Addis Ababa, December 1 /2023 (ENA) Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has met with Former Prime Minister of the UK, Tony Blair, on the sidelines of COP28 being underway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The United Nation’s annual climate summit is underway in Dubai with the participation of more than 60,000 delegates including world leaders. On the sidelines of the conference, Prime Minister Abiy has met with Former Prime Minister of the UK, Tony Blair. PM Abiy has also earlier met with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo at the Ethiopian Green Legacy Pavilion on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai. Ethiopia is featuring its Green Legacy related development initiatives at the Ethiopia Pavilion in the Green Zone at COP28.  

Addis Ababa, December 1/ 2023 (ENA):President of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has welcomed world leaders to COP28 with a pledge to create a 30 billion USD fund for climate financing. "I am pleased to announce the establishment of a 30 billion USD fund for global climate solutions," Sheikh Mohamed told an audience of prime ministers, presidents and heads of state. "This fund is designed to bridge the climate finance gap," he added. Named Alterra, the fund is described as a catalytic climate vehicle that will be used to bolster climate financing. Sheikh Mohamed said access to affordable finance to invest in clean sources of energy had long been a barrier to the clean energy transition. The climate talks also "come at a time when the world faces many challenges". "When we committed to hosting Cop28, we pledged to bring the world together to unite, build and to deliver," the President said. The Emirates has a long history of climate work, he said, including a pledge to achieve net zero by 2050, reduce carbon emissions by 40 per cent by 2030 and invest billions in clean energy. The United Nation’s annual climate summit is underway in Dubai, with world leaders approving a climate disaster fund that will see rich nations financially support developing countries who are affected by climate change-linked disasters.

Addis Ababa, December 1/ 2023 (ENA): Ahead of COP28, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo at the Ethiopian Green Legacy Pavilion on the sidelines of COP28 in Dubai. The two leaders discussed current domestic issues and bilateral cooperation, according to Office of the Prime Minister. “Good meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo at the Ethiopian Green Legacy Pavilion on the sidelines of COP28 in an exchange on bilateral cooperation,” Premier Abiy said on his Facebook page. The United Nation’s annual climate summit is under way in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Ethiopia is featuring its Green Legacy-related development initiatives at the Ethiopia Pavilion in the Green Zone at the conference. The Pavilion shows Ethiopia’s efforts and commitments in tackling climate change and enabling food security.   With more than 60,000 attendees, the two-week-long affair is billed as the largest-ever climate gathering. With so much at stake, the Dubai conference is a decisive moment to turn climate plans into ambitious action and turn the tide against the climate crisis. On the first day of the conference, World leaders approved a climate disaster fund that will help vulnerable nations cope with the impact of drought, floods and rising seawater. The agreement is a great opportunity, as it will see rich nations financially support developing countries that are affected by climate change-linked disasters.    

Addis Ababa, December 1/202 (ENA) World leaders approved a climate disaster fund that will help vulnerable nations cope with the impact of drought, floods, and rising seawater. The United Nation’s annual climate summit is under way in Dubai, with world leaders approving a climate disaster fund that will see rich nations financially support developing countries who are affected by climate change-linked disasters. The agreement marked a “positive signal of momentum” at the start of the 2023 conference – known as COP28 – its host UAE’s Sultan al-Jaber said in the opening ceremony on Thursday. In opening remarks, al-Jaber made the case that the world must “proactively engage” fossil fuel companies in phasing out emissions, pointing to progress by some national oil companies in adopting net-zero targets for 2050. “I am grateful that they have stepped up to join this game-changing journey,” al-Jaber said. “But, I must say, it is not enough, and I know that they can do much more.” The UN’s climate chief, Simon Stiell, gave a more stark assessment, saying there must be a “terminal decline” to the fossil fuel era if we want to stop “our own terminal decline”. With more than 60,000 attendees, the two-week-long affair is billed as the largest-ever climate gathering. International consensus on a crucial loss and damage fund, to compensate poorer nations bearing the brunt of climate change, has buoyed the spirits of thousands of delegates. The second day of the summit will be marked by a packed agenda of events aimed at paving the way for a more sustainable future. The World Leaders Summit is set to take centre stage on Friday and Saturday, while a number of other forums and panels will begin.  

Addis Ababa, December 1/2023 (ENA) Ethiopia’s Green Legacy pavilion at the COP28 Green Zone in Dubai demonstrates the country’s efforts and commitments in tackling climate change and enabling food security, Office of the Prime Minister said. At COP28, Ethiopia is featuring its Green Legacy related development initiatives at the Ethiopia Pavilion in the Green Zone. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan toured the pavilion on Friday ahead of its official launch. The Pavilion shows Ethiopia’s strong commitment to address climate change through concrete solutions, Prime Minister Abiy said. Office of the Prime Minister invited participants to visit the Ethiopian Green Legacy pavilion at the COP28 Green Zone in Dubai and learn about Ethiopia’s efforts and commitments in tackling climate change and enabling food security. World leaders are gathered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to chart an ambitious way forward in the global fight against climate at 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COPs 28) that is underway from 30 November to 12 December. Over 60,000 people are attending the conference, including delegates from member states of the UNFCCC, industry leaders, youth activists, representatives of indigenous communities, journalists, and other stakeholders. Ethiopia has been implementing a nationwide forestation campaign as part of its Green Legacy Initiative launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2019. The nation planned to plant more than 50 billion tree seedlings in two phases of the campaign. During the first phase of the initiative the country was able to plant 25 billion seedlings of agroforestry, forestry, ornamental varieties, surpassing the set ceiling by mobilizing more than 20 million people in four years. The country has also launched the second phase of the initiative last rainy season with the objective to plant another 25 billion tree seedlings in four years. A nationwide green culture has since 2019 taken root, evolved and grown over a span of five years, resulting in a significant decline in the rate of deforestation and the formation of new forests. These new forests will be essential in carbon sequestration as Ethiopia forges ahead in efforts to tackle climate change.

Addis Ababa ,November 29/2023(ENA)-World leaders will meet from 30 November to 12 December in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to chart an ambitious way forward in the global fight against climate. The United Nations Climate Change Conferences are government-level large-scale annual gatherings focused on climate action. They are also referred to as COPs – Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COPs 28) will convene for the coming ten days in Dubai starting from tomorrow. According to the UN, COP28 is a critical moment for global climate action. Over 60,000 people are expected to attend the conference, including delegates from member states of the UNFCCC, industry leaders, youth activists, representatives of indigenous communities, journalists, and other stakeholders. Now, COP28 is expected to be a turning point, where countries not only agree ‘WHAT’ stronger climate actions will be taken, but show ‘HOW’ to deliver them. Measuring the progress towards achieving the Paris goals on mitigation, adaptation and climate finance and adapting existing plans is a key part of the puzzle, and this is why COP28 assumes more significance. Almost eight years after the Paris Agreement and half-way through the 2030 Agenda, COP28 is a timely opportunity to embark upon a new path towards effective climate action. As several UN reports show, the world is not on track to meeting the Paris Agreement’s goals, but the hope is that governments at COP28 will lay out a roadmap to accelerate climate action. In 2020, individual countries came up with national climate action plans aimed at reducing national emissions and adapting to climate change impacts. With the next round of these plans scheduled for 2025, the outcome of the global stocktake process could encourage countries to raise ambition and set new targets, exceeding existing policies and commitments. With so much at stake, the Dubai conference is a decisive moment to turn climate plans into ambitious action and turn the tide against the climate crisis.

Addis Ababa, November 28/2023 (ENA) Relative to the past few weeks, a reduction in rainfall is expected across the Greater Horn of Africa (GHA) over the coming week, IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Center disclosed. Heavy rainfall is however expected over a few areas in northern Somalia, south-western Kenya into northern to central Tanzania, it added. The center said warmer than average temperature forecasted in most parts across the region. Heavy rainfall (greater than 200mm) is expected in isolated regions of Burundi and Tanzania. Moderate rainfall (50-200mm) expected over western and southern Uganda, isolated areas in southern South Sudan, parts of northern and southern Somalia, isolated areas in western and eastern Ethiopia, south-western Kenya and most parts of Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania. According to the center, light rainfall (less than 50 mm) expected in parts of central to southern South Sudan, southern Ethiopia and most parts of Kenya and Somalia. Dry conditions expected over Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, and northern parts of Ethiopia, South Sudan and Kenya. Moderate to high temperatures (20-32℃) expected over most parts of southern to north-eastern Sudan, South Sudan, central to northern Uganda, northern and eastern Kenya, Tanzania, Djibouti and most parts of Somalia. Mild temperature conditions (less than 20℃) expected over parts of north-western Sudan, northern to central Ethiopia, central to western Kenya, northern Somalia and western regions of Rwanda and Burundi, the center added.  

Addis Ababa, November 28/2023 (ENA)UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged world leaders at this week’s climate conference, COP28, to break the deadly cycle of global warming before a “deadly tipping point” is reached. UN chief was briefing reporters in New York after seeing for himself over the weekend the “profoundly shocking” speed at which ice is melting in Antarctica – three times faster than the rate in the early 1990s. New figures reveal that sea ice at the South Pole is now 1.5 million square kilometres below average for this time of year; that’s equal to the combined surface area of Portugal, Spain, France and Germany combined. “What happens in Antarctica doesn’t stay in Antarctica”, Guterres said. “We live in an interconnected world. Melting sea ice means rising seas. And that directly endangers lives and livelihoods in coastal communities across the globe. He noted that it’s not just the impact of floods and saltwater on food and water supplies at stake, but the viability of small islands and entire cities on coasts across the world. “The movement of waters around Antarctica distributes heat, nutrients and carbon around the world, helping to regulate our climate and regional weather patterns”, he told correspondents. At COP28 in Dubai, which starts later this week, “leaders must break this cycle”, the UN chief declared. “The solutions are well known. Leaders must act to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, protect people from climate chaos, and end the fossil fuel age.” Only a global pact to triple renewable energy use, a doubling in energy efficiency and access to clean power for all by 2030, will be sufficient, he argued.

Addis Ababa, November 26/2023(ENA)- There is an urgent need for a transformative shift towards more sustainable transport the UN chief said on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of cleaner energy to combat climate change. Recognizing the important role of safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all in supporting sustainable economic growth, among other vital things, the General Assembly decided to declare 26 November as World Transport Day. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres underscored the important feature of transportation as essential facilitator of human development, in his message delivered in connection to the Day. "This first World Sustainable Transport Day reminds us that the road to a better future depends on cleaner and greener transportation systems," Antonio Guterres explained, spotlighting the relationship between transportation and global sustainability. Transportation represents the world’s circulatory system, delivering people and goods across countries and around the world, creating jobs, and supporting prosperity Guterres said. "But it is also fuelling climate chaos," added the Secretary-General, acknowledging the sector's role in exacerbating the global climate crisis. The statistics are alarming: the transport sector is responsible for approximately a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions, while 91 percent of the energy used in motorized transport by land, sea, and air is still derived from fossil fuels. Although the sector is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, the Secretary-General expressed optimism about humanity's ability to address the issue head-on. "I am convinced humanity is up to the challenge of breaking our addiction to climate-killing fossil fuels," he proclaimed, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to transition to sustainable alternatives. Guterres outlined a vision for a resilient, efficient, and low-carbon transportation future. "From electric and solar-powered vehicles to renewable aviation fuel sources, to massive investments in green public transportation systems, to measures like carbon pricing and subsidies for low-carbon fuels," he outlined a strategy towards greater sustainability. "There is no time to waste. Let’s get moving," urged the Secretary-General. Sustainable transportation, policies and innovative technologies will be front and centre at the UN Climate Change Conference, COP28, that begins in Dubai on November 30.  

Addis Ababa ,November 25/2023(ENA)- Africa is going with one document and one vision to the COP 28 to be held from 30 November to 12 December 2023 in Dubai, AU Great Green Wall Initiative Director Elvis Paul Tangem said. At the COP 28 Summit, countries, companies, financial institutions and civil society will come together to affirm their will to tackle the climate challenge through concerted and collaborative action, it was learned. The director told ENA that this year's COP28 summit is critical for Africa to hear its voice with the same position. The director said that this year's COP28 summit is critical for Africa. “I think this particular COP 28 is going to be very critical because Africa is going with one document, one vision, and there is no longer any division between countries. Now we have the declaration, which is going to be the platform with which we are going to engage our international development partners.” Tangem expressed his hope that the summit will put in a win action to adopt funding that is going to support the member states that are being badly affected by climate change. Africa has the lowest per capita fossil fuel emissions of any region globally. Still, the continent has been facing the most severe challenges due to climate change. The negative effects of climate change on the African continent have become increasingly vivid through disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and drought. Seven out of the ten most vulnerable countries by climate change are in Africa.   In an exclusive interview with ENA, African Union Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment Commissioner Josefa Sacko said the Union is prepared to actively participate at the COP28 Summit. Recall that AU member state leaders who attended the Africa Climate Summit (ACS), which took place in September 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya, signed the Nairobi Declaration that will serve as a basis for Africa’s common position in the global climate change process to COP28 and beyond. “We came out with a very bold African leader Nairobi Declaration, and we are already prepared to go and negotiate,” the commissioner stated. She added that the AU is also in conversation with African group of negotiators to see the areas that the continent really wants to address. “For us, it is adaptation. Adaptation is our priority, loss and damages another priority access to finance in order for us to implement our climate actions,”   The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)/CAADP Programme Officer-Monitoring and Evaluation, Fatmata Seiwoh stressed that the continent is still facing climate issues. There was a COP of last year, she said, adding that “there are recommendations. I know that for us as a regional economic community, we have done some effort in implementing some of those recommendations; but climate issues continue to be imminent in the continent.” Delegates from nearly 200 countries, leaders of business and finance, and representatives of civil society are expected to gather for the COP28 climate conference with the aim of fast-tracking the transition to a clean-energy future. The COP28 is expected to stress the importance of collective action to stop climate change and the critical role of finance in the low-carbon transition. With our participation we hope to help investors and other capital markets participants see what’s ahead and back climate commitments with action.    

Addis Ababa, November 24/2023(ENA)- The first phase implementation of REDD+ investment program in Ethiopia has achieved encouraging successes, Ethiopian Forestry Development disclosed. REDD+ stands for countries' efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and foster conservation, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks. The REDD+ Investment Program (RIP) in Ethiopia is a national program that focuses on areas providing most opportunity for emission reduction from reduced deforestation and forest degradation and enhancement of carbon stocks through sustainable forest management and afforestation and reforestation initiatives. Ethiopia has implemented the first phase of the program over the past five years with the objective to lower deforestation and increase afforestation though various mechanisms. After completion of the first phase of the project, REDD+ Investment Program Phase two has been launched this month to be implemented until 2026 with 25 million USD obtained from the Norwegian government. REDD+ Investment Program Phase II is believed to contribute to Ethiopia’s nationally determined contribution (NDC) targets of emission reduction, increased forest cover, and increased GDP. In an exclusive interview with ENA National REDD+ Coordinator at the Ethiopian Forestry Development, Yitebitu Moges said over the past years, Ethiopia has achieved quite a lot, in terms of conversation and restoration and overall environmental rehabilitation and protection. As part of the program implementation, communities were granted the responsibility to protect forests in and around their surroundings, he said noting that over 100 thousand people have been supported to benefit from the forestry restoration activities. "What we have achieved as an impact is we have reduced deforestation. It has been dramatically reduced in this country, which is a great achievement," he said. This reduction of deforestation actually brought money to the country through emission reduction-carbon trading. "So, we expect quite a lot of money from this emission reduction, the coordinator" added. Yitebitu further stated that the program has so far been supported by the governments of Norway and USA "but now we need additional development partners to come". Norway is also trying to bring on board other countries like Sweden and Denmark in this regard, he added. Improvement of livelihoods, technological capacity development, conversation and restoration of forests and overall environmental rehabilitation and protection are among the outcomes expected from phase two of the project. Ethiopia recognizes the importance of the forest sector for its economic, social and ecological benefits which makes a significant contribution to the country’s long-term development goals and towards meeting international commitments. Information showed that Ethiopia’s forest coverage has jumped over 17 percent due to massive tree seedlings planting carried out through the Green Legacy Initiative. The country has so far planted 32.5 billion seedlings over the past five years through this initiative. It is also indicated that forestry is among the four pillars of the Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy of Ethiopia which aims to reduce national emissions by 50 percent by 2030. In this regard, the national REDD+ program, has been identified by the government as one of the four fast-track programs for realizing the green economy vision. It is also the major instrument for achieving emission reduction in the forest sector for the Climate Resilient Green Economy strategy. On the launching of the 2nd phase REDD+ program, Minister of Agriculture Girma Amente stated that forests provide food, wood, fodder and medicinal plants. "Our biodiversity-rich forest ecosystems are the sources of freshwater that they control floods, prevent soil erosion, reduce sedimentation of dams and regulate the climate."  

Addis Ababa, November 22/2023 (ENA): Ethiopia has finalized preparations to actively participate and share its experiences in combating climate change and renewable energy at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, the State Minister of Planning and Development disclosed. In a press briefing today regarding the COP28 Conference scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 30 November to 12 December, State Minister of Planning and Development, Nemera Gebeyu said that Ethiopia has made the necessary preparations to actively participate at the conference. He explained that more than 130 countries will participate in the conference at the leadership level stating that Ethiopia is expected to share its experiences regarding the implementation of green legacy initiative and development of renewable energy. Ethiopia's participation at the conference is golden opportunity for the country not only to share its experiences with other developing countries but also to learn from best practices around the world. The State Minister said that extensive discussions will be held on climate change, the challenges faced by countries, and ways to enhance the fight against climate change at the conference. He further noted that the implementation process of the Paris Climate Agreement and financing of projects to combat climate change will also be evaluated at the conference. The minister stated that evaluating the implementation of the Paris Agreement is one of the most important agendas of the conference and expected to be a starting point for decision makers. Ethiopia will present its own policies and strategies on issues in addition to the actions being implemented on the ground. Ethiopian delegation will also hold bilateral discussions with various development organizations present at the conference. Ethiopia will carry out various activities including ministerial side events and meetings with potential partners and decision-makers, it was indicated. The World Climate Conference Summit is a platform where climate change is discussed, and sustainable policies and strategies are developed to confront the resulting damage, global warming, the increase in carbon emissions, and ways to address them. During the summit, an agreement will be reached to help increase the rate of reducing greenhouse gas and carbon dioxide emissions, which contributes to reducing the rate of increase in the planet’s temperature to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius.  

Addis Ababa ,November 20/2023(ENA) The African Union (AU) is working on how to conjointly implement the Great Green Wall Initiative with the Green Legacy Initiative, which has been registering tremendous results in combating desertification in Ethiopia, AU Director for the Great Green Wall Initiative, Elvis Paul Tangem said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, Paul recalled that the Great Green Wall Initiative is a pan-African sustainable land management and restoration initiative that was created in 2005 by the heads of state. The Great Green Wall initiative is a large-scale project aimed at combating desertification in the Sahel region of Africa, stretching from Senegal to Djibouti. The program is currently being implemented in the Sahel region and it has been extended to southern Africa. “We have the 16 countries of the Southern Africa region, and then we also have Somalia that has just joined as well as Ethiopia of course is a big part of the Great Green Wall Initiative,” he elaborated. “With the Green Legacy Initiative instigated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, we now working how we can join in our work together to the Great Green Wall Initiative and Green Legacy Initiative that has done tremendous work in combating desertification, climate resilience and enhancing carbon sequestration and climate change in generality in Ethiopia.” The Green Legacy Program has proven to be a cornerstone program and very successful due to the direct involvement of the Prime Minister, Paul described. “It has really been successful because of the strong political engagement and personal engagement of Prime Minister Abiy. I think that is an example to follow.” Moreover, he elaborated that we have seen how the whole community of Ethiopia both in urban and rural areas have been involved behind the Prime Minister in engaging in planting, protecting and ensuring the wellbeing of these trees. Noting we have seen how the government is supporting the community, he commended the strong collaboration among the government, the private sector, the NGOs, international communities, under the leadership of the government in implementing the initiative. "It is very important that we in the Great Green Wall Initiative, we get involved, we look at the model that the Green Legacy program has been using to see how we can enhance the expanding to other countries," he elaborated. The Director said AU has already been working with the government of Ethiopia with the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission to see how they can assist our neighboring countries, which have also been very impacted by climate change. The Green Legacy Initiative is a flagship program initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in June 2019 with a target of planting more than 50 billion seedlings in two phases. The nation had successfully implemented the first phase of the initiative by planting 25 billion seedlings in four years by mobilizing more than 20 million people from all corners of the country. Efforts are also being carried out to plant another 25 billion seedlings over the coming four years. Members of the international community including embassies and the UN agencies based in Ethiopia are also participating in the tree seedling campaigns.

Addis Ababa ,November 17/2023 2023 (ENA):-Ethiopia is committed to implement REDD+ Investment Program Phase II to realize green economic growth and development by reducing greenhouse gas emission, Agriculture Minister Girma Amente said. Ethiopian Forestry Development REDD+ Investment Program Phase II was launched today in the presence of government officials and development partners.   The project funded with 25 million USD by the Norwegian government runs until 2026, it was learned. Speaking on the occasion, Agriculture Minister Girma Amente said the Ethiopian government recognizes the important contribution of forest in realizing green economic growth and development by reducing greenhouse gas emission. To realize the potential of forests, the government has been working with bilateral and multilateral development partners to strengthen and further develop the conservation, development and sustainable use of forest resources, he added. Moreover, it would restore degraded landscape, introduce innovation and best practices, and transform the sector. According to him, Norway’s support aligns with the government’s policy and it is committed to implementing REDD+ Investment Program Phase II. Girma stated that Ethiopia has planted 32.5 billion seedlings over the past five years through the Green Legacy Initiative. Norway Ambassador to Ethiopia, Stian Christensen said on his part that Norway and Ethiopia enjoy close collaboration on wide range of issues. One key area is climate change to increase food security where Norway has been a longstanding partner of Ethiopia, he noted. Since 2017, the total Norwegian support for forest and climate in Ethiopia, is approximately 130 million USD, according to the ambassador. Christensen promised that Norway will continue to contribute supporting Ethiopia’s effort to mitigate climate change and improve livelihood. Ethiopia Forestry Development (EFD) Director-General, Kebede Yimam said Ethiopia is closely working with Norway to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change. He thanked the Norwegian government for its continued financial support which has been instrumental in protecting and developing forest resources. REDD+ Investment Program Phase II is expected to contribute to Ethiopia’s nationally determined contribution (NDC) targets of emission reduction, increased forest cover, and increased GDP.  

Addis Ababa November 13/2023 (ENA) Ensuring the participation of women is pivotal in addressing the impact of climate change worldwide as they are the key players in community resilience, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Mesganu Arga said. Addressing a half-day seminar organized by Ministry of foreign affairs, UNESCO and Embassy of UAE in Ethiopia with the theme “Empowering Women the Public Sphere and Climate Spaces” Ambassador Mesganu said climate change is an existential threat.   Empowering women in the face of climate change means recognizing their unique knowledge and contribution to sustainable development, the state minister pointed out. Ensuring the participation of women in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts is pivotal as women play a crucial role in conservation, sustainable agriculture and community resilience, he further elaborated. “We continue to strive to ensure the inclusion of women within every aspect of our efforts, creating an enabling environment for women led climate action.” Director of UNESCO Liaison Office to AUC and UNECA and Country Representative to Ethiopia Rita Bissoonauth said for her part that women play a pivotal role in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts not only in Africa but worldwide. Highlighting that women’s knowledge and potential can significantly contribute to climate solution and sustainable development, she said yet women often find themselves undr-represented in decision making spaces related to climate change. “As UNESCO we strongly support and recognize the pivotal role of women as agent of change in climate change.” She added that women’s involvement enhances creativity and introduces diverse perspective resulting in more inclusive and effective climate policies and actions. Similarly, Charged’ Affairs at the Embassy of UAE in Ethiopia Suood Al Taniji said the UAE believes in the important role of women in addressing the climate crisis. Stressing that promoting gender equality is important, he affirmed the UAE has always been committed to the empowerment of women.  

Addis Ababa, November 9/2023 (ENA) Ethiopia and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) have discussed the roadmap for Ethiopia's upcoming two-year presidency of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN). The discussions took place during a meeting between Ethiopian Minister of Planning and Development Fitsum Asefa and UNEP Director and Regional Representative for Africa Rose Mwebaza. During the meeting, the two parties agreed to collaborate and coordinate their efforts to achieve the goals of the AMCEN presidency. They also discussed the importance of UNEP's support for Ethiopia's GEF8-supported projects, which are aimed at scaling up and scaling out the best practices of the Green Legacy Initiative of Ethiopia. Fitsum highlighted the successful convening of the 19th session of the AMCEN under Ethiopia's presidency that was held in August 2023 in Addis Ababa, which resulted in a common position for the Group of African Negotiators (AGN) towards COP28 and also adopted a number of declarations and decisions on chemical and waste management as well as combating biodiversity loss and desertification. She reaffirmed Ethiopia's commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure a successful AMCEN presidency.   UNEP Director and Regional Representative for Africa, Rose Mwebaza, commended Ethiopia's leadership on environmental issues and expressed UNEP's full support for the AMCEN presidency. She also highlighted the importance of the partnership between UNEP and Ethiopia in addressing the triple planetary crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The two parties also discussed a draft work plan for Ethiopia’s AMCEN Presidency in the coming two years and identified key priorities for the Presidency with the support of the AMCEN secretariat, as well as outstanding issues for effective engagement during the upcoming COP28, which will be held from November 30 to December 12, 2023. The meeting was a positive step towards strengthening the partnership between Ethiopia and UNEP and ensuring a successful AMCEN presidency, according to Ministry of Planning and Development. The African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) was established in December 1985, following a conference of African ministers of environment held in Cairo, Egypt. Its mandate is to provide advocacy for environmental protection in Africa; to ensure that basic human needs are met adequately and in a sustainable manner; to ensure that social and economic development is realized at all levels; and to ensure that agricultural activities and practices meet the food security needs of the region.  

Addis Ababa, November 8/2023 (ENA): Ethiopia has announced the establishment of a national coalition to expedite the implementation of the Great Green Wall Initiative, designed to restore degraded lands on the continent. The Great Green Wall initiative is a large-scale African-led project aimed at combating desertification in the Sahel region, stretching from Senegal to Djibouti. The African-led initiative targets to restore the continent's 100 million hectares of currently degraded land, sequester 250 million tons of carbon, and create 10 million green jobs by 2030 through planting 8,000 kilometers of forests across the Sahel region. Ethiopia, as one of the 11 founding countries of the initiative, is implementing the initiative in 58 districts located in the Amhara, Tigray, and Afar regions. A stakeholders meeting was held this afternoon in Addis Ababa to review the performance of the Great Green Wall Initiative. On this occasion, Ethiopia announced the formation of a national coalition to expedite the implementation of the initiative. The coalition that incorporates key stakeholders is tasked with mobilizing resources for the implementation of the initiative in Ethiopia by creating a coordinated work system. Federal and regional officials and institutions, as well as international organizations and development partners, are among the members included in the coalition, it was learned. Ethiopian Forest Development Deputy Director-General, Motuma Tolera, said on the occasion that Ethiopia has been implementing the initiative with the objective of restoring 13 million hectares of land degraded due to various reasons. According to him, the country has been taking various measures, including the Green Legacy Initiative, to mitigate the impacts of climate change and the Great Green Wall initiative is consistent with Ethiopia’s ongoing national efforts in the area. Motuma called on international partners to provide the necessary support for Ethiopia’s efforts in implementing the initiative. African Union Great Green Wall Initiative coordinator, Elvis Pol said the initiative is instrumental in sustainably mitigating the challenges of climate changes in the continent. The coordinator added that Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to restore degraded lands are exemplary to other countries in Africa. He pledged AU’s continued support to Ethiopia in its endeavors to successfully implement the Great Green Wall Initiative.

Addis Ababa, November 1/2023 (ENA) Ethiopia is preparing to engage in all aspects of COP28, the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference, which will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, 2023. Speaking at a Development Partners Group (DPG) meeting on Ethiopia's engagement at COP28, Director General of the Ethiopian Environment Authority, Getahun Garedew emphasized Ethiopia's commitment to multilateralism and its willingness to lead the international climate action process by example. In a speech made representing the Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Asefa, Getahun highlighted Ethiopia's ambitious vision for a net zero GHG emission and climate resilient prosperous nation by 2050 and its progress on implementing national climate initiatives, such as Green Legacy Initiative, Dine for Generations, and Yelemat Turufat, development campaign which focuses on nutritional opulence. Getahun also outlined Ethiopia's plans for COP28, including ministerial side events and meetings with potential partners and decision-makers. He called on DPG members to expand their support for climate action and to help translate Ethiopia's ambitious climate strategies and plans into action. Ethiopia's engagement at COP28 is expected to be a major focus of the event, according to Ministry of Planning and Development. The country is seen as a leader in climate action in Africa, and its ambitious plans for a net zero future are attracting global attention. Ethiopia's participation in COP28 is also seen as an opportunity for the country to share its experiences with other developing countries and to learn from best practices around the world. The DPG meeting was attended by representatives from governments, multilateral organizations, and civil society organizations. The presentation on Ethiopia's preparation for COP28 was presented by Getahun Garedew, Director General of the Ethiopian Environment Authority. Following Getahun’s presentation, there was a panel discussion on Ethiopia's preparation for COP28. The panel included representatives from the Ethiopian government and development partners. The panelists discussed a range of topics, including Ethiopia's key priorities for COP28, the country's progress on implementing its climate change commitments and the challenges and opportunities Ethiopia faces in its transition to a green economy as well as the role of development partners in supporting Ethiopia's climate action. The panelists agreed that Ethiopia has made significant progress on climate action in recent years. However, they also highlighted the need for continued support from development partners to help the country achieve its ambitious climate goals. The COP28 meeting is expected to be a major opportunity for Ethiopia to showcase its leadership on climate action and to secure the support it needs to transition to a green economy.

Addis Ababa, October 31/2023 (ENA)- Ethiopia is participating in the Global Pre- COP 28 Conference on Climate Change in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This year’s event has seen 70 ministers and over 100 delegations coming together in the UAE capital, more than double the normal number of participants for a Pre-COP. The participants of the two day meeting are expected to deliberate on fast tracking energy transition, deliver old promises and set the framework for a new deal on climate finance. They will also put nature, people, lives and livelihoods at the centre of climate action and underpinning everything with full inclusivity. The United Nations Climate Change Conferences are the world's highest decision-making body on climate issues and one of the largest international meetings in the world.  

Addis Ababa, October 25/2023 (ENA) Czech Republic reiterated commitment to support Ethiopia in its efforts to strengthen climate resilience, Ambassador Miroslav Kosek said. The ambassador made the remark at a panel discussion held in Addis Ababa on climate resilience in Ethiopia today. Ethiopia has been exerting efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and create a climate resilience environment. One of the biggest and notable achievements so far registered in this regard is the Green Legacy Initiative through which billions of tree seedlings are being planted across the country. The panel, which was organized by Czech Development Cooperation and Austrian Development Cooperation, has discussed issues related to climate resilience in Ethiopia including policy approaches and programming to climate change and climate change adoption and mitigation measures. During the occasion, Ambassador of Czech Republic in Ethiopia, Miroslav Kosek said the topic of climate resilience is a subject that transcends borders, affecting the lives of people in every corner of the planet. Climate change is not a distant threat; it is the reality that already impacting the lives of millions, he added. Moreover, the ambassador said that Ethiopia, with its diverse ecosystems and unique vulnerabilities, is no exception to this harsh reality. The effects of climate change from prolonged droughts to erratic rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events pose a significant challenge to this nation's sustainable development and the well-being of its people, the ambassador elaborated. “Climate resilience is not just about adapting to the changes that are already upon us; it's about building a sustainable future for generations to come. These challenges underscore the urgency of our collective efforts to address climate resilience related issues, ” he underlined. Accordingly, the ambassador reiterated that in the sprit of cooperation, his country is committed to supporting Ethiopia in its efforts to strengthen climate resilience. “Our cooperation with Ethiopia in the realm of development dates back many decades. We are dedicated to supporting and empowering Ethiopia's economic potential, striving for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.” On other hand, the ambassador stated that Czech promotes comprehensive rural development, including agriculture, focusing on ensuring food security for the population, while protecting the landscape and managing land and forests sustainability. It also focuses on the sustainable management of natural resources, particularly water and ensuring access to safe and affordable drinking water, adequate sanitation and hygiene and facilities. Head of the Development Cooperation at Austria embassy in Addis Ababa, Doris Gebru-Zeilermayr said “We celebrate 30 years of Ethiopia as a priority country for fostering development cooperation. In these 30 years, I think we have accomplished good results,” she elaborated.   Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Country Director, Okechekwu Dainel Ogbonnaya said on his part the climate change has resulted in extensive negative effects with consequential losses and damages.   The economic repercussions of climate change are found to be substantial in the continents. Africa, including Ethiopia is highly vulnerable to climate change, which is further exacerbated by the significant rates of land use change, population growth, and industrial development, he added. “We are in a climate crisis. What it means is that all hands need to be on deck for us to have a collective action to build resilience and sharing best practice examples that could help countries to come out of this crisis,” he stressed.