Actionable Climate Information Crucial to Curbing Climate-related Losses, Says EMI Chief

Addis Ababa, May 18, 2026 —Director General of the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute (EMI) Fetene Teshome has urged regional stakeholders to prioritize the delivery of actionable climate information backed by robust cross-border collaboration.

He made these remarks during the opening of the 73rd Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF 73), convened in Addis Ababa by the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre in collaboration with member states and development partners.

The Director General stated the alarming rate of the extreme landslide, and other climate-related hazards that have continued for the past rainy season across the greater horn of African countries.  

He also asserted the need for providing actionable climate information, through a strong collaboration with national meteorological and hydrological services alongside the sectors in developing effective early warning systems. 

Fetene further stressed the need to continue investing in a system that generates knowledge-based climate information at both national and the regional levels.

For the Director General, such investments are critical for providing scientific guidance to policymakers and ensuring the timely dissemination of climate information, particularly to vulnerable communities most affected by climate-related risks.

He finally urged states and international partners to continue strengthening their support, acknowledging the continued collaboration and the support of key partners, including the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the other regional and international institutions.

Deputy Executive Secretary of IGAD Mohamed Abdi Ware for his part noted the importance of climate resilience in the region, highlighting the severe impact of recent climate events such as flooding.

He calls for a shift from early warning to effective decision making and anticipatory action to reduce losses and improve preparedness.

For the deputy Executive Secretary, IGAD has made progress in this area, collaborating with regional institutions, and development partners.

According to him, there is a growing commitment to strengthening regional and national frameworks for climate services and disaster management.

He further called upon all stakeholders to continue strengthening collaboration and solidifying partnerships, stressing the importance of supporting resilience, preparedness and sustainable development across the Greater Horn of Africa.

Similarly, Director of the IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre (ICPAC) Abdi Fidar emphasized the need for strong scientific collaboration, data sharing, innovation and cooperation between climate experts and users, commending the continued support from various actors.

The Director highlighted the significance of the 73rd Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum in fostering regional climate expertise and decision making, alongside promoting scientific collaboration, data sharing and collaboration.

Addressing the forum, Director of the Regional Coordination Office of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Ishaam Abader commended the regional coordination and partnerships which are being enhanced through close collaboration with regional institutions, national meteorological services and development partners.

Advancing early warning systems is a priority, focusing on connecting data forecasts communication to ensure tangible and life-saving decisions on the ground, he further stated. 

The 73rd Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF 73) convened under the theme “Climate Services for Resilience and Sustainable Development”.