Ethiopia, UNEP Discuss Environmental Cooperation at COP28

Addis Ababa  December 7/2023 (ENA) Minister of Planning and Development, Fitsum Asefa and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNEP, Inger Andersen, discussed various environmental issues and areas of collaboration at the COP28 in Dubai.  

In a bilateral meeting they held today at the COP28 Climate Summit, the two sides emphasized the importance of focusing on environmental issues and agreed to move forward with implementing the decisions of the 19th Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), according to the Ministry of Planning and Development. 

This bilateral meeting highlights strong partnership between Ethiopia and UNEP and their shared commitment to addressing environmental challenges. 

The parties also expressed their optimism for continued collaboration in advancing environmental protection and sustainability in Africa.

 

Fitsum emphasized Ethiopia's commitment to ensuring a unified voice for Africa during its AMCEN presidency. 

She also confirmed that all efforts would be made to ensure fair representation of all sub-regions within the AMCEN bureau, respecting the decision of the 19th Ordinary Session. 

The minister also invited Andersen to visit the Ethiopian Green Legacy Pavilion at the COP28 venue, to which Andersen confirmed that she would visit Ethiopia's Pavilionin in the coming days. 

UNEP congratulated Ethiopia on its presidency of AMCEN and Fitsum's selection as President.

The officials also expressed desire to avoid reopening of any outstanding issues that may have been suspended previously.

The two parties also agreed to work together to mobilize resources for the enhanced implementation of the Green Legacy Initiative.