their critical mineral resources. The two sides underscored the strategic importance of AU–UN cooperation, including the three existing cooperation frameworks, and the need to finalise the joint roadmap beyond 2026. The United Nations was reaffirmed as a key partner of the AU in addressing peace and security challenges on the continent. On peace and security, the meeting highlighted the need to strengthen Africa’s peace and security architecture, reinforce preventive diplomacy and mediation, and ensure adequate resources to support African-led solutions to African challenges. The discussions also reviewed developments in the Sahel, Libya, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including continued support for the mediation led by Togo in the DRC. The meeting further expressed concern over external shocks, including conflicts, disruptions to global supply chains, and maritime chokepoints, which are placing additional pressure on African economies and food security. The potential impact of climate-related events was also highlighted. The two sides agreed on the need for concrete follow-up action, including finalising the AU–UN roadmap, planned engagements on Libya and Sudan, identifying countries most vulnerable to food insecurity, and developing contingency measures through strengthened coordination and financing.

By Staff Writer Armed conflicts, maritime insecurity, economic pressures, climate risks and rapid advances in artificial intelligence dominated the international agenda during the week of September 12 to 19, 2026, as developments in the Red Sea, Ukraine and Sudan continued to generate consequences far beyond their immediate theatres. The week highlighted the growing connections between security, energy, trade, humanitarian affairs, climate change and technology. Renewed fighting along Yemen's Red Sea coast raised fresh concerns over the safety of the Bab el Mandeb shipping corridor, while the wars in Ukraine and Sudan continued to drive displacement, food insecurity and regional instability. At the same time, energy market volatility added to inflation concerns and complicated monetary policy decisions. New evidence on global water resources underscored the mounting effects of climate change, while artificial intelligence moved further into discussions on international security, economic competitiveness and global governance. These developments came as the international community prepared for the high-level week of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, scheduled in the last week of September 2026. With conflicts continuing in several regions and strategic competition among major powers becoming increasingly pronounced, the Assembly is expected to provide a major forum for discussions on peace and security, climate change, development, health, technology and international cooperation. Peace and Security Renewed fighting in Yemen emerged as one of the week's most significant security developments because of its direct connection to the Red Sea and Bab el Mandeb, a critical maritime passage linking the Indian Ocean with the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. The humanitarian consequences were immediate. The UN migration agency reported on September 18 that at least 112,000 people had been displaced inside Yemen, while nearly 3,000 had crossed the sea to Djibouti. Meanwhile, the Russia Ukraine war remained another major security concern during the week. The conflict continued to influence European defense planning, including discussions on air defense, drones, military production and the protection of national borders. Poland also remained particularly alert to developments along its eastern frontier, reflecting continuing concerns about the wider security consequences of the war. Beyond the battlefield, the conflict continues to affect European energy and defense policies as well as global food and commodity markets. Disruptions affecting Black Sea trade remain particularly significant for countries dependent on grain, fertilizer and other commodities. In Africa, Sudan remained with serious humanitarian and security emergencies as fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces continued. The conflict has displaced millions of people, disrupted agricultural production and weakened an already fragile economy. The consequences have also spread across Sudan's borders. Large numbers of displaced people have sought refuge in Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia and other neighboring countries. At the same time, strategic competition remained prominent across the Indo Pacific, where Taiwan, the South China Sea, maritime security, advanced technology and military capabilities continued to shape relations among China, the United States, Japan, India, South Korea and other regional powers. Taken together, these developments demonstrate that international security is no longer defined solely by conventional warfare. Maritime disruption, drones, cyber operations, organized crime and competition over strategic technologies are increasingly part of the global security environment Economy, Trade and Energy The security developments of the week also carried significant economic consequences, particularly through their effects on energy markets and international trade. Geopolitical tensions continued to influence energy markets as attacks involving energy infrastructure and insecurity around major maritime routes raised concerns about oil supplies and contributed to market volatility. Higher energy prices have consequences well beyond oil producing countries because they can increase transportation, electricity, manufacturing and food costs, adding pressure on households, businesses and governments. For developing economies that depend heavily on imported fuel, prolonged price increases can also strain foreign exchange reserves, government budgets and household incomes. Consequently, energy security has become increasingly connected to wider questions of economic stability and development. Alongside energy concerns, trade and supply chain security remained central to the global economic debate, particularly in relations between the United States and China. Washington and Beijing continue to differ over trade, technology, Taiwan, artificial intelligence and strategic competition. Their economic interdependence, however, means that decisions taken by either government can affect manufacturing, semiconductors, critical minerals, electric vehicles and digital technologies worldwide. The resulting economic landscape is therefore being shaped not only by conventional market forces, but also by geopolitical considerations, energy security and the strategic importance of technology and critical resources. Climate, Water and Environmental Risks While security and economic concerns dominated much of the international agenda, climate and environmental risks continued to demonstrate their growing influence on societies and economies. Climate change remained closely linked to extreme heat, wildfires, air pollution and changing rainfall patterns. The interaction between climate change and air quality is particularly significant because wildfires and heatwaves can worsen air pollution, while changing weather patterns can influence the movement and concentration of pollutants. The effects vary across regions. Heatwaves and wildfires continue to affect Europe and North America, while drought, heat stress and changing rainfall patterns pose serious challenges to agricultural communities in Africa and Asia. Latin American countries face growing pressures on agriculture, ecosystems and water resources, while small island states remain highly vulnerable to sea level rise and extreme weather. Water security is also inherently transboundary. Drought prone areas of Africa, Asia and the Middle East face particular challenges, while low lying and island countries remain vulnerable to rising seas and extreme weather. Rivers, groundwater systems and glaciers frequently cross-national borders, making data sharing, early warning systems and cooperation increasingly important. In this context, water management is becoming not only an environmental issue but also a matter of food security, economic resilience and regional cooperation. These concerns are expected to receive high level attention during the forthcoming UN General Assembly week, with discussions likely to address climate action, energy transition, sea level rise and the protection of vulnerable populations. The discussions bring together countries with very different circumstances, ranging from major energy producers and industrial economies to developing countries and small island states. The challenge is to reconcile economic development and energy needs with the growing pressure to reduce emissions and strengthen resilience to climate impacts. Diplomacy and International Cooperation Against the backdrop of continuing conflicts, economic uncertainty and environmental pressures, diplomacy is expected to take center stage as world leaders gather in New York for the high-level week of the 81st UN General Assembly. The General Debate is scheduled for September 22 to 28 and comes at a time of simultaneous conflicts, economic uncertainty, climate risks and intensifying competition among major powers. The session provides a platform for countries to present national priorities while addressing challenges that increasingly require collective action. For African countries, peace and security, development financing, climate finance, food security and energy access remain central concerns. European governments are focused heavily on Ukraine, defence and energy security, while Asian countries are addressing trade, technology, economic growth and maritime security. Middle Eastern states are expected to emphasize regional security, energy markets and conflict resolution. Small island states continue to place particular emphasis on sea level rise and climate finance. The General Assembly therefore offers a common diplomatic platform at a time when developments in one region increasingly affect countries and communities elsewhere. More broadly, the forthcoming General Assembly will provide an opportunity for governments to address interconnected crises through multilateral diplomacy. Its agenda reflects the reality that peace, development, climate action, health and technology increasingly require cooperation across national and regional boundaries. Technology and Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligence increasingly emerged during the week as an issue of international policy rather than one confined to the technology sector. Governments, international organizations and technology companies are debating how to capture the economic and social benefits of AI while addressing concerns over safety, cybersecurity, employment, misinformation, military applications and the misuse of advanced systems. The discussion is also becoming closely connected to energy. Large data centers require substantial electricity, creating additional pressure on power systems as countries compete to expand AI infrastructure. Consequently, the development of AI is becoming linked to questions of electricity generation, energy security and infrastructure investment. The United States remains a major center of advanced AI development, while China continues to invest heavily in domestic AI capabilities and semiconductor technologies. European governments are pursuing regulatory approaches while seeking to strengthen technological capacity. The growing role of AI therefore adds another layer to existing global competition. Technological capacity is increasingly connected to economic productivity, national security, public services and international influence, making questions of access, regulation and responsible use increasingly important for both developed and developing countries. Humanitarian and Health Challenges The security and economic developments of the week also had significant humanitarian consequences, particularly in conflict affected regions. Conflict, displacement, extreme weather and economic pressures are placing additional strain on food systems. Sudan remains among the most severe cases, with humanitarian agencies facing both enormous needs and funding constraints. Food security is closely connected to energy and trade. Higher fuel prices increase transportation and agricultural production costs, while disruptions to major shipping routes can affect the movement of grain, fertilizer and other essential inputs. The humanitarian consequences of conflict also extend into public health. Damage to hospitals, water systems and sanitation infrastructure increases health risks, while displacement can make disease prevention and treatment more difficult. The situation in Yemen illustrates this connection particularly clearly. Displacement caused by insecurity has not only created immediate shelter and food needs but has also increased pressure on health, education and other essential services in receiving areas. Health security is also expected to receive attention during the UN General Assembly's high-level week, including discussions on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. The experience of recent health emergencies has reinforced the importance of international coordination because infectious diseases can cross borders regardless of political or economic differences. At the same time, climate change, conflict and migration are creating additional pressures on health systems. Extreme weather can increase health risks, while conflict can destroy public health infrastructure and displacement can place additional pressure on already limited services. Consequently, humanitarian and health concerns remain closely connected to the wider questions of peace, climate resilience, food security and international cooperation. Conclusion The week of September 12 to 19 demonstrated the degree to which global challenges have become interconnected. Conflict affected energy markets and shipping routes, economic pressures influenced monetary policy, climate change intensified water and environmental risks, while advances in artificial intelligence created new questions about security, governance and economic development. The renewed fighting in Yemen placed the security of the Red Sea and Bab el Mandeb back at the center of international attention. Climate developments provided another reminder that global risks do not respect national borders. The WMO's latest assessment of global water resources showed continuing changes in river flows, freshwater storage and glaciers, underscoring the growing importance of water security alongside climate action. Meanwhile, economic policymakers continued to navigate inflation and geopolitical uncertainty, while the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence added a new dimension to international competition and governance. These developments show how decisions in one policy area increasingly influence outcomes in another. All these issues will converge during the forthcoming UN General Assembly high level week. Governments will face the task of addressing immediate crises while also strengthening cooperation on longer term challenges involving climate, health, food, energy, technology and sustainable development. Ultimately, the events of the past week showed that instability rarely remains confined to the place where it begins. A conflict can disrupt shipping and energy markets; higher energy costs can affect food prices and household incomes; climate shocks can intensify humanitarian needs; and technological advances can reshape both economies and security. The international agenda is therefore increasingly defined not by isolated crises, but by the connections between them. Understanding those connections will remain essential as governments and international institutions seek responses to the increasingly complex challenges shaping the global order. Sources: The roundup draws on reporting and analysis from major international and regional media and institutional sources including Reuters, AP, BBC, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, CNN, France 24, DW, Africanews, Euronews, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Bloomberg and Financial Times.