Norway Commends Ethiopia's Progress in Sustainable Development, Climate Action

Addis Ababa, May 30, 2025 (ENA)— Norway has lauded Ethiopia's significant strides in sustainable development and climate action, underscoring the country's commitment to a greener future.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, Live Sydness, Climate and Forests Counsellor at the Norwegian Embassy, emphasized Ethiopia's steadfast commitment to developing a green economy has been gaining international attention and recognition.

 According to her, the Ethiopian government is determined to enhance reforestation and comprehensive climate mitigation efforts that include significant initiatives such as the Green Legacy Initiative, along with various projects focused on water and soil conservation.

The country's ambitious endeavors in reforestation, green energy, and sustainable mobility are clearly visible in the ongoing developments along the Addis Ababa Corridor Development.

"It's really noticeable," Sydness remarked. "I've been in Ethiopia for eight months, and I think nearly every week you can see the developments."

 Ethiopia has placed considerable emphasis on its Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy (CRGE), emphasizing the crucial need for robust political commitment and unwavering support from its highest leadership to ensure its success, she added.

 "It's clear that it has been a key priority for Ethiopia ever since the strategy was launched," she explained. "And I think it's key to have the strong political ownership that Ethiopia has --- and that's part of why it's so successful, to have the political buy-in from the very top."

 The long lasting partnership between Ethiopia and Norway is entering a result-oriented phase with  the support of Norway in accessing the carbon market for forestry carbon credits, Sydness stated.

 "The Green Legacy Initiative is very much aligned with the Norwegian-Ethiopian collaboration,"  the Counsellor at the Norwegian Embassy noted, recalling the strong climate and forestry partnership between Norway and Ethiopia since 2011.

 With regard to the use of electric vehicles, Sydness revealed that Norway has been focused on electric vehicles since the 1990s.

 Norway leads the way in EV adoption with a clear route ahead to an all-electric nation. In 2024, electric vehicles in Norway accounted for 88.9 percent of new cars sold – up from 82 percent in 2023, according to the Norwegian Road Federation.

 The Counsellor stressed that "this is a sector where Norway possesses significant expertise that we will be leveraging in our collaboration with Ethiopia."